5 comments about Trend Trading: Timing Market Tides (Wiley Trading).

1. Systems traders have long been known to employ profitable trend following strategies in the futures markets. Applying those concepts to stock trading has proven to be difficult, although the idea of trend following in stock markets dates back at least the days of Charles Dow. In a new
   book, Kedrick Brown, a former vice president at Knight Equity Markets, LP, redefines trend trading and offers readers a lot to think about, and readers of this book will find a large number of testable ideas.
   
   Brown reviews the basic tenets of Dow Theory, and summarizes the underlying idea as, "Dow Theory thus assumes that it is only worth
   owning stocks during confirmed bull markets in the major indices, and that one should be out of stocks otherwise." He also offers a straightforward definition of a trend following trading strategy as, "Any preplanned, rule-based strategy for managing open position P&L in which open profits could hypothetically grow indefi nitely under a limited
   set of circumstances, while open losses are limited under all circumstances."
   
   After developing a common base of understanding, Brown develops a relatively simple trend following strategy applying what he calls three dimensional technical analysis. In three dimensional technical analysis, traders need to consider not only price and time in a single stock, but they should expand their focus to similar information in multiple stocks simultaneously. In his book, Brown fully develops a sample strategy to trade any NASDAQ stock, such as MSFT.
   
   This strategy, one of many in the book, relies on an objective method of defi ning a market's trend - the binary trend identification method using
   Donchian bands:
   
   1. Filter condition: Take long positions in MSFT only if the NASDAQ Composite is in an uptrend, defined as price having made a new 32-day high more recently than it made a new 32-day low.
   2. Buy MSFT if it makes a new 24-day high while the NASDAQ Composite is in an uptrend.
   3. Limit your losses by setting an initial fixed stop at the 24-day low at the time of trade entry.
   4. If the initial stop is hit, reenter on a new 24-day high if the NASDAQ Composite is still in an uptrend.
   5. Exit if the NASDAQ Composite enters a downtrend, defined by the price reaching a new 32-day low.
   
   Buy and sell decisions in this example follow the trend of the general market. The strategy manages open position P&L by limiting losses and allowing profits to run in bull markets.
   
   Interestingly, specific reentry points are precisely defined. This is often challenging for traders to do, and Brown points out that it is important to get back into positions after being stopped out if trend following in equities is going to be rewarding to traders.
   
   Other trading strategies are comprehensively developed in the book, and the reader is always given a complete understanding of the underlying principles. Brown also devotes a large portion of the book to a detailed discussion on position sizing, and provides worksheets that traders can use or adapt for their personal use to develop trading plans. Overall, the book can serve as a complete "how to" manual for the beginning trader, but offers a great deal for more experienced traders.
   
   In an interesting, but brief section, Brown addresses the institutional money manager's need to add alpha by outperforming, on a relative basis, a benchmark. Assuming the benchmark is the S&P 500, Brown notes, "If you hold a proxy for the S&P 500 at all times when not trading, you need only to outperform the proxy during the holding periods of your trades to beat its long term performance (before commissions and taxes)." The discussion and test results of this point are worth considering for all those attempting to outperform a benchmark.



2. I read this book over Christmas break, initially thinking that I had picked up yet another tome that amateur traders would find entertaining, but which would contain little useful information about the actual details of trading.
   
   I quickly realized that Trend Trading was no ordinary book. It is literally packed with trading details, from its in-depth explanation of trend trading and money management tactics to its exposition on the psychological experience during different stages of trading.
   
   What a privilege for us that Kedrick took the time to write this book after 8 years in the markets. A truly worthwhile read



3. Too academic and nothing new to add to material that is already out there.Not that practical from a swing trader's point of view.



4. This book shows methods for trend following long term trading.
   
   There is nothing new in it. If you have already read for example "Trade your way to financial freedom" (a much better read by the way), you will learn about nothing in this book.
   
