The Story of Radical Curiosity

This book explores how curiosity shapes the way we learn, love, parent, lead, and make sense of the world. Through personal stories and real-world examples, it invites readers to rediscover the joy of wondering, wandering, and seeing the familiar with fresh eyes.

My name is Priyanka Raha, and I am the author of Radical Curiosity. I wrote this book because I believe curiosity is our most underused human superpower. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we are taught to trade wonder for efficiency, questions for certainty, and exploration for performance. I wanted to write a book that brings curiosity back into the center of our lives—where it belongs.

My hope is that, in reading this book, you will rediscover the quiet thrill of not knowing.

I hope to awaken in you the same sense of awe and excitement that curiosity has brought into my life—as a parent, educator, entrepreneur, and lifelong learner.

Ultimately, I want you to see this book as a way to rekindle wonder, to ask better questions, and to reimagine how you live, work, and connect with the people you love.

In this book, you’ll learn how to:

• Build curiosity in your children without micromanaging or overprotecting them
• Strengthen relationships by replacing assumptions with genuine questions
• Use curiosity to navigate uncertainty in entrepreneurship and work
• Bring wonder back into everyday routines, conversations, and conflicts
• Stay open, reflective, and grounded in a world that rewards speed over depth

Some stories from the book include:

• The winter I ended up with chicken pox–but discovered that curiosity kept my marriage alive even in a sickroom.
• The summer nights at my grandmother’s house when load-shedding pushed me toward Bengali books and the first stirrings of my questioning mind.
• The startup launch that never happened in 2022, and how curiosity–not a business plan–became the compass for a completely new entrepreneurial path.

You will love this book if you:

• Have ever felt stuck in the monotony of routine and want to feel inspired again
• Are a parent or teacher who wants the children in your life to grow curious and confident, not overwhelmed or micromanaged
• Are a leader or professional who wants to ignite creativity and connection in your work
• Believe that life becomes richer when we ask better questions
• Miss the part of yourself that once wondered freely

Radical Curiosity is a nonfiction book that speaks to parents and educators, as well as thinkers, leaders, and lifelong learners who are exploring how to live with more wonder and how to create environments–at home, school, or work–where curiosity can flourish.

• The book is written in 3 Parts….
  • Part 1 defines curiosity – what it is and how it is more than just asking the question ‘why’. It looks at the scientific reason behind how curiosity connects our brain activity to how we learn, live, and thrive.
  • Part 2 is written for everyone who is in a position to inspire and motivate the next generation. I call them nurturers–they can be parents, teachers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, coaches, and mentors. They are in a unique position to raise the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow.
  • Part 3 is written for the visionary in you–who is leading teams and companies. It’s not just for the leader but for the disruptor who is innovating and questioning the status quo. It’s for everyone who is willing and wanting to invest in building relationships, whether as a partner, friend, or a community builder.

Where Does Your Support Go?

My publisher (Manuscripts Press) gave me a publishing team to help me produce and launch my book. I am working with…

• A revisions editor, copy editor, and proofreader this Spring to further hone my book (when you buy a ticket for my launch, you’ll get early excerpts and access to earlier versions of my manuscript!)
• A marketing specialist to coach and support me in marketing efforts, and help me reach new audiences
• A cover artist and layout editor will be designing my book. (The mockups you see currently are a placeholder!)

I am also offering some exclusive rewards for people who buy a ticket to my book launch:

• All tickets include either a physical copy (softcover, paperback) or digital copy (ebook) when I publish and a handwritten thank-you note.
• Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book (“with Special Thanks to”).
• You will be invited to join my Author Community and get behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into the publishing process.
• You will receive early access to the Introduction and some excerpts from my book, with the opportunity to review it and give me early feedback.
• You will have the opportunity to be involved in finalizing my cover and title.
• And more!

Other Ways You Can Support Me

Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help:

• Please share my pre-sale campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn with your friends, family and network. 
• Please recommend my book to five (5) friends, family members, or co-workers who you think would enjoy it via text or direct message on social media.

Thank you so much for all of your love and support!

Thanks again,

~ Priyanka

Author Bio

Priyanka Raha is an educator, entrepreneur, and storyteller who bridges the worlds of science, creativity, and curiosity. She is the founder and CEO of PopSmart Academy, an innovative learning center that helps students build confidence through writing, public speaking, and science. With a background that blends technology, leadership, and education, Priyanka is driven by one mission — to inspire curiosity and empower young minds (including her two children) to think boldly, communicate clearly, and lead with empathy.

Before launching PopSmart Academy, Priyanka spent almost two decades in the tech industry, where she led global teams and developed a passion for problem-solving and human-centered innovation. Her experiences as a leader and lifelong learner continue to shape her teaching philosophy and her writing.

When she’s not mentoring students or growing her company, Priyanka loves chatting with her two boys about everything under the sun – no topic is taboo. She also loves long drives, a good tiramisu, and spontaneous conversations that spark new ideas. Priyanka lives in Seattle with her husband, her children, and her goldendoodle, Caramel.

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