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Curiosity and I: Let Curiosity Guide You
A lyrical fusion of dreamlike inner journeys and real-life memory, Agossa’s debut book follows a seeker guided by Curiosity showing that true change begins inward, compounds outward, and ultimately helps us love honestly and live fully together — Anita Nowak, PhD, Author of
Purposeful Empathy
What if Curiosity were a companion walking by your side?
In this philosophical and magical tale, the protagonist embarks on a three-day journey with their guide and dear friend, Curiosity. Though only an hour passes in the real world, both characters travel across unseen realms, discovering the transformative power revealed through the practice of curiosity—both inward and outward. They move through hidden worlds where grief, fear, and pain stand among many necessary trials on the path to new possibilities—and rebirth. When the adventure reaches its natural conclusion, the cycle An unexpected ending gives way to a new beginning…
“I was so vividly energized, yet so calm. The world around me was so clear. Curiosity guided me through a journey invisible to the external eye that transformed me at the core—there was no going back. This same practice of curiosity led me here, writing to you, reading these words.”
What if Curiosity were a companion walking by your side?
In this philosophical and magical tale, the protagonist embarks on a three-day journey with their guide and dear friend, Curiosity. Though only an hour passes in the real world, both characters travel across unseen realms, discovering the transformative power revealed through the practice of curiosity—both inward and outward. They move through hidden worlds where grief, fear, and pain stand among many necessary trials on the path to new possibilities—and rebirth. When the adventure reaches its natural conclusion, the cycle An unexpected ending gives way to a new beginning…
“I was so vividly energized, yet so calm. The world around me was so clear. Curiosity guided me through a journey invisible to the external eye that transformed me at the core—there was no going back. This same practice of curiosity led me here, writing to you, reading these words.”
- GenresPersonal Development
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2025
About the author
O'Nell Agossa
1 book4 followersO’Nell Agossa (he/him) is a pan-African, third-culture author whose heritage spans from francophone West Africa (Benin Republic) to Canada, with many other stops. For him, home is wherever he finds pieces of his heart—from the streets of Cotonou to Quebec City, Montreal, Dakar, Johannesburg, and beyond.
Carrying a passion for literature and storytelling, O’Nell combines artistic passion with spiritual curiosity. His debut novel, Curiosity and I: Let Curiosity Guide You, had been quietly brewing within until his own curiosity nudged him to put pen to paper.
O’Nell is also a TEDx Speaker who champions the role of diasporic people as connectors and bridges in today’s world. He is a McGill graduate (Bachelor of Commerce), a management consultant, and has been awarded Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year Future Funds Award (2018) and the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec’s Youth Bronze Medal (2014).
Carrying a passion for literature and storytelling, O’Nell combines artistic passion with spiritual curiosity. His debut novel, Curiosity and I: Let Curiosity Guide You, had been quietly brewing within until his own curiosity nudged him to put pen to paper.
O’Nell is also a TEDx Speaker who champions the role of diasporic people as connectors and bridges in today’s world. He is a McGill graduate (Bachelor of Commerce), a management consultant, and has been awarded Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year Future Funds Award (2018) and the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec’s Youth Bronze Medal (2014).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 2, 2026
A beautifully written and accessible story that carries profound wisdom without ever feeling heavy. It left me with a strong sense of gratitude and responsibility towards this precious life. Thank you O’Nell
December 14, 2025
This is my first written review on Goodreads in the 10+ years I’ve been here. For this book, I could sit still.
This book changed my life; I fear lol. Through its beautiful writing and philosophical metaphors, it expanded how I think about curiosity through the dual levers of internal curiosity (observation) and external curiosity (action). I now see curiosity as not only an intellectual pursuit, but an existential necessity for (1) finding oneself, (2) navigating life, and (3) building meaningful relationships.
The hardest part of reading this book was deciding what NOT to highlight 😮💨. Every word felt deliberate and every chapter was densely layered with poetic maxims that just lodged themselves deep in my core and quietly simmered. I already know I’ll return to this book often over the course of my life.
