Andrew Tobias

2.5! rating will probably change since this is the first book I've read about investing, and I don't know what else is out there.

bleh:

-too long,
-lots of jargon
-confusing
-too many stories (where is the substance?)
- title bold, considering that if you're young or just getting into stocks, the book is too esoterically written to understand
-overall opinion rather than.... well, something other than an overall opinion.

ok, yeah:

-charismatic
-quips
-some ok (if not obvious) tips on managing your money wisely (buy bulk, live within your means, don't buy a yatch etc. etc.)

um? :

-opinion section on taxes and politics
-specific investment suggestions (don't know enough to comment on if they're good or not)
-statistics and other examples that I haven't looked into… (more)

A book I wish I'd read earlier in life as I struggled with many of the same issues that the author did. This is a coming out story that shows how scary and often depressing it can be dealing with society's expectations and our reactions to the various strategies it uses to try to control us. Often leading double lives, we can sometimes be forced into acting like spies - lying to ourselves and others in the process. Meanwhile the process itself often accentuates the negative aspects of being part of a minority. Also, covers the conflicts that arise when we know we are gay but fail to find anyone we're really attracted to or that is compatible sexually - which can delay things...Second half of the book a bit tedious...… (more)

I was concerned about picking up this updated version, having read the first one in the 70s when Tobias first wrote it, but was not disappointed for going through this quick read again. I picked it up because several of my 20-something children were asking for some good references as they begin their investing lives, and was vetting it to see if I might recommend it.

Tobias has updated it, and he speaks plainly about what has changed and what has stayed the same. I found the earlier parts of the book the most useful as they spoke to personal finance and planning. The latter part of the book focused on the stock market, and while very important to the investor, because of my age and experience in the market I was bored. I suspect that if my children read it that they too will be bored by those parts, and may skip over them. They really shouldn't, as they can learn something from Tobias here, but I found myself wondering if someone more "Cramer-like," bombastic, loud...might resonate more. I didn't find it the perfect book to recommend for those 20-somethings, but lacking a good substitute I suppose I will with appropriate caveats.… (more)