It’s not very often I make a book recommendation without reading it all first, but sometimes you don’t have to.

In this case, I know the author very well, not on a personal level but I discovered his blog almost 20 years ago (yes, he has been at it that long) and it eventually inspired me to start my first one almost 10 years ago.

When it comes to investing, more importantly being halfway successful in that endeavor we all tend to think about lack of knowledge.

I read my first book on investing poolside during my last semester in college. The year was 1997. It started an insatiable thirst for knowledge that sticks with me to this day.

Knowledge or “knowing what to do” if you will is a moving target, it always has been. You learn, you adapt.

Looking for a way to learn faster? That’s easy. Screw up more.

I’ve learned many a lesson in markets the hard way, like being on the wrong side of a trade I didn’t fully understand to begin with. Ignoring simple things like diversifcation.

Most of my mistakes were due to being overconfident. They still are. A few wins will do that to you, you’re now suddenly an expert and all too willing to push your chips to the center of the table.

Mr. Market accepts those chips slowly with a smile and quietly efficiently hands your ass back to you in return. What just happened?… you say.

I already know a hardcopy version of this one will sit on my top shelf where very few reside.

Sometimes the best thing you can do while investing is get out of your own way (and stay out of it). Try to be less stupid!

So to my friends, former co-workers and strangers alike who frequent these pages, take a few minutes to get to know Barry below and check out his latest book.

Sometimes you just know when it’s worth the read, this one is a no-brainer for me and I am sure you will agree. Enjoy.