   The style of the book is quite academic but all presented things are extremely simple. Everything is very much detailed with obvious formulas or repeating the same stuff for the short side (exactly symmetric) after having been explained for the long side, perhaps in order to reach the critical number of 200 pages for the book.
   
   I wonder what is the motivation for this book since there is nothing new. A result of the Wiley Trading frenzy to publish?



5. This book gives you good techniques for trading that you can back-test for your self. The tecnniques mentioned are quite simple but the writer proved it in academic way. moreover, it helps you trust your decision be offering a foundation for why? when? and how. By the end of reading this book, I become able t formulate my own simple strategy, the rest is how much can stick to this strategy.
   This book does not help you in selecting the right stock, evaluating it ...etc. The main focus (which is really achieved for me) is to help you design your entry and exit points scientifically with no emotions.
   
   The only challenge I found with this book; it does not give you enough techniques for shorter term trading.

3 comments about Leadership Made Simple: Practical Solutions to Your Greatest Management Challenges.

1. I think we all have a view on leadership and what it means, including me! I was delightfully surprised in reading Leadership Made Simple by Ed Oakley and Doug Krug. They drew me in right away and I found myself taking notes in the book-something I haven't done for a long time.
   I really enjoyed their section on "The Answers Are in the Room" and specifically, when they wrote: The quality of the answers you get depends on the quality of the questions you ask. Many times I've wanted to blame others for my lack of quality questions. They provide eight questions that the best leaders ask consistently and frequently-and give readers real world insights. I think whether you are a young manager at a Starbucks or climbing the ladder at Alcon Laboratories, you will find some great insights and solutions to your management challenges. Enjoy this book! Steve Mertz
   
   Th



2. If you want to know the quality of a book, it is useful to look first at the author. So, a book on leadership ought to come from a good leader. Right?
   Ed Oakley is such a person. I've known him as a colleague for decades and I've seen him in a variety of situations. He is a person worthy of your respect. He is savvy and focused when it comes to succeeding. He is interested in others and a caring friend. He's a generous guy who willingly shares his ideas and offers encouragement. I trust him.
   Therefore I trust his works. What he and his trusted coauthor (whom I don't yet know well) have done is clarify the real issues in leadership. Not the lofty strategies but the simple concepts and tactics that will make a difference for you. This is a book that is easy to read and profound in its solutions. Follow these leaders and you will be a better leader.
   Jim Cathcart, founder, 101 Leaders Alliance
   author: The Acorn Principle



3. This book was recommended to me by Bill Bonnstetter of Target Training International, Ltd. It has been a constant companion to me when coaching my executive clients on leadership. I have coached senior managers in a Fortune 500 corporation for the past six years and this book has been a wonderful resource because of its simplicity and clarity. Many of my clients have applied the five steps in differing settings and have benefitted from the immediate results. This book is the best practical guide to problem solution for the busy leader. Thank you Ed Oakley and Doug Krug for this success-based approach.
   Lyn Cikara, Executive Coach, Manager's Success. [...]

5 comments about America's Financial Apocalypse: How to Profit from the Next Great Depression.

1. This book is a remarkable presentation of material that could easily consume several books. The best part is that he gets EVERYTHING right. The author presents a fairly objective view of US economic policy and the financial markets. He realizes that the nation's free markets have become highly corrupt and are need of major repair. And the #1 problem is lack of universal health care.
   
   Unlike any other book related to this topic, this one not only discusses the current problems and have predicted them with astonding accuracy, but it also makes predictions for several years thereafter. He concludes that the US stock market has been in a bear correction mode since 2001 and will remain there until around 2012, registering average annual returns of around 2-3%. So far he has been absolutely correct. He also discusses what will happen after that period -- a depression.
   
   This book goes over so many topics and supports everything with a hue reference list at the back that I found it more helpful for understanding how the economy and stock market work than any book I have ever read. The author's analysis is unparalleled. I strongly recommend this book.



2. The author shows how America has changed economically. It also discusses critical changes to the nation's social and educational fabric. Although first written in 2006, it predicted both the extent and severity of the real estate shakeout including devastation to the banks.
   