What an honor to have read it in its first week and to have followed my curiosity all the way to the final page of what I believe will become a cornerstone book for anyone who encounters it.
Phenomenal work, O’Nell. What an honor it is to know you and your mind.
Thanks for this great gift from your universe to ours.
This book changed my life; I fear lol. Through its beautiful writing and philosophical metaphors, it expanded how I think about curiosity through the dual levers of internal curiosity (observation) and external curiosity (action). I now see curiosity as not only an intellectual pursuit, but an existential necessity for (1) finding oneself, (2) navigating life, and (3) building meaningful relationships.
The hardest part of reading this book was deciding what NOT to highlight 😮💨. Every word felt deliberate and every chapter was densely layered with poetic maxims that just lodged themselves deep in my core and quietly simmered. I already know I’ll return to this book often over the course of my life.
What an honor to have read it in its first week and to have followed my curiosity all the way to the final page of what I believe will become a cornerstone book for anyone who encounters it.
Phenomenal work, O’Nell. What an honor it is to know you and your mind.
Thanks for this great gift from your universe to ours.
July 27, 2026
📚 When Curiosity Becomes a Way of Life.
Some books teach through facts. Others teach through stories. ‘Curiosity and I’ belongs to the second category. Rather than presenting curiosity as a skill to develop, the author transforms it into a living companion who guides him through memories, questions, and life's defining moments.
At first glance, the book appears to be about curiosity. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that it is much more than asking questions. It is a mindset that helps us understand ourselves, build meaningful relationships, navigate uncertainty, and approach life with greater empathy.
What makes this book distinctive is its storytelling. Rather than presenting ideas as lessons, the author personifies Curiosity as a companion, allowing conversations and experiences to naturally explore themes such as fear, grief, identity, purpose, connection, and growth. This narrative approach makes reflective ideas feel accessible and engaging.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the way the book encourages readers to replace certainty with openness. It reminds us that personal growth often begins not with having the right answers, but with the willingness to remain curious about ourselves, about others, and about the world around us.
The writing is simple, conversational, and easy to follow, yet many of its ideas linger long after you finish reading. It is not a book filled with quick solutions or motivational slogans. Instead, it invites quiet reflection, making it a thoughtful read for anyone interested in personal development.
If you enjoy books that blend storytelling with philosophy and self-discovery, this book offers a refreshing perspective. It is a gentle reminder that curiosity is not just a skill we develop. It is a way of living that can transform how we experience the world.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reflective non-fiction, personal growth, and philosophy, as well as anyone who believes that asking better questions is the key to living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Some books teach through facts. Others teach through stories. ‘Curiosity and I’ belongs to the second category. Rather than presenting curiosity as a skill to develop, the author transforms it into a living companion who guides him through memories, questions, and life's defining moments.
At first glance, the book appears to be about curiosity. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that it is much more than asking questions. It is a mindset that helps us understand ourselves, build meaningful relationships, navigate uncertainty, and approach life with greater empathy.
What makes this book distinctive is its storytelling. Rather than presenting ideas as lessons, the author personifies Curiosity as a companion, allowing conversations and experiences to naturally explore themes such as fear, grief, identity, purpose, connection, and growth. This narrative approach makes reflective ideas feel accessible and engaging.
One aspect I particularly appreciated was the way the book encourages readers to replace certainty with openness. It reminds us that personal growth often begins not with having the right answers, but with the willingness to remain curious about ourselves, about others, and about the world around us.
The writing is simple, conversational, and easy to follow, yet many of its ideas linger long after you finish reading. It is not a book filled with quick solutions or motivational slogans. Instead, it invites quiet reflection, making it a thoughtful read for anyone interested in personal development.
