What You Can--and Can't--Learn from the World's Greatest Investor
March 10, 2008
In his introduction, Janjigian notes that “to become a successful investor you must be an educated investor, and the best place to start is by examining Buffett’s strategies.” The author—vice president and executive director of the Forbes Investors Advisory Institute—doggedly follows Buffett’s investment trail, scrutinizing the successes and failures of the world’s pre-eminent investment celebrity. Janjigian’s readable, engaging style carries the reader painlessly through the fundamentals and finer points of investing, assaying Buffett’s buying strategies and research methods, while clarifying investment terms and summarizing key points. Although frankly admiring, Janjigian is never fawning and takes pains to make his material clear and compelling; his book is a rounded evaluation of the investment guru’s strategies and a useful primer for business neophytes.
May 1, 2008
With an estimated net worth of $62 billion, businessman/philanthropist Buffett is currently ranked first in "Forbes"'s annual "World's Billionaires" listing. Janjigian (Forbes Investors Advisory Inst.; "Forbes Stock Market Course") has written an intriguing analysis of his investment strategies, showing how small-time investors, too, can put these strategies to use. Janjigian emphasizes that although Buffett has made some mistakes in his investment decisions, "there is one important characteristic that sets [him] apart from so many other investors. He has demonstrated an incredible knack for turning what appeared to be obvious mistakes into eventual successes." Janjigian also discusses Berkshire Hathaway, where shareholder Buffett serves as CEO. Of particular value is the author's analysis of the companies that Berkshire (and Buffett) buy. At the end of each chapter, "key takeaways" summarize specific investment advice. Janjigian's book will appeal to the individual investor and is recommended for public libraries.Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, NY
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