5 comments about An American Hedge Fund: How I Made $2 Million as a Stock Operator & Created a Hedge Fund.

1. Tim's book was an unexpectedly pleasurable read. Boy makes good, the "great American dream". Refreshing in the telling (and I must say, I agree with other reviewers, it does remind me of Reminiscences of a Stock Operator), it highlights the incredible euphoria and gut wrenching lows of penny stock trading. While not a trading manual, his downfall trade of Cygnus paints a quintessential story of a newer trader's education and downfall by letting emotions/ego take over and ignore the market facts. The fact is, the market doesn't care what you think. Get over it.
   
   Tim's book is also a great read for its take behind the hedge fund curtain and market manipulation. When you finish this book you should know that the odds are stacked against you at all times, particularly as a small investor. Penny stocking is a risky business. Tim's book is the appetizer. Buy his DVD for the whole enchilada.



2. Tim's business model is simple - brutal honesty. His book, An American Hedge Fund, is just that, brutally honest. The finance industry is filled with corruption, manipulation, and arrogance of the highest degree. Tim's brutally honest story about his trading experiences (both good and bad), illustrates his character and supports his business model.
   
   An American Hedge Fund gives its readers the opportunity to ride Tim's stock-market-roller-coaster-ride where he takes $12,000 and turns into $2,000,000. That by itself is both inspiring and motivational, but the book adds another dimension which I found to be even more stimulating; Tim's introspective journey. The psychology behind trading stocks is truly fascinating and first-hand experience can be truly humbling. The life lessons Tim learns from trading stocks, which he openly shares in his book, apply to all areas of life, which the reader will either identify with or learn from.
   
   For someone who has never traded a stock in his life (me!), this book peaked my interest to learn the stock market. An American Hedge Fund will not teach you how to trade stocks or reveal secrets on how to become a millionaire. What An American Hedge Fund does give you is an honest story of how one person, Timothy Sykes, was able to defy the odds and achieve the American Dream.
   
   I've read An American Hedge Fund twice and I highly recommend this book if you have any interest in the stock market or if you're looking for an easy read that's entertaining and honest. An American Hedge Fund brings a spiritual enlightenment to finance, which is really cool.
   
   I`ve also ordered Tim's DVD (Pennystocking)and frequent his blog at [...]. I would recommend both as well. Tim's DVD is educational and his blog is honest. The short-selling strategy will only make a strong trader better and help a novice trader become successful in the markets.



3. I did enjoy reading "An American Hedge Fund" since the author is well-known in the daytrader community for turning $12K into $1.65 million when he was still in college and the story of how he did it is certainly worth the read. Timothy Sykes comes across more like a normal daytrader, as opposed to a true Wall Street insider. This makes him easier to identify with. However, this also does make the book a little less interesting since much of it just describes various penny-stock trades he did and his rationale behind them, which gets repetitive after a while. When I picked up the book, I was hoping either for material that would help improve my own trading technique, or maybe just an interesting story, but the book comes up a little short on both fronts.



4. This book is awesome!!!! You will probably finish this book very quickly, because this book is very interesting and enticing.
   
   Tim has taught me so much in this book! Tim cuts the "bullship", and teaches you lessons you will never forget. I am only 15 and recently begun playing the stock market, and thanks to this book I have avoided many beginner mistakes.
   
   This book is truly amazing, I would recommend buying it for anyone even if they're not into finance! Tim has truly inspired me and he will inspire you too!
   
   -Liam



5. Where to begin? All of the other people that have reviewed this book and given it a 1-star rating are spot on. Like everyone said, he got lucky during the dotcom bubble and doesn't know how to make money any more. I love the fact that he's obsessed with selling short while he has his hedge fund - then the arrogant prick has the audacity to blame industry regulations for this failures as a hedge fund manager. The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over again and expecting something different - according to this definition, Sykes is definitely insane. I'm sorry, but if you can't make money with $2 million USD, how is having $10 million USD going to improve your trading?
   
   More than anything, I'm angry. I normally find that I can rely on Amazon's ratings for a book, but this one was a HUGE let down. I can't believe I wasted valuable time and money on this garbage.

5 comments about The ART of Trading: Combining the Science of Technical Analysis with the Art of Reality-Based Trading (Wiley Trading).

