On that note, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people attended the Montreal Book Fair a few weeks ago, especially families. In an era where it seems everyone spends most of their time in front of screens, it’s reassuring to see that reading hasn’t lost its appeal—what great news! I was delighted to meet several readers of my blog and my book, Avantage Bourse! The highlight of the fair for me was undoubtedly meeting a 12-year-old who told me he’s passionate about both reading and the stock market! Clearly, the next generation is already here!
For several years now, I’ve been in the habit of rating the books I read on a five-star scale. I also try, whenever possible, to read books in their original language, whether French or English. I aim to diversify the subjects of my reading as much as possible, while prioritizing books on investment and business. Here, then, are five reading recommendations for the holidays:
AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee (★★★★★) and Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari (★★★★).
If you want to learn more about artificial intelligence, these are two books I particularly enjoyed. I admit that reading Nexus is rather alarming regarding the threats AI poses to humanity in the coming decades. AI Superpowers not only outlines the risks but also the extraordinary potential of AI, provided the technology is used wisely.
Adrift – How Our World Lost its Way by Amin Maalouf (★★★★★). This essay is captivating for its lucid take on recent human history and the pitfalls that threaten it. The author offers an in-depth historical analysis of the Middle East, combining his personal experience with a historian’s perspective. His vision is rather pessimistic but sadly realistic given the state of the world today.
The Last Day of a Condemned Man by Victor Hugo (★★★★★). This book is a tragic plea for the abolition of the death penalty in 19th-century France. Victor Hugo immerses us in the thoughts and emotions of a condemned man without ever revealing his identity or the crime he committed. It offers a critical perspective on this punishment, which continues to spark debates nearly 200 years after this novel was written. In short, it’s a masterpiece that remains relevant even today.
The Man Who Solved the Market by Gregory Zuckerman (★★★★★). I read this book for the second time after the announcement of Jim Simons’ passing in the summer of 2024. It recounts the spectacular journey of this discreet mathematician and algorithm pioneer, who achieved exceptional success, surpassing all other renowned investors. The author, a journalist at the Wall Street Journal, narrates Simons’ entrepreneurial adventure and how he built his firm, though unfortunately without revealing the secrets of his management. Still, it’s a fascinating story.
I’ve always told my children that they can never be bored in life if they have a book in hand. During the two-week vacation I’ll be taking before the end of 2024, I plan to shut my laptop and dive into several books. For me, it’s the best way to completely disconnect while continuing to learn.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading my blog each week. Wishing you joyful holidays with your family and a very happy 2025!
Philippe Le Blanc, CFA, MBA
Chief Investment Officer at COTE 100
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