This past Wednesday, I had the chance to see Natasha Lyonne speak at Sixth and I Synagogue about the challenges of being a Jew- namely the issue of questioning. Her words resonated with me strongly- less so the parts about being a child actor and a drug addict- but it seemed as though she was justifying every indecision of my entire life by attributing it to an innate state of being based around just being Jewish. Though it wasn’t the first time this connection has been made, it was perhaps the most compelling, as she discussed the difficulties of logistics when you have so many options.
(Half-Jew) Brian Grazer’s book is another look at questioning in the form of curiosity. I was intrigued by the book after his interview with Jon Stewart, which again goes to show what kind of book ambassador we are losing when he goes off the air. Most people are familiar with Brian Grazer’s work as a producer, though to be honest, my most salient memory of a Grazer film was falling asleep during Apollo 13 after I begging my parents to take me to see it in theaters. (Not a reflection of the quality of the film, as I was 6 at the time.) You might recognize him from his quick cameo on the fourth season of Arrested Development– his hair is hard to miss, but he also attributes this to curiosity.
The premise is simple: it’s a memoir and a reflection of Brian Grazer’s interactions with some really awesome people. It’s really, really, really remarkable that Grazer was able to have all of these conversations with people. On one hand, he’s famous and well-connected and that gives him an edge. But as he points out frequently throughout the book, it is often more a question of tenacity than access that gets him an audience with some of the greatest minds and most innovative thinkers in history.
He has a lot to share about curiosity. As a naturally chatty and curious person, I will say that there were a lot of lessons I’ve taken to heart throughout the years, not just in reading this book. But it served as its own form of validation that I was able to hear from this wildly successful person that what I’ve largely been doing- asking questions, engaging in conversation, taking strong interest in the work of individuals- is a good thing. It seems simple enough, but it is hard to always remember that, especially if others are a little more wary of your interactions with TSA agents, Uber drivers and other restaurant patrons.
Pretty good read- the lessons might not have been shiny and new all the time, but the reminders are a good thing.
And yes, it’s week 52. I’m going to break tradition a bit and offer some reflections on that a little later this week, but suffice it to say, I wouldn’t have lasted any length of time in this project without a serious sense of curiosity about my literary options.
You’ll like this if: you’re into the entertainment industry and you innately feel a need to question things too. Also, certainly if you’re the kind of person to make conversation with just about anyone you encounter.
Happy reading!
carlyreads 