1. This book is a must read for all traders as it gives an insightfull view of what can be acheived by an applied common sense approach to trade management.
   Forget about "black box" systems that make millions (for their purveyors!)
   This when followed up with the free trial of the software will change your attitude and lower your stress and confusion levels to a degree which will make you wonder where has Bennett beeen for the last ten years.
   You will, if you are smart enough to think a bit and make some own decisions based on your own experience find this to be an invaluable tool.
   For inexperienced traders, just use the defaults and paper trade for a while; the results if you select your market and comfort zone will pleasantly surprise.



2. I am a beginning trader that likes to move slow, stay in order and keep things simple. If you are like me I recommend reading this book only after you have first read Bennetts other book 'A Traders Money Management System'. I am currently in the research stage of comparing "trading systems" and first wanted to read 'the The ART of Trading' before trying the system demo. I like how Bennett gives an overview of his system and that it is not overly complex or intimidating. After reading both books I can say that I have not been disappointed. The books have given me a sense of order and direction and so far have satisfied my methodical personality. I look forward to re-reading them again and again. Thanks Bennett.



3. Bennett consolidates his many years of experience to provide a high-level reference for traders. The book refers to the components of a successful methodology as pieces of a pie. For long-term success as a trader, complete and thorough coverage of all are necessary. The chapter on creating a business plan and identifying your own trading "style" are especially good.
   
   The book and DVD videos cover all aspects of the ART methodology. The use of notes directly on the charts provides clarity that is often not found in other books which have you flipping pages to get back to an illustration.
   
   As a user of the software, I found that the coverage of all trading styles to be very useful. Markets go through various periods and different approaches are needed. Bennett covers the ART techniques for trading bracketed, trending and counter-trending markets, as well as scalping.
   
   This book is a very welcome addition to my library.



4. This book was very organized and well written. Although the ART software that is referenced in the book is proprietary, the book has abundant and generally useful information on the business and art of trading. The sections on calculating trade size and setting stops are extremely valuable as well as the information on determining what kind of a trader you are (i.e. position trader, day trader, scalper etc.) along with the types of markets to choose.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a fundamental understanding of trading and to establish their trading practice on a firm foundation. The outcome of reading the book, for me, was to undertake an evaluation of the ART software as a TradStation plugin.
   
   Happy Trading!



5. It is written in layman words & is a very easy read.
   The nice thing is it comes with a 30 free trial to the system, which I am looking forward to.
   It explains the ART System clearly & precisely & gives excellent recommendations for implementing the strategies. It gives precise Entry, Exit, Stops & Targets, & explains how these have more meaning in real time not after the fact as most indicators do.
   Not only does it explain the System, but gives comprehensive instruction to handle the psychology of the market & ones own personality.
   A simple & straight forward approach on how to succeed in the markets long term. Well thought out, with plenty of insight to money management & preparing a trading plan.
   
   A very useful book, giving a complete, reliable & straight forward approach to trading in any time frame or any style.
   
   Thanks Bennett.

5 comments about Tools and Tactics for the Master DayTrader: Battle-Tested Techniques for Day, Swing, and Position Traders.

1. I think this book provides some very relevant ideas for the mental preparation required to be a trader. Sure, it may be a bit repetitive but the author's believe in repitition for learning anyway. I'll re-read it again and again.



2. This book is really the one. Now I fell more confident when I strike the market. No more words than JUST PERFECT. I do recommend this book.



3. They have written the perfect book for the beginning trader or the trader who is struggling and needs to get back to the basics. They cover trading psychology thoroughly and offer an excellent introduction to basic trading systems.
   
   David Colletti
   Founder
   StockTradersHQ.com



4. This book is by far the most informative that I have read in a very long time. Most other books on the subject of trading offer only so much. However, O.V. goes much further in that he gives actual methods by which one can enhance his trading techniques many fold. I recommend this book to any and all - beginners and experienced traders. I only wish I had come upon this book years ago!



5. Wow. This book sure has received a wide range of reviews. I do respect that those who claim many years of successful trading didn't like it, but then I notice that some of them seem to despise it because it didn't tell THEM anything new or meet THEIR expectations for style.
   
   Then some of the one star reviews leave me wondering if we read the same book. I didn't see as much advertising as they did at all.
   
   I'm rather new to short term trading and have read a number of other books before this one. I thought that there was a lot of specific insights in the book clearly presented and some clear tactics and chart formations presented in the context of making trading decisions (as opposed to simply educating people on general chart analysis). However I come to the book understanding that it is only information, not a recipe and that I need to investigate and test out their ideas to see if they work for me.
   
