A Curious Mind

The Secret to a Bigger Life

By: Brian Grazer, Charles Fishman, Brian Grazer - introduction

Narrated by: Norbert Leo Butz

2016 Audie Award Finalist for Business/Personal Development

#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.

Critic reviews

"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)

“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)

“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)

"An excellent and very important discussion of economics... Readers would be wise to buy Grazer’s brilliant book." (John Tammy)

“The greatest of all graduation speeches.” (Chris Matthews)

“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.”

“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.”

“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)

“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)

“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)

"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)

“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)

excellent book

excellent book on what I note realize is one of the most underrated, under talked about virtues there is: curiosity

Enjoyed it but...

I enjoyed the book but would have preferred the book was written in the style he did the bonus material...going into the specifics of each conversation. Overall a good addition to my library.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Great personal stories from a smart and talented person who shares his wonderful curiosity meeting with an amazing storytellers point of view.

I would suggest this book to anyone who would like to expand their horizons with stories from one of the founders of Imagine Entertainment.

Wow, great book

This is a great and inspiring story, and great narration too. Totally recommended. Surely I will listen this book again.

Are you into Curiosity?

If your answer to the above question is yes, then I think this will be a good use of your time.