# Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How ‘Small’ Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life

Science Life: Once Upon a Stranger by Gillian Sandstrom explores how brief conversations with strangers may foster connection and change how people think about everyday social encounters. The book draws on the author's experiences and psychology research, with a focus on small talk, loneliness and human connection.

- [Original product page](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/product/once-upon-a-stranger-small-talk-big-life)
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- Market: UK
- Language: en-GB
- Currency: GBP
- Category: Books, Music & Hobbies > Books, Music & Movies > Books & Comics
- Price: 15.64 GBP
- Previous price: 22.00 GBP
- Discount: 29%
- Price checked: 2026-11-12T14:57:09.654Z
- Rating: 4 / 5
- Reviews: 25

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## At a glance

- Psychology book about small talk and everyday exchanges with strangers.
- Gillian Sandstrom draws on personal experience and research on the potential for brief interactions to encourage connection.
- The subject includes loneliness, social discomfort and the possible significance of routine conversations.

## Pros

- A focused exploration of small talk and social connection rather than a general communication handbook.
- Combines the author's personal perspective with scientific research, according to the listing.

## Specifications

### Publication details
- Publisher: Yellow Kite
- Publication date: 9 April 2026
- Language: English
- Print length: 304 pages
- ISBN-10: 1399734431
- ISBN-13: 978-1399734431
### Dimensions and installation
- Dimensions: 16 x 3.4 x 22 cm
- Weight listed: 466 g

## A good fit for

- Readers interested in the psychology of everyday social interactions.
- People curious about loneliness, connection and starting conversations with strangers.
- Readers looking for research-informed personal development on social connection.

## Customer feedback

The supplied information includes aggregate ratings but no written customer-feedback summary. The overall rating is positive but the distribution also includes mid-range and lower ratings, so it does not establish which aspects readers liked or disliked. Consider this only a limited snapshot rather than evidence about the book's specific claims or usefulness.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Once Upon a Stranger about?
It explores how small everyday conversations with strangers may create moments of connection and influence people's lives, drawing on Gillian Sandstrom's experience and psychology research.
### Who wrote Once Upon a Stranger?
The listing names Gillian Sandstrom, a professor in the psychology of kindness, as the author.
### How long is the listed edition?
The listing gives a print length of 304 pages.

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## Images

![Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How ‘Small’ Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life — 1](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/y_xL-rrQHy60ld3d7pIHXmhfD2y60rtOQLVgD3OTniSv5S9y844WF0kirpuOWy4j66Ak9zdC6GWdyUVmd-TmOeIOSlJXbVvmK0xCO0MniaMykGr_GWDq.jpg)

![Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How ‘Small’ Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life — 2](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/ggYqzfuT-dHqbUZ524XW_vjaEtToUEAQRJiP3_FJZMeTwIGkngYdf58gpS-KBEWY2ZDeXH0ODusZ3sW8BjPF2f2Qb4_QvAdcXyKxynKc7GeMAMccN-bR.jpg)

![Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How ‘Small’ Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life — 3](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/wWot_-T4iRdvXyqftOFZ_fXW4xkel5z8HZHQWm-SdBfpaLGw4KvR_0TuG3J1fSeOm56EGxN-AOTLaqlTbf8i2RUafczl8JgGcPeS7GVQWAYZYlNVNCGV.jpg)

![Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How ‘Small’ Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life — 4](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/OGhamrVX1EhnbO5EG-BRZwvdiXFl5nvUWy39JrDQA4udDBsszzJz4k_T_eU_r6EgjQAHTQFBGPv-d-HFceBUV_WGPjiu4l9gt6vEXO5YG8_WO9g5QHLn.jpg)

![Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How ‘Small’ Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life — 5](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/oeNmmuSBpUSuNhbgPElIJpkeOklEZ-zEX5TIzPQxsrLDmcSeiRBuz_SUSZAXapIqNP8zEaDUgDcHSPHP4InyPn9ozZy42aUMQKQIj1L4XeoimX2eTfYZ.jpg)

![Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How ‘Small’ Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life — 6](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/ZAfkVm5jMTlYDz_XICzZS1zJYGP8rFUqF3ryxwDRvqwYcD2uus9qkesPG1hfxh2Uq5II_lxl6vQt6VDB7ihmlRpp5tYV6_bX8rWezlT5y6QL6NFbQEtp.jpg)