Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, PH.D. - 

As a writer, and an independent contractor, I need to adjust my attitude from time to time. Everyone faces disappointments; what is it that keeps you pushing onward, despite the setbacks? Dweck, a professor at Stanford, brings over twenty years of research trying to understand the way people respond to challenges. The way we look at the world often determines how successful we will be in it. Her research shows that a growth mindset gives us a greater chance to reach our full potential. It's a fascinating area of study.

Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up by Patricia Ryan Madson

Someone recommended this book to me. I'm currently writing a novel and one of the characters is an actress. She gets stuck, and to get unstuck she decides to take some improv classes. I've been reading a lot of Chicago improv greats, but I'm glad to have Madson's book, too. Madson taught in the theater department at Stanford for over thirty years. This is my week for Stanford professors!