How to Trade In Stocks

I have to strongly disagree with the 1 star reviews on this book. Despite reading all the negative reviews based on Smitten's shameless self promotion of his website, I bought the book anyway and am quite glad I did.While I do agree 100% that Smitten's offering of some nonsensical JL stock trading computer program is an insult to the late and great Livermore himself, the promotion of this system is limited to maybe 3 pages total, in the entire book. WHO CARES. Yes the author is a fool to think that anyone with half a brain would buy into that crap, especially when it stands for a concept that JL spent his life decrying - not doing the work yourself and essentially living on a form of "tips".However, Smitten does happen to put together a fantastic tribute to such an incredible figure (With the obvious exception of the promotion noted above). The anecdotes about Livermore's family life were useful and engaging for someone who appreciates history and learning about the man behind the legend. The deck of photos included in the book were such a treat! Pictures were annotated and made the book come to life.When you buy this book, you are getting the original "How to Trade in Stocks" by JL, as well as commentary by the author, and a limited bio of JL. Of course a serious collector has read, or should absolutely read the following about JL:Reminiscences of a Stock Operator: With New Commentary and Insights on the Life and Times of Jesse Livermore (Annotated Edition) (I read original and bought this to read and to add to my collection. I skimmed commentary and that alone makes it worth price of book)Jesse Livermore - Boy Plunger: The Man Who Sold America Short in 1929 (Bought, skimmed through and this is another must have for a collector, I will review in full after I get through it)Jesse Livermore's Methods of Trading in Stocks (Read this several times and it is an excellent summary of JL's trading methodology, get the audiobook too, very very cheap!)Jesse Livermore: World's Greatest Stock Trader (I include this because I just bought it as it is recognized as being the most complete bio of JL. A must if you are a collector, but this is not so much of an investing book, it is more of a historical examination of JL's life, which is certainly appealing to me)In closing, a summary of positives and negatives about the book:Pros:-An intact version of the original "How To Trade in Stocks" by JL including his "Market Key" stock tracking system, reproduced in color in back of book-Pictures of JL and family in middle of book-Anecdotes of JL's life surrounding trading methodology to further demonstrate, illustrate and support different aspects of said methodology-Commentary on methodology which served to reinforce points, produce up to date applications and examples, and support learning points through repetition.Cons:-Advertisement for some ridiculous stock trading software subscription, which is indeed an insult to the memory of JL and everything he stood for.The author made a grave error in attempting to profit off the reputation of JL through a trading system. Shame on him for that. However, his contribution to the memory and methodology of JL in this book as well as his well regarded bio of JL certainly make up for his absurd slip up with the subscription software...Highly recommended as an investing book AND collectors item, especially at such a good price.

The first section of this book is a timeless classic and would merit five stars on it's own merit. I found it very disappointing that the author chose to use the remainder of the book to unabashedly promote his monthly subscription software. Jesse Livermoore and his methods, along with his market wisdom, can be studied in "Reminiscences of a Stock Operator". I would suggest that Mr. Smitten write his own book, based on any value that he feels he has to offer his reader. Piggy-backing on a legend is in very bad taste!

If you've read Reminiscence of a Stock Operator then you know a bit about JL. That book was good and very interesting to read and provided a few good clues about JL's trading habits, but How to Trade Stocks is hands down a far deeper piece of work. I used to think that William O'Neil came up with a lot of his ideas that IBD uses in trading, but I can see from this book that Livermore was brilliantly the originator of many of these concepts. This is a must read for anyone who has traded stocks and wasn't satisfied with their performance. This book is full of wisdom, I particularly liked how JL examined the emotional aspect of trading, the constant reminder to take your losses early and the not-so-obvious-at-first concept of buying breakouts into new high territory. JL explains concepts of overhead supply that are enlightening. My only regret is not reading this book earlier.

Most traders and investors that stumble upon Jesse Livermore read his book " Reminiscences of a Stock Trader". This book, "How to Trade in Stocks" is by far the better read. "How to Trade in Stocks" actually gives you an excellent road map for how to trade, something that "Reminiscences" does not. While "How to Trade in Stocks" is not the better seller, it should be. It offers useful information that any investor or trader can benefit from. The book also infuses amusing historical anecdotes and photos from Livermore's personal life and professional career. Highly recommended.

I've never purchased anything authored by Mr. Smitten before now, and after reading this book it's unlikely I ever will again. The passages written by Livermore excepted, the book reads like it was written by a 5th grader and was never reviewed by a professional editor. The text is full of typos, and both fractured and run-on sentences. The word "likelihood" appeared in one section as "likely hood" -- no kidding -- not to mention the substitutions of "then" for "than" and "there" for "their" among others. In addition, the book often repeats itself. Passages that appear earlier in the book often reappear in later chapters verbatim. The icing on the cake is the juvenile promotion of the author's "Money Management and Emotional Control Software" on page 180. Emotional Control Software...really? Overall, this book is a very sloppy effort. The only reason I give it two stars is due to the fact it contains some of Livermore's insights in his own words, which I'm sure can be found elsewhere. If you're thinking of adding this mess of a book to your cart, save your money.

The book is interesting up to the second part, where it repeats the same stuff consistently and annoyingly till the end of it. Most of the things we learn from this book can be learned from another book called Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, which is a biography of Jesse Livermore (using a pseudonym), an absolute classic, and way more enjoyable.

Amazing book - incredible insight. Ive read it a couple of times now. some really great lessons from this godfather of trading. "Only sell your position when the market tells you to, not because of what your emotions tell you to". "Only add to winning positions, losers add to losing positions". Honestly the tales and knowledge i've got from this book have changed the way I trade for the better. The kindle version is a couple of bucks aswell, no brainer

Jessie Livermore was a remarkable trader - book is packed full of time tested trading strategy

Pearls of wisdom from a master. Definitely recommended to everyone. Those trading will grasp and marvel at what is said as they can connect more easily to what is said.

A horse's mouth account from another era.Jesse's words have enduring appeal and value.I'd recommend this book to any experienced investor, trader or speculator - it could change the way you do things forever.

Good for beginners.

really if you are interested in the stock market buy this book

Very happy as I expected.

not bad worth a look

Interesting book

perfect contain. arrived on time.

There are a number of 'focused' investors/ speculators who beat the markets. Jesse Livermore is certainly one of those although the method he used WITHOUT the use of a computer is amazing!

A worthwhile read

Helped me to sleep.

Jessie Livermore is one of the pioneers in trading stocks. Really helpful book for those who wants to learn more