If you enjoy books that blend storytelling with philosophy and self-discovery, this book offers a refreshing perspective. It is a gentle reminder that curiosity is not just a skill we develop. It is a way of living that can transform how we experience the world.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reflective non-fiction, personal growth, and philosophy, as well as anyone who believes that asking better questions is the key to living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
July 20, 2026
The most powerful books are often those that combine fiction and nonfiction to convey powerful life lessons. It's much more useful to hear a story that walks you through a lesson than to be directly given the lesson with no effort to figure it out ourselves.
And in this philosophical and magical tale, the protagonist embarks on a three-day journey with their friends, Curiosity. The journey reveals unseen realms and hidden worlds where grief, fear, and pain stand among many necessary trials on the path to new possibilities.
🤔 My thoughts on this book
Curiosity is one of the most important traits to cultivate, both toward ourselves and the outside world. It's what makes us continually grow. It's what can break traumas, understand new realities, and live an enriching life.
This book is a much-needed one in my opinion. When I see someone curious about themselves and life, I regard them as a very intelligent individual. To me, curiosity is the biggest indicator of how much you will evolve as a human being.
And I loved the magical tale mixed with real experiences from the author. I felt part of his life and was encouraged to dig deeper into understanding myself.
"Why should I read it?"
If you are embarking on a journey of change and self-improvement, and are thirsty to become the greatest version of yourself, this book will be a great source of wisdom and inspiration. An easy but powerful read.
And in this philosophical and magical tale, the protagonist embarks on a three-day journey with their friends, Curiosity. The journey reveals unseen realms and hidden worlds where grief, fear, and pain stand among many necessary trials on the path to new possibilities.
🤔 My thoughts on this book
Curiosity is one of the most important traits to cultivate, both toward ourselves and the outside world. It's what makes us continually grow. It's what can break traumas, understand new realities, and live an enriching life.
This book is a much-needed one in my opinion. When I see someone curious about themselves and life, I regard them as a very intelligent individual. To me, curiosity is the biggest indicator of how much you will evolve as a human being.
And I loved the magical tale mixed with real experiences from the author. I felt part of his life and was encouraged to dig deeper into understanding myself.
"Why should I read it?"
If you are embarking on a journey of change and self-improvement, and are thirsty to become the greatest version of yourself, this book will be a great source of wisdom and inspiration. An easy but powerful read.
August 14, 2026
This is one of those rare books that feels both deeply personal and really universal.
First of all, the writing is super accessible. O'Nell explores philosophical ideas, but presents them in a clear, engaging way. I read the book in a single sitting, yet I find myself reflecting on its themes many months after finishing the read.
Second, man there are so many powerful insights that stayed with me. The reflections on grief as a testament to meaning. On fear as something that often exists more vividly in our imagination than reality. On the inevitability of change. And perhaps the most impactful idea of all - that we should see people as full human beings rather than defining them by their circumstances. In a world that often encourages simplification and judgment, this is truly a call to hold space for your fellow humans.
Ultimately, this is not a book that tells you what to think. It's a book that encourages you to think more deeply, question more honestly, and approach life with greater openness and compassion. Whether you're navigating a period of change, re-examining long-held beliefs, or simply looking for a thoughtful and inspiring read, you'll find something worth taking away from these pages.
Highly recommended!
First of all, the writing is super accessible. O'Nell explores philosophical ideas, but presents them in a clear, engaging way. I read the book in a single sitting, yet I find myself reflecting on its themes many months after finishing the read.
Second, man there are so many powerful insights that stayed with me. The reflections on grief as a testament to meaning. On fear as something that often exists more vividly in our imagination than reality. On the inevitability of change. And perhaps the most impactful idea of all - that we should see people as full human beings rather than defining them by their circumstances. In a world that often encourages simplification and judgment, this is truly a call to hold space for your fellow humans.
Ultimately, this is not a book that tells you what to think. It's a book that encourages you to think more deeply, question more honestly, and approach life with greater openness and compassion. Whether you're navigating a period of change, re-examining long-held beliefs, or simply looking for a thoughtful and inspiring read, you'll find something worth taking away from these pages.