   I appreciated the explanation of using Level II information. This is the first practical information I've been able to find on this subject (not saying it isn't out there, I just haven't found this kind of tactical explanation).
   
   It's true that you will regularly run across misspellings which shouldn't be in such a professional publication and their repetition of the phrase "the master trader" makes the authors seem a bit pretentious but then I've noticed that many authors on trading aren't English majors. That's OK with me if they can teach me to trade successfully.
   
   My biggest concern is that a number of the practical nuggets in the book are out of date. It was written before the crash of 2000. The market and the electronic trading landscape that they describe is 8 years older by now. Not all of the "big 5" companies they tell us to follow as indicators aren't the leaders they were back then.
   
   All in all, as a beginner mining for information of all kinds, I found some helpful information and advice in the book if taken in the context of other books, but would rather see something that is much more current.
   
   I highly recommend Van K. Tharp's "Trade Your Way To Financial Freedom" before, as a basic primer on investing/trading to put all the other books and courses in context.

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Day Trading: A Practical Manual From a Professional Day Trading Coach.

1. I've been studying day-trading for about a year but still found this book to be a good read. It doesn't get too heavy into trading strategies or a lot of market internals but it does give you a good place to start if you're new. It discusses some essential things like having the right mindset about trading (which is one of the most important things). There are two things that the author states that I disagree with and they are:
   
   1. You need multiple strategies for when the markets are going up, down, or sideways.
   
   2. You should be trading different markets.
   
   I don't know about you, but I would rather find ONE good strategy that works most of the time (nothing works 100% of the time). I don't want to have to worry about trying to change my strategy every day, I would have have my strategy be flexible enough to adjust to the market.
   
   I also don't want to have to switch between markets to try to make money, this seems counter productive. Why try to be a master of all markets when you can follow one market closely and learn how it moves and behaves.
   
   Other than these 2 things, I think this book is a good place to start.I would recommend it to those looking to get into day-trading.



2. I bought this book for one reason, and one reason only - to see what the author had to say about trading strategies. I appreciated the sections on what it takes to become a day trader - mindset, funds, goals - and the chapters that dealt with info for newbies, like finding a broker and picking a market, but I've been a trader for awhile. It was nice refresher material, but not the main reason I bought the book.
   
   Since I first began trading, I've been trying to find the ideal strategy for me. I've found a lot of elements from different trading strategies that I like, but I haven't found any one strategy that seems to fit me perfectly. Because of that, I've thought a lot about what it takes to create a well-tested, reliable strategy. What do you need? How much depends on numbers and how much depends on your personal preferences? And how do you go about creating a new strategy that's successful in the markets and also works for your trading style?
   
   When I read the back cover of this book, I finally found something that might be able to answer my questions. One of the main elements of the book is that it lays out a seven-step approach to creating your own trading strategy, and I was hooked. I bought my copy right then and there. And I'm really glad I did.
   
   These are the seven steps outlined in The Complete Guide to Day Trading for creating your own strategy:
   
   Step 1: Selecting a Market
   Step 2: Selecting a Timeframe
   Step 3: Selecting a Trading Approach
   Step 4: Defining Entry Points
   Step 5: Defining Exit Points
   Step 6: Evaluating Your Strategy
   Step 7: Improving Your Strategy
   
   I can't really go into detail on each step, even though I'd like to, but the ones that were really essential to me were Steps 3-7, especially 6 and 7. I finally feel like I have a good idea of what a reliable trading strategy needs to be. And I have the knowledge to test my strategy, revise it, improve it, and use it in a way that complements my trading preferences and style.
   
   I'm a satisfied reader, and if anyone else out there is interested in the same thing as me, then I would say this book is exactly what you're looking for.



3. Day trading is a potentially rewarding but also quite risky profession. Many day traders jump into their new career role with both feet, but they don't succeed and often quit as quickly as they started. They either end up losing money or they make so little that they cannot leave their day job and work exclusively as a day trader.
   
   Lack of education, lack of discipline, and other factors are among the reasons many people don't succeed when they attempt to make a living as a day trader and this is where The Complete Guide to Day Trading can help. This book explains the do's and don'ts of the profession and it includes graphic illustrations that help explain how to spot trends, how to know the right timing for buying and selling, and how to realize when the time is right to get out of a specific investment and move on to the next.
   