   But as the author points out, this is only the beginning. As the baby boomers retire and peak oil is reached, many other problems will surface. Specifically, Medicare and Medicaid threaten to bankrupt the nation. While Social Security can be fix with little pain if the apprpriate changes are made now, the real problem is not so much with solvency as it is with diminished buying power and the reliance on this program as the primary income during retirement.
   
   The author emphasizes the top 2 problems with America - health care and free trade. He discusses why America continues to mortgage off its most critical assets to foreign interests in exchange for non-essential imports. The results of these trends have already registered, with most foreign currencies posting huge gains compared to the dollar. And without a uniform playing field, America can not expect to compete in a global free market system since all other developed nations provide health care and pensions by the government. As a result, jobs have been sent overseas. While some companies have shutdown permanantly, most have benefited from corporate migration to Asia. As a result, corporate profits reached a 60-year high over the past 4 years, accounting for the surge in the stock market in 2007. But as the author points out, the stock market has been in a bearish correction mode since 2001. He predicts that during this 2001-2012 time frame, the market will yield average annual returns of around 3%. Thereafter, things will get worse, as the effects of the baby boomers and peak oil will cause a global slowdown in the economy.
   
   Soaring inflation and interest rates are expected, as well as soaring gold and oil prices. The analysis and predictions contained within this book are supported by an enormous volume of data, unlike anything I have ever seen. This is a very unique book and was well-thought out, unlike most out there. For readers who want to get through the material in a couple of days, I recommend the Condensed Edition, released in early 2007 and updated in certain spots. It is also considerably less expensive I highly recommend either editions. I own both editions, and I expect to refer to them for years to come.



3. SYNOPSIS: The illusion of over two decades of economic greatness in America was created in large part by Greenspan's bubble economy. But the author paints a different picture of America and makes chilling predictions for its future. Only those who can see through the smoke signals created by Washington will be able to avert and/or profit from America's next depression. And this book definitely allows one to see through the smoke screen.
   
   CONTENTS
   The author begins by briefly summarizing America's history, noting key events. Only later are some of these events revisited (monetary policy, wealth disparity, oil, pre-depression conditions) when appropriate to emphasize their significance within modern day America. Next, he discusses the economic effects of free trade. Finally, he reviews America's declining edge in education and innovation, ending Part 1 of the book with an overview of America's future.
   
   Part 2 discusses the major problems today--with chapters on U.S. debt, healthcare, Social Security, pension plans, and the real estate bubble. Part 3 opens with a tutorial of how the government manipulates economic data such as the GDP and inflation. He then extends earlier discussions on the credit bubble, the economic consequences of the baby boomers, fraud and control by corporate America, and the effects of peak oil. He concludes with 3 chapters devoted to short and long-term forecasts in the stock market and provides a very sound investment strategy to profit both before and during America's Next Great Depression.
   
   OPINION & REVIEW
   This is by far the most informative investment book I have read this year and the very best on this topic. The author is clearly an expert on investments and economics. The book is as well-organized as a college text book but reads much better, is easier to understand, and you will learn more. If you like to see actual data to back up statements you will love this book, as it has been extremely well researched. The author's command of the subject matter is impressive in both depth and coverage...exactly what I needed to be convinced of a coming depression.
   
   I especially enjoyed the chapters on the real estate bubble, health care, retirement, and the one showing how the government manipulates economic numbers. The investment advice is very valuable and rational and is fully supported by the previous 16 chapters.
   
   When you read this book, it will be nearly impossible to disagree with the author's conclusions and investment advice because of the enormous amount of supporting evidence. It will cause you to rethink dozens of issues and introduce many others you probably weren't aware of.
   
