Investing in One Lesson

A delayed appreciation

This book contains solid advice. When I first read it in 2007, I found it too conservative and repetitive... but now I retract all of that, because not following the advice in this book cost me half of my savings in the meltdown of 2008.

The lesson here can be applied in the good times as well as the bad. As for being repetitive, I believe that it is the reason for me still remembering it all - more than two years later. And since investing is a long-term thing, that is exactly what you need - advice that sticks.

The narration is okay, and you need to pay some attention to terminology so as not to get lost... but even if you don't, it is written in such a way that the essential lesson comes through, even over time.

It was easy to be critical back in 2007 when a monkey throwing bits of fruit at a stock listing and picking the juicy ones could make money. It is when things go wrong that we learn who's advice is really valuable. In my opinion, you can find some of that in this book.

2 people found this helpful

Failed to live up to its blurb

This book opens by declaring itself as a how-to-guide for individuals who plan on investing, but who fall into categories such as myself: a professional who does not have the time to dedicate to an immersion in stocks, bonds, funds, etc. The book declares that it will teach the basics of all in one easy lesson. Yes, it did cover a lot. Yes, it did provide some advice that sounds pretty good, but it still failed to achieve the goal that it stated, at least to my expectation, of educating me in one easy lesson. The terminology was difficult to follow, more than a few abbreviations were used and you are hosed if you missed it when the author told you what they meant. In the end, I felt only slightly less confused than when I began--thus the two stars that I have rated it.

11 people found this helpful

Must Read!!

This book is a must read for any self taught or studying investor. Narration awesome.

1 person found this helpful

Very Substantive for a Short Book

Most investment books as short as this one are full of flowery language, personal stories, and attempted inspiration with little real substance.

Investing in One Lesson may sound like a “get rich quick from this one simple principle,” but it’s not. The first half of the book explains how stock markets actually work—what causes stock prices to vary so drastically, why in the short run stocks are not the same as investing in a company, but also why the stock market is still worthwhile and necessary for the economy as a whole.

The second half turns to strategies for investing. This section is also very substantive, offering concrete strategies and even lists many of his favorite specific stocks and funds. While he does talk a lot about the value of dividend stocks/funds, he’s not claiming that this is the only good strategy to take, and talks of several others as well.

1 person found this helpful

compelling book. let's see if it works.

Doesn't spend too much time on anything unrelated. every term used is defined at least once and it's great for beginner's.

second skousen book and im a big fan so far

1 person found this helpful

Review

The book is very simple for the experienced investor; but it is well written, and it states helpful theories that can help investors at all levels.

1 person found this helpful

Waste

Not worth a minute of your time. Pure garbage. There is no good information in this trash.

Good start to your education

While the narration was a bit dry, consistent issue with unabridged books in my opinion, the topic was interesting. Its not and end all be all way to the stock market, but its a start.

This is a good entry level book on investing

My first book was "getting started in stocks". I'd say this is on par with that first book on stocks.