   Day Trading requires discipline, education, timing, and planning. These areas, and others like them, are emphasized over and over again in this book because anyone who is lacking in any of these areas is almost certain to fail. For example, one of the most common mistakes made in day trading is not having the discipline to quit while you're ahead. A person will be trading away and will have made a decent amount of money for the day. But because market conditions are favorable and the money is looking good, the day trader will suddenly feel a surge of greed and want to continue trading. Sometimes, more money will be made but more often than not, the gains from earlier in the day will be wiped out, resulting in no positive cash flow for the day. On the opposite end, the same occurrence is commonplace. A day trader might be having a bad day with losses of a few hundred dollars. Instead of quitting for the day and hoping for a better tomorrow, the day trader will suddenly increase the amount of his/her investments in an effort to gain back what was lost. Panic can then result, leading to even greater losses. This is why discipline and planning are so important. The day trader needs to set a goal for daily earnings and then stick to that goal, resisting the temptation to continue trading.
   
   Besides the advice on attitude, education, and the like, The Complete Guide to Day Trading is also very practical about the science of day trading and it includes many graphic illustrations to help day traders learn how markets work. This is very valuable information and these graphs and the accompanying text rank amount the most helpful parts of the entire guide. Many individuals may have sufficient education, discipline, and planning strategies, but they may have little knowledge about the actual tracking of stock options, futures contracts, foreign currency, etc. This book offers a quick overview of these different investments and how they work, followed by actual graphic illustrations that indicate the pricing trends for a specific commodity or financial security on a given day. Using these illustrations, the book indicates precise ways to spot trends and the exact moment to buy and sell.
   
   Day trading should never be viewed as a get rich quick scheme and I like that the author doesn't promote day trading in this manner. I also like the way he includes evaluations of different software products for tracking pricing changes throughout the day and I like his lists of helpful hints and principles for day trading. Some of the educational material on stock options, futures contracts, etc., isn't as thorough as it could be, but the approach of this book is very practical and hands- on, and it serves as an effective resource for someone considering day trading as a full or part time profession.



4. The book is definitely insightful. I am happy that I purchased it. I do believe if I had a better understanding of the trading world then maybe the information would resignate more.



5. Day trading is not easy, and this book does a great job in "keeping it simple." The book explains how to always go for singles consistently, not the home run everyone wants. Also, good traders have a plan, and they are disciplined toward it. Traders without a plan are just gamblers. This book is so to the point, and for $15.95, you cannot afford to not have this book! 5 stars!

5 comments about A Beginner's Guide to Short-Term Trading: How to Maximize Profits in 3 Days to 3 Weeks.

1. I've read this book twice, [I read everything multiple times] good entree into various mkt-related topics, though certainly requires follow up via other books, methods, research. Being a golden Buddha, I love the centerpoints.



2. This book taught me a great deal in a short time. It was not only easy to read, but informative and encouraging. She explains concepts in a very straightforward manner plus and was very positive about trading in general. I would recommend this book to anybody just starting out and want to learn more about trading stocks using technical analysis.



3. Learning to trade confidently & profitably was probably the most daunting endeavor I've ever taken up. As a former novice trader, I recall having the feeling that I was paralyzed by uncertainty and self-doubt about my trades. It seemed then that there was drastically more information than a person could take in. Everything I heard or read made me believe that it was so critical and important. Yet I never seemed to understand how I should use what I was learning. I was always a step behind the market, chasing the crowd and loosing money. The more I traded the more frustrated I became. I thought I'd never understand how to trade. I'd lost so much money and enthusiasm that I considered quitting trading and leaving it up to smarter people than myself. I was beaten and embarrassed.
   
   That was all before I read this book. Toni showed me step by step what I needed to know in order to get a firm grasp of trading successfully and profitably. What made this book so special to me is that Toni has an easy style that describes everything in really plain language. She takes nothing for granted when she explains how to read charts and when to buy and sell. She rounds out every chapter with some words of wisdom that guide the novice and expert trader alike toward having the knowledge, attitude and confidence to succeed. It's akin to having a "market mentor" showing you the ropes in a very thoughtful and intuative way. She's a great teacher and what I've learned from her has been the foundation for all of the knowledge I've aquired since reading this book.
   