Highly recommended!
February 13, 2026
Curiosity and I is THAT quiet, reflective, slightly life-altering read you didn’t know you needed. It’s giving “main character healing arc” but make it philosophical. The whole story follows a three-day journey that only lasts an hour in real time (because emotional growth doesn’t follow clocks, obviously).
Curiosity isn’t just a concept here, it’s a literal companion. And instead of fighting grief, fear, and pain, the protagonist walks through them. Like, calmly. Intentionally. No running away. And I was sitting there like, oh. So we’re facing our emotions now? Bold.
The writing is lyrical and dreamy, very “highlight every other sentence” energy. This isn’t a plot-twist thriller. It’s a slow burn inward spiral.
What I loved? It reframes curiosity as something sacred. Not nosy curiosity. Not doomscroll curiosity. But the brave, uncomfortable, healing kind. The kind that asks why you react the way you do. The kind that leads to actual transformation.
If you love books that feel like a therapy session + spiritual awakening + soft rebirth, this one’s for you. Lowkey transformative. Highkey reflective.
Curiosity isn’t just a concept here, it’s a literal companion. And instead of fighting grief, fear, and pain, the protagonist walks through them. Like, calmly. Intentionally. No running away. And I was sitting there like, oh. So we’re facing our emotions now? Bold.
The writing is lyrical and dreamy, very “highlight every other sentence” energy. This isn’t a plot-twist thriller. It’s a slow burn inward spiral.
What I loved? It reframes curiosity as something sacred. Not nosy curiosity. Not doomscroll curiosity. But the brave, uncomfortable, healing kind. The kind that asks why you react the way you do. The kind that leads to actual transformation.
If you love books that feel like a therapy session + spiritual awakening + soft rebirth, this one’s for you. Lowkey transformative. Highkey reflective.
February 18, 2026
You aren't "lost" you're just using a map for a world that doesn’t exist.
Most of us treat life like a math problem we’re failing to solve. We’re exhausted because we’re trying to find "The Answer" to our careers, our heartbreaks, and our identities. But this book hits you with a cold truth: You are experiencing life for the first time. There is no script.
The reason you feel stuck isn't a lack of effort, it's a lack of curiosity. We’ve traded our "inner compass" for rigid routines and people-pleasing.
Curiosity & I isn't a "how-to" guide it’s a rescue mission for your soul. It teaches you that curiosity is the only thing that keeps your emotions from turning into a cage. If you aren't curious about your pain, you become your pain.
If you’re tired of "figuring it out" and ready to start actually living, pick this up. It’s the difference between surviving your life and finally exploring it.🤝
The book is available on Amazon
Most of us treat life like a math problem we’re failing to solve. We’re exhausted because we’re trying to find "The Answer" to our careers, our heartbreaks, and our identities. But this book hits you with a cold truth: You are experiencing life for the first time. There is no script.
The reason you feel stuck isn't a lack of effort, it's a lack of curiosity. We’ve traded our "inner compass" for rigid routines and people-pleasing.
Curiosity & I isn't a "how-to" guide it’s a rescue mission for your soul. It teaches you that curiosity is the only thing that keeps your emotions from turning into a cage. If you aren't curious about your pain, you become your pain.
If you’re tired of "figuring it out" and ready to start actually living, pick this up. It’s the difference between surviving your life and finally exploring it.🤝
The book is available on Amazon
July 10, 2026
I hadn’t read a full book in about 2-3 years. But funny enough this one had me hooked since I started reading it. It had a lot of themes and stories I could relate to. Many of the questions that I had/have asked myself about life were brought up in this book. It was if the next pages knew what I was thinking beforehand at times. I came out of this having learned a lot personally and was able to get back my love for reading again! This was a great read and I genuinely recommend this to anyone who would be interested in it.
