The Curious Mind

by Pam Everhardt Bloom  Rowan Public Library

Curiosity, a desire to know, is a trait quite prevalent at Rowan Public Library.  Browse the “New Book” area next time you visit the library or use the “New Book” link on our on-line catalog. If you’re curious about people and their motivations, the following selections might trigger your curiosity.

A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life by Brian Grazer and Charles Fishman describes and gives accounts of Grazer’s “curiosity conversations” and his philosophy of living a creative life. You might recognize Grazer if you saw his photo and his trademark wild hair even if you don’t recognize the name. Listed as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2007, he is the producer of movies such as A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13 and Splash. Grazer describes curiosity “as the state of having an open mind…. a kind of receptivity.” The main chapters make a fascinating read; however take time to check out the addendums. I particularly liked the notes chapter and referred to it constantly while reading the book.

The new book shelves at the library also hold new copies of older editions. Published in 2001, Socrates Café:  A Fresh Taste of Philosophy, is a title possibly familiar. Author Christopher Phillips is also curious and on a mission to bring philosophical inquiry to the masses. With chapters ranging from “What is the Question?” to “Whom Do You Need” to “Why Ask Why,” the book concludes with notes on how to start your own Socrates Café.

Find the Good: Unexpected Life Lessons from a Small-Town Obituary Writer by Heather Lende, provides entertaining stories and insight to the question, “How do you live a more meaningful life?”  Lende has written obituaries in a small town in Alaska for almost twenty years. She compares writing obituaries to living a life - “…we are all writing our own obituary every day by how we live. The best news is that there’s still time for additions and revisions before it goes to press.” This short book is honest, funny and revealing about the life we choose to live.

Totally different from the three somewhat philosophical books above, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo is located in the 648 Housekeeping Section according to Mr. Dewey. I found this book so culturally different from my American mindset that it made me curious in a way that I didn’t expect and I left the book asking myself somewhat philosophical questions about the things I own. Are the objects in my home achieving a purpose and if not, how do I let go? Kondo lists specific ways to do this and even if I haven’t committed to her method of tidying, I did find some very practical and useful hints to accompany my many questions.

            The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere by Pico Iyer is a companion to Iyer’s 14-minute talk at TED.com. Short in length, deep in depth, this book explores the pleasure of stillness and concentrated attention. More than a book about meditation, Iyer’s storytelling demonstrates the luxury and necessity of being still in our hectic world.

            I left these books asking questions about my life and my motivations. As Brian Grazer writes, “…ask one good question a day, and listen to the answer.” Your listening might begin with a good book from the Rowan Public library, a place where questions abound.