   In short, this book helped me see the beauty and simplicity of trading for profit & I'll never give it up (I do it for a living).
   
   Brian Berry [...]



4. this book is good for beginner but i think if it has more real life example that will be more easy to understand.Should have specific rather then histroy.helal for sydney australia



5. Excellent book - fast shipping - excellent condition - will buy from you again. Thanks very much

3 comments about Day Trading For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. I received this book as a gift and, at first, I was skeptical. I spent 20 years working for investment banks starting as a runner on the floor and retiring as the head of a trading desk. "What," I asked, "does this book have to teach me?"
   
   Ah, beware of hubris! I was pleasantly surprised at what I learned. The book has a good introduction to how to obtain the sorts of information that a real day trader will need, but is best on the emotional. Emotions are almost always overlooked. I've seen lots of bright people rise to a certain point on a trading desk and then just implode because they couldn't handle the stress. And these were people working with other's money. It is even worse when it's your own dough on the line. The guy who practices day trading until he has his system all ready and then blows out a month after going live is very common.
   
   Early in my career I started my own firm. This was before day trading was even technically possible and the firm was in the options pits. I got on the emotional roller coaster: on good days it was "Come on Honey, its steak dinner time!" On bad days I tried to save money by rationing toothpaste. It all ended in tears.
   
   This is all by way of stressing the role emotions play in successfully trading the market. This book discusses strategies actually employed by some of the best traders on Wall Street and the book is worth looking into for that alone.



2. I have a Mensa IQ - have traded equities for 15 years and found this book to be complex and difficult to read. It presumes a lot of things that puts this well outside the title " For Dummies." "Daytrading for Intermediate to Advanced Traders" would be more honest.
   If you are looking for simple understanding of the day trading concept, look elsewhere. If you want an advanced text, this is probably a minimally fair choice.



3. This book has been wonderful for me explaining the very basics of day trading! I would highly reconmend this book to anyone who wants to see what it's all about and how things work. It's obviously not meant to be a detailed book but more of "what this means and what that means". Perfect for dummmies!

5 comments about Trade What You See: How To Profit from Pattern Recognition (Wiley Trading).

1. This book is one of the easiest reading technical analysis books I've read. The book lays out a fairly simple mechanical system which can be implemented immediately to improve one's bottom line. I've been using the patterns and techniques in this book for a little over a month and it has helped me more than just about any other book out there. I now have a specific plan of action and rules to follow when I enter the market every day.
   
   I would say that the only area lacking in the book is the mental side of the equation. But this isn't a book on the psychology of trading. The psychology of trading is far too important to be covered in a chapter in a book on technical pattern recognition. Those looking for guidance on the psychological side of trading would do well to read books by Dr. Brett Steenbarger, and the first half of Trading Chaos by Dr. Bill Williams.
   
   I would say that reading the first half of Trading Chaos and then Trade What You See could be a real recipe for success for a lot of traders. Every trader has a different perspective and style, and every trader needs to find their own style. These two books fit my style best and I think they could help others as well.



2. Should be used by Advanced Traders...Also if you like to use triangules and Fibonnacci as tolls for trading decisions.



3. Respect to the author, but a lot of this material can be found on the internet already, such as the AB=CD and Gartley patterns. For a book about visual pattern recognitions, the b/w blurry charts were a disappointment. Authors take note, shell extra for some color and larger charts will convey more than words, it would become a bestseller fast. Still, I've timed some profitable options trades using the geometric patterns.
   A Pesavento must have book is Astro Cycles...if you are ready for it



4. I am new to the world of trading, and I have already read many books, seen seminars, etc.
   
   Out of everything I have read, this book is not only the most practical and objective, but it also includes many poignant examples of both successful and failed trades. The patterns in this book are consistent and all build from Fibonacci ratios as well as the classic AB=CD pattern.
   
   I cannot recommend this book enough. Out of every trading book I have, this is my favorite. It is well worth the money.
   
   One note: it does take a little time to break into at first. I don't know that the opening of the book eases the reader into it, but if you get frustrated just skim the Fibonacci parts and go into the AB=CD pattern. It gets clearer from there.
   
   One of my favorite books!!



5. Great Book on simple TA... It was not what I expected but a cool book..

5 comments about High Probability trading.