   And if you are like me, the book will motivate (or scare) you to demand politicians address these issues instead of ignoring them. The main reason they don't deal with difficult issues is because (as the author points out) they don't want to risk losing a reelection. Corruption serves as a motivation for other politicians. As long as voters are not fully aware of the problems challenging America's empire, they will continue to avoid engineering effective solutions. If all voters read America's Financial Apocalypse, they would force politicians to confront these difficult issues. That would be the only way to avoid a depression.
   
   To the author: Thank You for this essential, eye-opening book!



4. This Book Really Delivers
   
   Unlike other books that discuss America's problems, this one does not focus on one or two problems but presents all of the major issues America is facing from economic, social and global political issues, to all of the financial issues. Rather than focusing on America's national debt as a primary issue, the author realizes that no one problem is strong enough to take down the greatest nation on earth. Instead, the book discusses the two biggest problems in America--the healthcare crisis and free trade, which have accelerated America's declining competitiveness. The author also explains the misconceptions of the state of Social Security, the global oil shortage, continued presence in Iraq and growing tensions in the middle east, the real estate bubble, the pension problems and many more topics; all of this in addition to the growing record national debt and trade deficits. And he relates all of this together to the Baby Boomers.
   
   He also makes an excellent case for Alan Greenspan, or the "Great Bubble Maestro" as the author labels him as a primary cause of much of America's stock market and real estate bubbles. Perhaps the greatest achievement of this work is that the author presents exhaustive data to back his points, something I have yet to be seen elsewhere. It is easy for someone to say that healthcare needs to be fixed or that America's living standards are in decline, but the author shows all of the date to support almost everything he mentions.
   
   He also makes very reasonable but adverse predictions for the dollar, long-term interest rates, and explains why America has a major economic correction that is inevitable. He points out well that we never recovered from the recession thought to have ended in 2001-2002, and Americans have been using credit to fuel the economy. The author goes at lengths to prove this and he even illustrates how the most critical economic numbers such as GDP and inflation have been manipulated by the government.
   
   Even if this book did nothing more than to point out these issues, it would be a great achievement. But the author goes further to predict a major depression and he pays out very rational low-risk recommendations for investments.
   
   I could see this book being useful for everyone--working Americans, activists, politicians, economists, and citizens concerned about America's future, as well as investors at all levels. It is truly a critical read.



5. Although over 500 pages, I was glued to this book because of its full coverage and detail of the topics. The real estate bubble chapter alone is better than other books I have read devoted solely to this topic. The same can be said of the debt, Social Security, Pension, and Debt chapters. And although the author does not devote a chapter on the global oil situation, he talks about it extensively in many chapters and covers it in more detail with better insight than any other book I have read exclusively devoted to this topic.
   
   The 3 chapters on investments are brilliant and stem from the analysis and data presented in the previous 15 chapters. I am a very experienced and successful investor and the information within this book has opened my eyes and I plan to send a copy to my local Congressmen as well as my financial advisor. In fact, getting this book is like getting 6 books rolled up into one. The author obviously spent a very long time doing his research and analysis and it shows. This book puts all others related to America's economy and future to shame. And unfortunately, I am afraid the conclusions he has made will come to fruition, but now I will be ready.
   
   Thank you for opening my eyes to the realities of America.

No comments about How to Make Money in Stocks: A Winning System in Good Times and Bad.

No comments about Removing Obstacles to Safety: A Behavior-Based Approach.

3 comments about Organizing Projects for Success (Human Aspects of Project Management) (Human Aspects of Project Management).

1. WOULD LOVE TO REFER THE BOOK AGAI



2. The book provides a wealth on information that others in the PM range don't. It looks on the human side in projects, how to set the project INCLUDING the team up for succes.
   
   This requires definitely more than just a good network diagram, a good scope and a decent budget. What more.. can be found in the book.
   
   Usefull for beginner and advanced PM. Altough I think someone with more experience understands the book more.
   
   The only regret I have is that I did not buy it earlier.



3. This book explains the difference between the role of the project manager and the other roles in the organization, like the line manager for example, and explains important concepts such as authority, accountability, responsibility and reliability.
   From there, it looks at different organizational models, from weak to strong matrix.
   Easy to read and addressing the typical problems the project manager is confronted to.

