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The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans

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Arrives Mar 9 – Mar 13
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Description

A revelatory exploration of how we can find meaning in the tumult of change, from a renowned cognitive scientist and host of the critically acclaimed podcast A Slight Change of Plans Life has a way of thwarting our best-laid plans. Out of nowhere, we’re confronting the end of a relationship, an unexpected diagnosis, the loss of a job, or some other twist of fate. In these moments, it can feel like we’re free-falling into the unknown. As a cognitive scientist, Maya Shankar has spent decades studying the human mind. When an unwanted change in her own life left her reeling, she sought out people who had navigated major disruptions. In The Other Side of Change, Shankar tells their riveting, singular stories and weaves in scientific insights to illuminate universal lessons hidden within them. The result is a rich portrait of our complex reactions to change and a deep well of wisdom we can draw from during these experiences. Shankar invites us to rethink our relationship with change altogether. When a big change happens to us, it can lead to profound change within us. The unique stresses and demands of being thrust into a new reality can lead us to uncover new abilities, perspectives, and values, transforming us in extraordinary ways. What if we saw moments of upheaval as an opportunity to reimagine who we can be, rather than as something to just endure? What potential could we unlock within ourselves? Whether you're processing a past change, grappling with a present one, or bracing for a future one, this book is a wise and thought-provoking companion to help you discover who you can become on the other side of change. This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF that contains an appendix from the book, featuring key concepts from each chapter that make up Your Change Survival Kit. Read more

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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Mar 9 – Mar 13

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Absolutely transformative — a must-read for anyone facing change!
Format: Hardcover
One of the most powerful and insightful books I’ve ever read. Maya Shankar has crafted something rare, a book that is deeply wisdom-filled, scientifically grounded, and profoundly human. From the very first page, I felt like I was being guided by someone who truly understands what it feels like to have life shift beneath your feet. What makes this book exceptional is how it weaves real stories, cutting-edge science, and compassionate guidance into a narrative that is uplifting and practical. I laughed, I reflected, and yes, I even paused to take notes... this isn’t just inspiring, it’s useful. Her writing has a calm, reassuring voice that makes even the toughest ideas feel accessible and hopeful. If you’re in the midst of transition, or want to grow your capacity to navigate uncertainty with grace and courage, this book is an experience. I recommend it to everyone I know! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2026 by Rachel Smith

  • 5/5 Would recommend to anyone who lives life
Format: Hardcover
Maya Shankar shares a collection of beautiful stories, life changing lessons, and personal testimony, creating a guide for anyone who experiences the inevitable ups and downs of life. She provides tangible tools to reframe situations and work through hardship while telling harrowing stories that are impactful and important. She is an expert with the ability to communicate complex psychological tools in terms that anyone can learn from. It is an engaging publication but also just a sliver of what you can expect from Maya. I’m thankful for her podcast a Slight Change of Plans so when I am not rereading this, I can still be inspired and motivated by her regularly released new episodes. 5/5 would recommend to anyone who lives life! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2026 by D. Oei

  • This book unlocked new perspectives on how to change
Format: Hardcover
I've dabbled in my fair share of books about life changes, and this one struck a deep and meaningful chord. I read an early version of Maya Shankar's "The Other Side of Change." It's a deeply authentic collection of real life stories lightly sprinkled with guidance from behavioral science. What struck me most was the book's profound authenticity. Dr. Shankar writes not from a pedestal, but from the messy, complicated trenches of real life. She shares her own stumbles and moments of doubt with a vulnerability that is instantly relatable. There’s no promise of a "5-step plan to a perfect life." Instead, she offers a compassionate perspective that honors the slow, non-linear process of genuine transformation. It feels like a conversation with a wise, empathetic friend who happens to be an expert in her field. The power of this book lies in its real stories. Instead of vague anecdotes, we get to know a handful of individuals from diverse backgrounds, each navigating a significant life change. We meet actual people: a student, a mother, a journalist. Their stories are not sanitized for effect; they are raw, honest, and deeply human. I saw pieces of my own struggles in their experiences, which made their eventual breakthroughs feel not just inspiring, but attainable. Dr. Shankar shows how small, almost imperceptible shifts in their mindset and habit led to profound and lasting change. Finally, the touch of behavioral science is masterfully done. It's present enough to give the book a solid foundation of credibility, but it never feels like a textbook. Complex concepts are explained through the lens of the stories being told. Dr. Shankar seamlessly connects the "why" it works (the science) with the "how" it feels (the human experience). This approach made the principles stick with me in a way that dry, academic explanations never could. The Other Side of Change is a must-read for anyone who is experiencing a big life transition. It's a beautiful, honest, and quietly powerful book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2026 by Karina

  • Fantastic read
Format: Hardcover
The characters and their real-life stories are absolulely engrossing. They experience profound changes that we would not wish upon our worst enemies (including the author's own candid experiences). Yet, not only do these characters overcome the disruptions to their lives, they gain profound new perspectives that allows them to embrace a more fluid sense of self. It is refreshing to read a book isn't just about coping; it invited me to lean into the uncertainty in life, re-evaluate what I know about myself, and adopt a mindset that's open to new possibilities and not dwell in the past. In summary, I believe a reader is able to thoroughly enjoy this book both the storytelling, as well as the practical frameworks that are grounded in cognitive science and psychology. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2026 by HC

  • A Compelling and Accessible Read for Anyone Coping with Unexpected Life Changes
Format: Kindle
This book is absolutely phenomenal. Dr. Shankar mixes storytelling with cognitive science in a way that is extremely accessible to read and also compelling. Not only did I gain insight into my thinking and choices when coping with change, I was also presented with useful and doable building blocks to implement in my life. This book was an emotional read. I needed to read it in chunks and give it space to digest. But I couldn't wait to pick it back up. I am going to be thinking about and referencing this book for a long time. If you have ever experienced any sort of unexpected life change this book is for you. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2026 by Alex

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