1. I've bought alot of trading books, usually at 50 bucks a pop, and some of them really leave you groaning about. I rationalize that even one good idea, even it just reinforces something I already know or reminds of something I forgot or ignored then it's better that losing 50 bucks to the market. It's kind of like trading itself, you take some losses but the winners make up for it.
   
   This was a great book. One of the best sections I've seen on stops and exits. It goes more into the proper mentality than cookbook strategies, but it goes deep into areas alot of other books overlook or just don't develop beyond a few cliche's. If you're past the introduction level and already own all the indicator catalogs then this is a great pick. Not too deep into the tools, but good in that area too. Mentality and strategy development without becoming a psychology book. Excellent. The 1 star guys missed the point.



2. like I did for about 3 years. Now I that I finally picked it up I am almost a third of the way through and already has Marcel Link's clear, honest, to the point language and approach to day trading dotted my i's and crossed my t's several times over. Yes, I did read books about small cap value investing, how to read charts and how to make money using all kinds of fancy systems before this one and I recommend you do the same. But don't stop there - go ahead and finish your training with this excellent work. Marcel's straightforward message is so simple yet so deep that I hope it will, just like it is already doing for me, banish all your fears about making mistakes and still coming out a winner. I write this on purpose because if you are not making money in the market you probably have a fear of winning and/or are making too many mistakes. Right after I started reading this book I had my first winning streak in years only to face an age old stumbling block just a week later; this time, thanks to Marcel's warning, I could honestly say to myself "It's OK, keep going" and I actually was able to prevent a big loss because the market had turned against me. Thanks to Marcel's "handholding" I had the courage to read all the charts before rushing into a decision that could have cost me. This book is for everybody who is missing out on grasping the "whole" of trading. After this, I plan to read more technical books just to stay sharp in that area, but for the time being I am enjoying every page in this volume. Highy recommended.



3. This is an excellent book about trading, especially for the beginner. However, the beginner is not likely to recognize why this book is excellent versus the many books written about trading by non-traders. I highly recommend this book to anyone trying to teach themselves about the markets. If you already are a successful trader, the book may not be that helpful. If I were to teach a course in trading, I would consider using this book as one of the textbooks for the class, in part because there are very few comprehensive good books about trading. I have read the negative reviews posted on Amazon, and I don't think they are, for the most part, informed or fair. I hope the author comes out with a second edition, in part because while I think the content is excellent, the writing could be improved upon. But I'd rather have a substantively excellent book, than one of the many trading books well-written by a non-trader that is unhelpful or even misleading on the substance. "High Probability Trading" is worth the read.



4. At the beginning I thougt I'd read all this before and that it was all the same.
   But soon after reading some more I learned some new things, f.exmpl. to use the fibonacci retracement properly, this is mandatory because every serious trader watches these levels and trade thereafter.
   
   Marcel also goes through exit strategies , something very few other authors do.
   He uses his own hard earned wisdom to give great advices.
   
   One of the most important things was the money management chapter, if a trader misses out on this one the it doesn't matter how good a technician he or she may be.
   
   One of the best trading books I've read, just wish I'd read this one earlier.
   
   Good Luck !



5. I have a small collection of books on stock trading. For the most part they tell me what other people did to be on the payday side of the market. Some are specific to a set of methods (How To Make Money In Stocks: A Winning System in Good Times or Bad, 3rd Edition), others are good read on what a trader should know, practice, do or not do (Invest Like a Shark: How a Deaf Guy with No Job and Limited Capital Made a Fortune Investing in the Stock Market).
   
   Marcel Link takes a practical approach to high probability trades. The basic idea:
   You are a good ping pong player who beats all the neighbors in your basement. Do you think you would do well at the US Open?
   Last weekend you managed not to drown while crossing the 25 yards of your local pool. Do you think you can beat Michael Phelps?
   
   What is the probability of a positive outcome of one of the above? Yet that's exactly what we do when we jump into the stock market and lay our hard earned cash on the line in a bid against professionals with Harvard degrees, years of experience and deep pockets. With such a lineup, what is the probability of us winning?
   
   This book explains in a good level of detail that actually yes, there is a probability of winning. However, one needs to do a bit of learning, training and planning beforehand. It remains unlikely that you'll beat the seasoned table tennis pro (my opinion), but with knowledge, training, patience and discipline, you'll be able to pocket a few points instead of getting blown off the table.
   
   The book goes to great lengths to explain that trading the market is a serious business decision that requires knowledge, preparation, planning and above all, discipline.
   
