Greetings.  Looking for something interesting to read over the winter?  If so, you might enjoy three new and very different books that came out in 2010…

The first is Steven Johnson's new book Where Good Ideas Come From.  It's a fascinating study of seven broad patterns throughout history that have fueled new and important ideas and innovations. 

The second is  The Invisible Gorilla by Dan Simons and Christopher Chabris. It's a fascinating look at the idea of selective attention, understanding the things we do and don't see in the world around us, what we decide to focus on, and why this really matters in life and work.

And for a lighter look at everyday life and the world around you, you might enjoy The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha.  This book is all about finding joy in the simple things we often take for granted like snow days, enjoying a camp fire, hitting only green lights when you have to get somewhere, finding something of value that you've lost, having breakfast in bed, or enjoying the smell of gasoline. And it might even get you to think about the simple joys that are possible in our companies and organizations.

We win in business and in life when we keep coming up with the right good ideas.  And when we continue reading and learning as a simple way to unlock the genius in ourselves and those around us.

Cheers and happy reading!