Personally, I try to improve my knowledge by reading books that touch on as varied a field as possible. In 2021, I read and rated 55 books (for many years I’ve been giving each of the books I have read a five-star rating). They ranged from the field of investing (“Mastering the Market Cycle”, by Howard Marks, ★★★★), business and strategy (“Becoming Trader Joe”, by Patty Civarelli, ★★★), history (“Benjamin Franklin, an American Life”, by Walter Isaacson, ★★★★), to philosophy (“Winter walks, fall colors”, by Henry David Thoreau, ★★★★★), to novels (“The foreigner”, by Albert Camus, ★★★★, and “Le libraire de Kaboul”, by Asne Seierstad, ★★★★).
A reader recently wrote to me asking if I could recommend books on stock market investing. Looking at the list of books read in 2021, I realized this was a great year for investment books. So here are five books on investing that I particularly liked in 2021:
1- “The Joys of Compounding”, Gautam Baid, ★★★★★
Although it is somewhat dry reading, I especially liked this book because it introduces many essential concepts for the investor. This book will surely make you a better investor.
2- “Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life”, by William Green, ★★★★
This book is the result of numerous interviews the author has conducted over the past 25 years with many of the greatest investors of modern times. It is filled with many lessons of great value to any investor.
3- “All I Want to Know Is Where I’m Going to Die So I’ll Never Go There”, Peter Bevelin, ★★★★
If you want to brush up on your understanding of the investing philosophy of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, this book, presented as a fictional dialogue between an investor looking to improve himself and Messrs. Buffett and Munger, is a must read.
4- “The Psychology of Money”, Morgan Housel, ★★★★
Succeeding on the stock market is not just a question of technical knowledge; psychology and managing your emotions are just as, if not more, important to long-term success.
5- “Concentrated Investing: Strategies of the World’s Greatest Concentrated Value Investors”, Allen C. Benello, Michael van Biema, Tobias E. Carlisle, ★★★★
This book promotes the concentration of a portfolio to seek out superior long-term returns. It presents the strategies of several investors who have experienced long periods of outstanding returns.
I’m continuing my reading in 2022, but I doubt the 2022 vintage will be as good as 2021. In any case, I’m sure my investor education will continue, hoping to finish this new year a little more knowledgeable!
Happy reading and Happy New Year 2022!