5 comments about David vs. Goliath: Guerilla Media Buying for Small Business, A New Way to Win.

1. In a highly competitive marketplace, small business owners can often be overwhelmed with the difficult task of making consumers aware of their product. With so many huge business conglomerates dominating the market place, it can seem almost impossible for a small business to efficiently reach their target customers. In his book, David vs. Goliath: Guerilla Media Buying for Small Business, A New Way to Win, author Ronald Geskey shows that small businesses can not only succeed against the Goliaths, but can thrive in the dog eat dog world of big business.
   
   Geskey explains that a key to growing a successful business is to use an innovative, well researched technique known as increasing your share of voice and your quality of voice. Through a step by step method, readers will learn how to make each advertising dollar work harder for them. By dramatically increasing your effective share of voice without increasing your budget in your market area, you can increase top of mind awareness of your product. This will then lead to increased sales and market share.
   
   Not only does the author provide an in depth analysis and understanding of marketing and media, helpful methods and tools are provided to make the most of your advertising dollar. As Ronald Geskey states, "The key is to eliminate advertising spending waste."
   
   Budgets are often wasted when the wrong type of communication is used for the job (e.g., direct mail vs. publicity) or the wrong media are used to reach the wrong target in the wrong place at the wrong time-- negotiated at the wrong price without value added and media investment safeguards.
   
   When was the last time you read a book or an article about how to actually negotiate a media buy to get the most bang for your buck? Maybe never? Geskey's book provides clear steps on how to negotiate traditional and non traditional media buys to get substantially more media exposure for the budget.
   
   Because successful communications with the consumer are critical to the success of a small business, the author discusses and provides an analysis of the many benefits and pitfalls of different marketing communications forms and various advertising media. Advertising media discussed include television, print, radio, internet, direct mail as well over 60 non traditional media approaches.
   
   With well illustrated diagrams and exercises at the end of each chapter, the author provides the necessary tools and skills for you to make your small business a long term success. I plan to implement the strategies for my own business endeavors. I highly recommend the book to current business owners as well as to those planning to start a small business.
   
   Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services



2. As owner and manager of a bookstore, I know that small business has always felt the challenge of how to become a "player" in the marketplace. Knowing our business purpose did not guarantee our ability to effectively market our business.
   
   Had David vs. Goliath been available years ago it would have likely transformed my marketing of the business and its success. It also would have helped remove my ever present fear of the competition.
   
   The book provides the tools to take the small business owner through the process of analyzing the business and business practices to the development of an innovative marketing strategy and plan to build sales and profit.
   
   I had never even heard of share of voice, and certainly never thought of any linkage to sales or share of market. And even though I bought media, I now know how uninformed and naive I was, wasting a lot of money (resulting in lost sales and profit) without even knowing it.
   
   The author also shows how we can make the internet work for us. He cuts through the confusion of selecting and buying the media at the right price place, and time.
   
   Each chapter is filled with "secrets" which most owners of small businesses are unaware, at least I was.David vs. Goliath: Guerilla Media Buying for Small Business, A New Way to Win Every small business owner needs this insightful book!
   
   Bonnie Schmitz
   Bookstore Owner



3. David vs. Goliath: Guerilla Media Buying for Small Business, A New Way to Win
   
   This was a great and innovative book. Best of all, by filling out the worksheets after each chapter and at the end of the book, it results in a well thought out action plan to raise Share of Voice in your marketing area. Highly recommended and worth the time!



4. "David & Goliath" provides an essential primer for the small business owner on the important topics of marketing and media buying.
   
   Geskey is certainly a media maven: the book is well thought-out and each chapter might well stand alone as a reference tool on each topic. The Problems & Exercises at the end of each chapter are clearly designed to reinforce the main lessons of the chapter and learners who take the time to work on them definitely stand to gain a thorough grounding in media and marketing.
   