   Marcel Link explains how several technical indicators work, how traders use them, when to use them and when to stay away from them. He tells you "look, here is a pattern that seems to have worked in the past" but he also points out that a single pattern alone doesn't make for a good trade and it is up to you to find, interpret and evaluate such pattern and get it confirmed (or not) by other indicators.
   
   This book is an eye opener. One of the very first things I did after cracking it open was to look back and evaluate my past trades. It is horrifying to realize how easily I could have lost a lot of money due to my "buying strategies". I would have never made those trades if I knew then what I know today.
   
   Summary:
   - very well written book, concise style with a touch of humor, very well organized
   - very readable, written in simple and effectively used plain English, no typos
   - sticks to the point of making trades that have higher probability of payoff
   - describes the toolbox needed to find, evaluate and execute great trades
   - leans a bit towards short term trading and has commodity trading examples sprinkled through quite frequently. However, both the short term and commodity trading strategies are applicable to long term trades as well
   - spends quite a few pages on trader psychology, establishing a trading plan, writing a money management plan and coming up with a game strategy
   - emphasizes that a well designed and thought through entry point is just the beginning of a good trade and it needs an equally well designed and thought through exit point. Otherwise a good entry point may turn into a very expensive lesson
   - discipline, discipline, discipline
   
   Conclusion:
   This is not one evening read. You need to study it, consult the market, study your past trades, play with charts, learn various analysis techniques.
   Above all, you need to come up with your plan, test it and come up with your trading identity before you lay a single red cent on the line.
   
   
   Other (my opinion) useful, complementary books:
   How To Make Money In Stocks: A Winning System in Good Times or Bad, 3rd Edition
   Invest Like a Shark: How a Deaf Guy with No Job and Limited Capital Made a Fortune Investing in the Stock Market
   
   Classics:
   Reminiscences of a Stock Operator (Wiley Investment Classics)
   How I Made $2,000,000 In The Stock Market
   How to Trade In Stocks
   
   Technical analysis formulas:
   Technical Analysis from A to Z, 2nd Edition

5 comments about The Complete Guide to Investing in Short Term Trading: How to Earn High Rates of Returns Safely.

1. The Complete Guide to Investing In Short Term Trading by Alan Northcott is a great tool for the novice and seasoned trader alike. It gives real life examples of how traders have won big, lost their shirt and everything in between. The author is much like a personal business consultant. He shows you how to get started and build your business into a long-term, profitable entity. The strategies in this book are priceless. Industry experts convey the same information at seminars and workshops for enormous sums of money.
   
   So whether you are trying to decide if trading is for you or you're reaching for the stars. The Complete Guide to Investing In Short Term Trading is sure to launch you to new levels of success.



2. I've read quite a few books on investing stocks and bonds and this is the first one that addresses the motive behind it all; Emotions. I particularly liked the "Success Stories," a brief yet in depth look at those who have prospered from using this book. As the chapters proceed, stock market buzz words and other important terms are explained in easy to understand, layman's terms. This book provides an entertaining and practical read.



3. For the serious investor, all the information you need to know and do before you make a trade is in this book. It becomes clear that Northcott wants you to become comfortable with the idea of trading and identifies the many challenges that new traders face. He doesn't send the unrealistic approach that you can win every time, but instead explains that you can trade without risking everything if you follow the guidelines in his book. You begin to discover what category you fit into with the different type of traders that are presented in the book and what might work for you using a variety of trading topics and interviews from those who work in the business everyday. Each chapter ends with a summary and a list of important terms filled with tips to become a natural in investing.
   
   Even if you don't invest, you can understand how investing affects everyone and what it takes to become a part-time or full-time trader. Northcott warns the reader to watch out for greed and fear and lets you know what to expect in the industry. Most of what you need to know about brokers, placing your orders, and how to establish a business plan to make your dreams into realistic goals are in this book. Precise information on the different markets and stock exchanges allows the reader to understand more on market makers and market pricing. The chapter on how to view charts is very helpful in deciding on future investments or to understand current investments and analyze stock trends.
   
   Northcott says there needs to be a balance between being safe and taking risks. I'm a frugal person and not one to take a chance, but I might give it a try now. Although some of the information in this book can be presented clearer at times, this book is easier to understand than other investing books. It gives you the tools to make the decisions you will need to make in this profession that will help you to succeed and recognize an opportunity over a downfall.