July 16, 2026
The prose is poetic, meditative, and visually stunning. If you love books like The Alchemist or speculative, soul-searching fiction, you absolutely need to add this to your TBR. It’s a quick read in terms of pages, but the concepts will linger in your mind for a long time.
O'Nell Agossa takes us on a magical, metaphysical journey where "Curiosity" is personified as a companion. Together, they navigate hidden realms of memory, grief, and fear. I loved the pacing—the way a three-day spiritual journey unfolds in the span of just one real-world hour beneath a park tree.
O'Nell Agossa takes us on a magical, metaphysical journey where "Curiosity" is personified as a companion. Together, they navigate hidden realms of memory, grief, and fear. I loved the pacing—the way a three-day spiritual journey unfolds in the span of just one real-world hour beneath a park tree.
July 13, 2026
I read this book during a time where I was learning more about the practices of meditation and personal grounding. It was a delightful read, with memorable characters going through a journey of self-actualisation that really resonated. The author does a great job at naming personal experiences I otherwise couldn’t identify, and the book is a constant reminder that the only constant is change, and we must keep learning ourselves then go into the world with a curious lens. 10/10!
August 7, 2026
Curiosity and I* is a thoughtful book that shows how asking questions can help us understand ourselves and grow. The writing is simple, and the ideas make you pause and think about life.
I liked how the author shares meaningful lessons through a story instead of giving direct advice. Some parts feel a little slow, but the message is worth reading.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys personal growth, philosophy, or books that make you think.
I liked how the author shares meaningful lessons through a story instead of giving direct advice. Some parts feel a little slow, but the message is worth reading.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys personal growth, philosophy, or books that make you think.
July 22, 2026
A sincerely written, introspective piece that prompts the reader to consider curiosity and how it should be applied to the various facets of our lives. Shared in a vulnerable, fictional style, it prompts the reader in real time to reflect and self-evaluate. Complements well with a genuine meditation and self development practice.
July 26, 2026
Fantastic read! Absolutely loved the mix of fiction and non-fiction, very refreshing compared to my usual reads. The author does an amazing job at translating their personal experience into entertaining chapters, while managing sharing vulnerability without burdening the reader. Highly recommend.
July 13, 2026
Incredibly helpful insight on to how to explore yourself and the world. Articulated in an engaging way that helped me to process some deep emotions.
May 24, 2026
Curiosity and I - lessons I needed to hear as a young adult. This book reminded me not to lose sight of the importance of compassion, being kinder to myself, and allowing myself the space to not take things too seriously.
Just a few roses I picked from the garden:
"I'm now constantly aware that everyone I encounter is going through life for the first time. The signs of age simply indicate their journey began earlier"
"Unconditional love [...] love that shows up and says 'I'll try my best even If I'm bound to fall short' [...] A selfless love through which we accept that letting go can be the most loving act of all, in spite of the grief"
"Being fearless is not the absence of fear. It's finding courage to act in spite of it. When you do so, curiosity is a powerful antidote to quiet the storm of worry and anxiety. That's how you keep looking for what lies beyond the storm"
"We may feel inadequate because we always lack something. After all, how could we not? The impostor keeps moving the goal post. Therefore, we find ourselves always chasing, never arriving".
Just a few roses I picked from the garden:
"I'm now constantly aware that everyone I encounter is going through life for the first time. The signs of age simply indicate their journey began earlier"
"Unconditional love [...] love that shows up and says 'I'll try my best even If I'm bound to fall short' [...] A selfless love through which we accept that letting go can be the most loving act of all, in spite of the grief"
"Being fearless is not the absence of fear. It's finding courage to act in spite of it. When you do so, curiosity is a powerful antidote to quiet the storm of worry and anxiety. That's how you keep looking for what lies beyond the storm"
"We may feel inadequate because we always lack something. After all, how could we not? The impostor keeps moving the goal post. Therefore, we find ourselves always chasing, never arriving".
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews