A Bull In China - Jim Rogers

A Bull In China by Jim Rogers is an excellent book for anyone interested in investing in the huge potential of China. The author explains why China is growing and why it will continue to grow. He starts out with an overview of the different classes of Chinese shares and some of the history of the Chinese economy, and then breaks down all the major sectors of the economy.

The author discusses everything from real estate to agriculture to the Chinese space program, and accompanies each chapter with dozens of companies with brief descriptions of each. Now, a number of these example companies are not open to investment by the average overseas investor, however, many of the companies are traded on US exchanges.

The author stresses that investing in China is a long term process with ups and many downs along the way. He does not specifically recommend any company in the book, he only mentions them to give the reader a broad understanding. I highly recommend this book as it gives the reader a real appreciation of the huge growth potential available through investing in China. I personally have compiled a list of interesting companies that I plan to research as I would like to increase my own exposure to this great country.

How To Win Friends & Influence People - Dale Carnegie

Originally published back in 1937, How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a book which, despite its age, retains its usefulness today. The study of human nature is an essential element in finding success in life. There will always be someone smarter than you, stronger than you, faster than you, better at this skill or that one, but that should not halt your success. If you can learn to express ideas in a way that fosters enthusiasm, or know how to assume leadership in a sincere way, then you will go far.

Dale Carnegie was a firm believer in soft skills which could use a revival in this day and age, such as making people feel appreciated, being a good listener, smiling, and remembering people names. I hope these things don't sound too trivial to you, because remembering to do these little things right could be the difference between winning or losing a promotion, a big sale or a contract. This is a very insightful book that provides techniques you can use to get to know the people you interact with on a daily basis. For some people, being open, friendly and honest doesn't necessarily come naturally, but there is more to it than that, it's about identifying what makes a person tick and then using that knowledge to communicate more effectively with them.

The book has gone on to become an international bestseller, and a book that in my opinion should be an essential read for just about everyone. Whatever your position in life, there is something in there for you - unless you are a total recluse and never have to interact with another person for the rest of your life, you will no doubt learn something from this book! I highly recommend it.

Freakonomics - Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner

Freakonomics by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner is subtitled "A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side Of Everything" and that pretty much sums up the book in a nutshell. It is a fast, entertaining read applying the laws of economics to some highly unusual topics. If you were ever curious as to what school teachers and sumo wrestlers have in common, or why drug dealers still live with their moms, then this is the place to come and explore the answers! The main take home message of the book is the danger of mistaking correlation for causation in regression analysis, but you won't find yourself caught up in reams of long economic theory.

Particularly of interest to me was the study of incentives. What motivates people to do things, and how can you provide the right kind of incentive to get the outcome you want. It offers an unconventional look at conventional wisdom, and often comes up with some surprising answers.

This really is a light, entertaining read and if you enjoy the book, the authors also have a Freakonomics blog.

Buy the Rumor, Sell the Fact - Michael Maiello

Buy the Rumor, Sell the Fact by Michael Maiello takes a look at many of today's trading myths, maxims and slogans to see if there is indeed any truth behind them.

Buy the Rumor, Sell the Fact is not a book in the traditional sense, more of a collection of thoughts each taking just one to three pages. The author uses simple language to examine some of the market jargon that is often thrown about without any real thought to its validity. Some of his arguments are a little too simplistic, but I believe that was the intended point to the book.

The book is a fast read and makes a number of interesting points regarding trading myths that are widely accepted as truths. A recommended read for anybody who is new to the world of Wall Street.

The Richest Man in Babylon - George S. Clason

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason is one of those classic texts that has really stood the test of time. The book dispenses financial advice through a series of simple, easy-to-understand parables set in ancient Babylon. Through a collection of everyday experiences the characters in the book learn key tenets of financial wisdom, which are still relevant and practical today.

The principles are not new and can be found in other texts, however, the simplicity of this book is its appeal. It is an inspirational text which should be required reading for everyone. I am amazed at how much is packed into such a short book. You could read The Richest Man In Babylon cover-to-cover in an afternoon, but it could take you a lifetime to fully appreciate the wisdom on the pages.

You will learn how to pay down debts and acquire wealth. You will learn to pay yourself first and to control expenditures. You will learn how to ensure future prosperity and guard your wealth from losses. If you have an income you can build wealth using these timeless principles. This book is a multi-million copy bestselling classic and you will see why when you read it. I highly recommend this book.