A Curious Mind - by Brian Grazer & Charles Fishman (Paperback)

About the Book

"Brian Grazer knows the one thing that can instantly connect you with anyone: Curiosity. A Curious mind offers a brilliantly entertaining and inspiring account of how his courage and enthusiasm for talking with complete strangers have been the secret of his success as a leading Hollywood producer."--Publisher's description.

Book Synopsis

#1 New York Times bestselling author and Oscar-winning producer Brian Grazer has written a brilliantly entertaining and eye-opening exploration of curiosity and the life-changing effects it can have on every person's life.

From Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer, New York Times bestseller A Curious Mind offers a brilliant peek into the "curiosity conversations" that inspired him to create some of the world's most iconic movies and television shows. He shows how curiosity has been the "secret" that fueled his rise as one of Hollywood's leading producers and creative visionaries, and how all of us can channel its power to lead bigger and more rewarding lives.

Grazer has spent most of his life exploring curiosity through what he terms "curiosity conversations" with some of the most interesting people in the world, including spies, royals, scientists, politicians, moguls, Nobel laureates, artists...anyone whose story might broaden his worldview. These discussions sparked the creative inspiration behind many of his movies and TV shows, including Splash, 24, A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, Arrested Development, 8 Mile, J. Edgar, Empire, and many others.

A Curious Mind is not only a fascinating page-turner--it also offers a blueprint for how we can awaken our own curiosity and use it as a superpower in our lives. Whether you're looking to strengthen your management style at work, uncover a new source of creativity, or become a better romantic partner, this book--and its lessons on the power of curiosity--can change your life.

Review Quotes

"A Curious Mind is a window on Brian Grazer's restless, relentless, remarkable imagination. It is a captivating account of how the simple act of asking questions can change your life."--Malcolm Gladwell "Bestselling Author of The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, What the Dog Saw, and David and Goliath"

"Grazer's book is conversational, funny and inspiring. A business book like this one can be an excellent resource when it provides a different perspective of thinking and taking action."-- "Palm Beach Post"

"It'll encourage you and your partner to engage in novel conversations."-- "Bustle"

"To have a great life, you need to be curious. Curiosity is what makes us human and moves our world forward. Brian Grazer tells this story in an exceptional way and demonstrates how everyone can tap into curiosity to live a bigger life."--Eric Schmidt "CEO of Google"

"A Curious Mind is not a classic autobiography but a rumination on how one trait, curiosity, reinforced by a readiness to pay attention and then to act, has forged such a remarkable career.... It's like spending a couple of hours in the bar of a Hollywood hotel with an amusing raconteur."-- "The Wall Street Journal"

"[A Curious Mind] is straightforward and full of great advice for anyone trying to rise and shine. You don't have to try to become a movie producer. In its own way, the book could be a guide for anyone with ambition, nerve and common sense. But first comes curiosity."-- "The Huffington Post"

"A very stimulating blend of behind-the-scenes Hollywood machinations and business and personal self-help. VERDICT This unusual and quick read is ideal for public libraries and as nonrequired reading in business schools."-- "Library Journal"

"An appealing argument for maintaining open-minded receptivity, with special appeal for film buffs."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Grazer himself comes across as a humble seeker, who never let his huge Hollywood success crush his inner child - the child who wants to know everything."-- "2paragraphs"

"Grazer knows that curiosity doesn't merely kill the cat, it morphs it into a roaring lion worthy of a Hollywood logo -- in this case, a cool cat with a wild, spiky mane after a career of petting his projects against the grain."-- "WTOP"

"If you feel stuck in your business or career, or if your company is failing to stay ahead of its competition, perhaps Grazer's method of "curiosity conversations" might provide the spark you need to ignite your best ideas."-- "Forbes"

"Lively.... As Grazer further explores how curiosity has shaped his life, he sprinkles in numerous anecdotes about the hundreds of people whom he's sought out for one-on-one sessions he terms "curiosity conversations."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Stories like de Negri's take Grazer's book beyond Hollywood dish into the mysteries of existence. What makes you curious, it turns out, can also make you stronger."-- "7x7"

"A powerful tribute to the ways innovation and disruptive thinking stem from a common trait: curiosity. Because the little girl who asks 'Why is the sky blue?' becomes the woman who can change the world."--Sheryl Sandberg "COO of Facebook and Founder of LeanIn.Org"

"As Brian's friend and partner, while reading A Curious Mind I was returned to many key turning points in our movies and TV shows that were inspired by experiences he gained on his unique quest for understanding. I also learned a hell of a lot that I didn't actually know, even after thirty years. How is that possible? Well, Brian is a hell of a storyteller."--Ron Howard "Chairman of Imagine Entertainment and Academy Award-Winning Director"

"Curiosity leads to insights and fuels the creative process - and nobody knows more about curiosity than Brian Grazer. In his delightful book, A Curious Mind, we get to see that curiously creative process in action."--Dick Costolo "CEO of Twitter"

"I love Brian Grazer's soulful message about the power of curiosity. He inspires, entertains, and shows how we can use curiosity to tap into the power of wonder and wisdom we are all born with."--Arianna Huffington "Editor-in-Chief of The Huffington Post and Author of Thrive"

"In A Curious Mind, Brian Grazer not only captures the essence and the potential of a great, curious mind, but he provides a wonderful perspective on what curiosity has meant to him and how it shaped his long and very successful career. As a close friend, I've had a front row seat to Brian's curious mind, and the energy his curiosity generates is infectious and thoroughly enjoyable to observe and experience."--Bob Iger "Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company"

"The greatest of all graduation speeches."--Chris Matthews "Hardball with Chris Matthews"

"To read a book written by one of the most creative and high quality human beings talking about his love affair with curiosity and how it can help you to have a more rewarding life is a real privilege."--Robert K. Kraft "Owner of the Kraft Group/New England Patriots"

About the Author

Brian Grazer is an Oscar Award­-winning producer and New York Times bestselling author. His films and television shows have been nominated for forty-seven Academy Awards and 242 Emmy Awards. His credits include A Beautiful Mind, 24, Apollo 13, Splash, Arrested Development, Empire, 8 Mile, Friday Night Lights, American Gangster, and Genius, among others. He is the author of Face to Face and the #1 New York Times bestseller A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life, which won the 2016 Books for a Better Life Award. Grazer was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World and is the cofounder of Imagine Entertainment along with his longtime business partner, Ron Howard.

Charles Fishman is the acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller One Giant Leap, A Curious Mind (with Brian Grazer), The Wal-Mart Effect, and The Big Thirst. He is a three-time winner of the Gerald Loeb Award, the most prestigious prize in business journalism.