what books do you recommend

I'm actually in the middle of reading The Intelligent Investor, alongside a notebook and pen. It's the only way I'll keep interest in it and interpret it, plus I'll have a paraphrased version to refer to. I did this with Rule #1 by Phil Town too, it's helpful and it helped me understand the book much more.

i started trading pure luck

then chart patterns

then a system i made

then back to only chart patterns

then a combination of the two

Real experience with low cash is the best experience--if you setup a paper account make sure it's live

Stikky Charts--got me started gaining

rich dad poor dad series.
peter lynches books
toni turner book forgot the title, something like beginners guide to day trading
10 minute millionaire
lunch time millionaire

pretty much when you read one, you find another book to read. search amazon and read some reviews, then go to the library and check out the book to see if you will benefit, then if you like it buy it

I'm a beginner as well, so hopefully I'm of help.

Buffetology - written by his ex-daughter in law, it gives great insight into his strategies & thought-process while picking companies to invest in. It's very easy to read & understand as well.

Even Buffett Isn't Perfect

Stock Investing For Dummies - I know the "for dummies" title doesn't really make it the kind of book you want to show off reading, but I've found it's really helping me a lot. It goes over everything you need to know as if you're starting from scratch & again, is easy to read. I'm taking notes while I read it.

The Intelligent Investor - I'm having a hard time reading this one too, but I'm trying. I'm like you in that I need more light reading, or something with a tinge or humor or personality in it. Something like this, while a great book, is difficult for me to get through.

An American Hedge Fund (really interesting story will get you excited about the stock market while providing really good lessons)
Reminisces of a stock operator
How to make money in stocks

All of the books I mentioned are 'light reading', the books will entertain you while teaching you.

I started out with Investing for Dummies.(easy read basics)....Currently reading 2 Jim Cramer books.

I have Read A Bunch...

I have read a bunch of books over the years but I think Cramer's book "Mad Money - Watch TV, Get Rich" is one of the best for learning simple rules of the game.



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+1 on Remininiscences of a stock operator

I would also look at The Market Wizards and by Trade your way to financial freedom by Tharp.

I've been listening to the audio version of Real Money. I'm going to listen to Mad Money next. I'm sure it's good.

I would start with "A Random Walk Down Wallstreet" by Burton Malkiel. Malkiel is an economist at Princeton and began writing the first version of this book in the 70s. It has since evolved with the ever changing markets. It is a must have reference to any investors library. I find myself referring back to it from time to time.

Post system/rules you use please =)

I second Stikky Charts and Toni Turners books (she has written books for swing traders and day traders).
Read them front to back and back to front.... and still keep going back to refresh the basics.

Simon recommended that I read:

Trade Your Way to Financial Freedom by Tharp.

I am still on the first chapter, but I can tell already that it is full of great wisdom. So far, it seems that Tharp is really harping on how important your exits are. Nobody ever talks about exits...Tharp does. THe exit is what makes you profitable...

Cut your losses, and let your winners ride!