   Of particular note are the discussions in later chapters: Chapter 9 for the advantages & disadvantages of various media-buying processes ... Chapter 10's Internet strategies and the need for a professional-looking Web page ... fun Creative Media ideas (Chapter 11): blogs, newsletters, podcasts and greeting cards ... how'barter' and 'media remnants' work in Chapter 12 ... and finally, Chapter 14 ("Hello Goliath!") -- an effective wrap-up and reminder for ESOV and the importance of Share of Voice and Quality of Voice.
   
   Readers should not overlook the Appendix chock full of even more marketing tools: Worksheets for figuring sales objectives, tools for conducting a SWOT Analysis, and ideas for determining customer target markets, creating marketing objectives, determining primary market areas and thinking about communication strategies and budget considerations.
   
   Overall, "David vs. Goliath: Guerilla Media Buying for Small Business" might well stand alone as a classroom text for small business owners seeking to implement marketing plans. In future, an updated edition of the book might include more discussion about 'buzz' or word-of-mouth marketing strategies, a bibliography containing citation information about the media and research studies contained in the book and a Glossary of Terms to help the reader refer to essential media definitions and marketing tools.



5. Ron Geskey is an advertising industry insider with experience at Leo Burnett and D'Arcy. As a web marketing professional, I can appreciate the range in focus, from Internet-based PPC and rich media to the more traditional areas of tv, radio, newspaper, magazine and outdoor. Should be appreciated by marketing directors at small and medium businesses, boutique agencies, and entrepreneurs alike--anyone buying media and dealing with media rates.

5 comments about Proactive Risk Management : Controlling Uncertainty in Product Development.

1. I found this book to be the most approachable, and day to day useful text on risk, currrently available. The authors make it easy to understand, provide a progressive example that builds on the model presented, and they provide a useful risk management toolkit.
   As a trainer, I found the concepts easy to get across to students. They were also able to retain these concepts because they made so much sense.
   Buy it!



2. Over the years, I have encountered nearly every kind of risk in software projects. I found the suggestions in this book for risk analysis and risk management to be simple, clear, and actionable.

   If you're a project manager or a team leader, you need to read this book or one very much like it. Otherwise, you're likely to lead a project without knowing or controlling its risks.

   If you are not in a leadership position, use the concepts in this book to evaluate your leaders. That way, you can find out early how things are likely to turn out.




3. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time on the important topic of risk management. The treatment of the standard risk model is complete, easy to follow, and very practical. Some of the other bonuses include organization/facilitation tips for risk identification workshops, and proposals for tools and reporting formats. The material will quickly lend itself to practical applications in the work place for those who are interested in improving the risk identification and management practices in their organizations.
   Possible improvements to the book could include more technical examples related to product development (the book uses the risk of `heart attack' as an example throughout the book), and a CD with electronic versions of the tools and reports that are proposed.



4. I liked the coverage, and felt the book was of practical value.
   It wasn't just a lecture, teaching generic terms, it explained how to use the concepts and what to avoid.
   
   Plan ahead. What can go wrong that I can do something about, and plan for that well in advance. Concentrate on 7-10 things that can be managed.



5. I really tuned into the title "Proactive" Risk Management -- expecting to learn some new and valuable risk management techniques, and I relied heavily on other reviewer's comments; unfortunately, my take on this book is quite different from theirs -- and that's why I'm writing -- so that others won't be misled, as I was.
   
   I was quite disappointed in this book; I feel like I wasted my money. Normally I read such books very carefully; highlighting interesting and/or important points, and take lots of notes; however, this book is almost un-marked, and I took no notes.
   
   As a PMP-certified project manager, I like to see books such as this relate their material to the Project Management Institute (PMI)'s PMBOK.
   
   The authors made passing reference to the PMBOK early in Chapter 1, but that was about it; they didn't specifically relate their content to PMI's PMBOK, and given PMI's stature as industry standard, I consider that to be a significant omission.
   