4. When people first think of trading as a profession, they typically focus on two key elements - self employment and lots of money, and probably not in that order. But The Complete Guide to Investing in Short Term Trading sheds light on the reality of trading - that it's hard work and, if managed the right way, can be quite rewording.
   
   The book opens with a review of the many emotions involved in trading and how there needs to be a balance to have a successful career in trading. It also offers a detailed look at various types of markets (Broad, Stock, Bond, Futures, Options, Forex and Commodity), the types of traders associated with each (Day, Swing and Position), and an overview of order placements.
   
   In detailed description, the book educates readers considering a career in trading about the ins and outs of the trading profession. With its step-by-step instruction, this book is a terrific business tool for anyone with a desire to participate in the world of trading. It offers fundamental information including a glossary for novices and more advanced information for traders already working in the field.
   
   This is one comprehensive book for anyone considering a career as a trader.



5. This is an excellent choice for anyone that is looking for a book to start out with and learn the basics of trading. The author does an excellent job touching on every topic you will need in trading, some of these are: how greed and fear factor into the markets, how the markets operate, the differences between swing traders, position traders and day traders, the different kinds of orders that can be placed, market or limit, stop order or limit stop order, trading using fundamental analysis vs. technical analysis, and the importance of money management in trading, along with the importance of building a trading system that fits your personality and gives you an edge over the markets.
   While experienced traders will get very little out of this book, it is a nice refresher on the psychology of trading and the importance of following your own stock trading system and following your own rules. I rank this book as 5 stars and a must have for traders just starting out, it is a great stepping stone to more advanced books from Alexander Elder and William O'Neal.

5 comments about Trading in the Zone: Master the Market with Confidence, Discipline and a Winning Attitude.

1. The many reviews posted are pretty accurate, in my opinion. This is an excellent book. Enough said.



2. This book changed the way I think and act when trading. If you are an experienced trader or a new trader, this book is a must. It's one of the only sources that focuses on the mental aspect of trading. There are piles of technical, fundamental and system trading books, but this author will introduce you to the most important part of trading - your mind and how to control emotion when putting on a trade!



3. This is a super book.
   The focus is on improving yourself as a trader, but the material can be applied to any aspect of yourself that you wish to understand or improve.
   
   The explanation about how the our minds create, maintain and use our beliefs is very clear and simple. The explanation of how are minds function with exiting beliefs is followed by methods for overcoming limiting behaviors and instilling new beliefs.
   
   A quote that I think we have all been told in some form or another has much clearer personal meaning after reading this book.
   "When it comes to personal transformation, the most important ingredients are your willingness to change, the clarity of your intent, and the strength of your desire."
   
   If you're willing to work on yourself, this book is a fantastic guide.



4. And, it doesn't hurt to read this essential book again every couple of years either as your trading develops and matures.
   
   Some reviewers are critical of the style of writing (psycho babble, motivational, etc) and some are critical of the quality of the writing. Some even think the book is over rated. Don't be swayed by the critics -- just get the book and read it.
   
   You'll find that the message (regardless of the delivery or the style of the writing) is all that matters. If at first the message seems redundant or unfamiliar or a bit uncomfortable, keep an open mind. Remember, repetition of a message enables you to integrate it more effectively. And, if the ideas are a little "out there" for you, it is the revolutionary ideas that are often the ones that inspire true discovery (in trading and life).
   
   Mastering our trading psychology and self awareness is the key to pulling all the other elements together. A terrific system plus great fundamentals won't add up to consistent profitability unless we can master our mind.



5. If you are a new trader, you probably won't "get" this book. It takes some time and pain to realize there's a problem beyond market knowledge. The author says as much.
   
   I read the three star review and I agree with it---there's a lot of words in this book. BUT, as that reviewer said, the gems are there and worth every penny I spent on this book. I'd have paid a thousand dollars for them. I actually bought it because another reviewer said it was the best book he'd read on trading. I'd have to agree.
   
   I have fabulous trading days only to have them followed by disaster days. I thought this was just me, but this book says one thing that will hit home to those who trade: euphoria leads to reckless trading. That's exactly the thought I couldn't put into words and hearing him I realized I'm not alone.
   
   I wasn't going to review the book because I don't need the competition, but then I realized what he says is true---there are few great traders.