Book suggestions for an 18 year old who wants to learn more about investing?

Question

I just finished a Personal Finance course this past semester that briefly covered investing and the stock market, and I would like to learn more on my own. Does anyone know of any good books for someone in my position? I already know some of the basics thanks to the class, so I don't want a "Beginner's guide for kids" kind of thing, but at the same time one of those huge monotonous investment guides won't be that helpful either. Any suggestions for books that fall somewhere inbetween? Especially those geared for people in my age group? Thanks

Answer 1

I second the suggestion you read The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham.  I am 20 and started reading up on investing at about 18 as well- one of the first books I read was "The neatest little guide to stock market investing".  It's short, and a very easy read that gives you a solid overall understanding of the stock market.  

After that, I would also suggest "One up on Wall Street" by Peter Lynch, and looking forward you may want to read "All about derivatives" (It's a book in the All About... series).  All About Derivatives is a little bit complex and invovles a bit of finance, but since derivates are a pretty important concept to understand I'd reccomend reading it.

I'm currently reading "Security Analysis" by Benjamin Graham, and after the first 100 pages I am very intrigued.  It is more of a guide to analyzing, and more importantly valuing,  specific securities (duh) rather than investing in general, which is what The Intelligent Investor covers.  

best of luck

Answer 2

Want to read a great book (and cautionary tale) about investing? When Genius Failed, by Roger Lowenstein.

Answer 3

I'd forget about "When Genius Failed".  It's a great book but it's not what YOU are looking for.  I do like "The Millionaire Next Door" by Stanley and Danko.  I also like "A Random Walk Down Wall Street" by Burton Malkiel.  I'd agree that Peter Lynch and Benjamin Graham's books are good too.

Answer 4

The Millionare next door. (unknown - but easy to find on amazon)

Answer 5

Investing for Dummies and Stock Market for Dummies are a great start.  They are comprehensive and give you alot of good information. (Don't let the name throw you off)

From there I would go to :

Beating the Street (Peter Lynch)

The Warren Buffet Way

The Intelligent Investor (Benjamin Graham)

You can check these out at your local library as well.

Good luck!