   If you're new to the area of risk management, and want an easy-to-read "How-To," you might enjoy this book.
   
   However, if you're an experienced project/risk manager, I'd recommend you buy something else.
   
   As for me, I'll put it on my bookshelf, where it will probably simply gather dust. I found this book to be merely a "re-hash" of other material, with little information that that I didn't already know, i.e., "lightweight," a beginner's introductory "Reader".

5 comments about Its When You Sell That Counts.

1. If you are one of millions of investors who lost a significant amount of wealth since 2000, you should read this book so it doesn't happen again.

   Buying a stock or fund is relatively easy. There are legions of "experts" who will tell you what to buy. But buying is only half of the story. Selling, most experienced traders would argue, is more important. Selling preserves capital, reduces risks, and retains profits. Yet, it is very rare to find someone who will recommend when to sell an investment. The fact that Cassidy's book is one of the very few that addresses selling a stock makes it unique.

   Cassidy addresses the common objections to the "buy and sell", as opposed to the "buy and hold" approach to stock investing, and also provides some guidelines on when to close out a trade.
   If you decide to invest in individual stocks, you MUST read this book. Buy and Hold is for index funds. The buy and sell approach is a MUST for individual stocks. If you doubt that, think of Enron.




2. I purchased this book based on the rave reviews on Amazon.
   In general it is well written. In my opinion it is one of the first books a retail investor has to read when dealing with a broker. On the other hand, if I were a broker, I would buy it for my clients.

   The comparison to the similarly titled book by Justin Mamis, in my opinion, is simply a coincidence. They are totally different books directed at different audience. I would put Mr. Mamis' book in the same category as the book by 'Tape Reading and Market Tactics' by Humphrey Neill.

   Final thought.. if you buy this book (as a new investor) and find that the information is overwhelming. It is time to find a good money manager to do that on your behalf (check the Market Wizard books by Schwager). Investing is a costly game ..




3. Cassidy does a good job informing investors that there is more to investing than simply buying stock and then forgetting you own it. The selling decision is a vital part of the investment process for all successful investors. The author discusses reasons why investors fail to sell intelligently and guides them to making better decisions. Once the decision to sell has been made, I recommend investors consider using call options to sell the stock at a price above the current price. To learn how to accomplish this with options, read THE SHORT BOOK ON OPTIONS.



4. This book has 2 problems, which account for my low rating:

   1. This book is focused only on "trading" and not investing. In other words, it seeks to maximize short term profits, and does not deal with the investor who is willing to take risks and ride out adversity and selling opportunities for a profit in the long term. Unfortunately, this orientation is not explained in the book description, and is only stated as a "by the way" on page 87. I probably would not have bought it if I had known this. For the investor, this book is of very limited value. It is hard for me to judge the value to traders, since I am not very knowledgable on the subject.

   2. The bulk of this book is explanation of technical sell indicators. There is no attempt to connect between them, merely to catalog all the various "sell" signs. The fact that many of the indicators may contradict themselves with an individual stock is not dealt with.

   On the positive side, the first part of the book lays out a laundry list of reasons why there is a bias against selling, ranging from the nature of the brokerage industry to behavioral economics. I found this part of the book very interesting and fresh, and it provided useful food for thought about my own patterns of selling. If you can find the book cheaply, it is worth the price for the first section alone, even if you are an investor and not a trader.




5. Anyone can buy stocks - the art for a successful stock broker however, lies in selling at just the right time. The Third Edition of "It's When You Sell That Counts" is a guide for amateur stock brokers to help sell at the right time to maximize their profits. He presents a powerful hold/sell test to show when one should rid oneself of a stock at its peak, while examining what may prevent them from selling at the right time - both physical and psychological barriers. Packed cover to cover with invaluable advice for any broker, and enhanced with an index and many appendixes, "It's When You Sell That Counts" is highly recommended to personal finance shelves everywhere.

No comments about Six Sizzling Markets: How to Profit from Investing in Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Korea, and Mexico.