Recommended 5 Stock Books for Beginners - Smart Investment Choices

Should You Read Stock Books Before Investing Seriously

Before embarking on the stock market adventure, new investors often ask, “Do I really need to read stock books?” The answer is definitely yes.

Because when we study more information, it’s like putting on armor before entering the battlefield. Understanding the mistakes others have made will help us avoid unnecessary losses and waste.

Another way for those who don’t want to read books is to invest through mutual funds managed by professionals. However, the author recommends reading books because no matter which investment method you choose, having a basic knowledge is essential.

Steps to Choose the Right Stock Books

Tips for beginners in selecting books

For beginners: Choose books written by Thai authors for easier understanding than translated works because:

• Thai language style is easier to comprehend than translated texts
• Stock examples in the books are familiar Thai stocks
• Context aligns with the Thai stock market, not foreign markets
• Avoid potential errors from translation inaccuracies

If choosing translated foreign books, most examples will be foreign stocks, which may be too difficult for beginners.

5 Recommended Stock Books for 2025 - Study Each in Depth

Book 1: Cultivating Stocks for Sustainable Results - A Starting Point for Beginners

Author: Khun Kavi Chukijkasem
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended for: Beginners, new traders, those wanting to build a foundation

This book introduces the concept of Value Investing (VI) from basic to advanced levels, emphasizing business quality, competitiveness, and financial analysis such as gross profit margin and return on equity.

Special feature: Khun Kavi is a renowned VI investor nationwide, currently Deputy Managing Director of Kasikorn Securities. This book has been reprinted 12 times, indicating its popularity.

Pros:

• Easy to understand, simple language
• Clear examples
• Helps avoid overpaying for stocks
• Can be used as a tool to improve investment results

Cons: Basic content, not in-depth; suitable only as an initial guide.

Book 2: Breakthrough - Stock Strategies in Crisis

Author: Dr. Nivesh Mewachirawirok
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended for: Everyone new to stock trading

This book reads like a storytelling of experiences. Dr. Nivesh explains that before investing, you must know what to study. During crises, opportunities often hide.

Special feature: Dr. Nivesh is the first to promote VI concepts in Thailand. His book “Breakthrough” (2542 BE) became a classic investment manual for many generations, inspiring humans to enter the stock market.

Pros:

• Conversational tone
• Diverse content styles
• All Thai stock examples
• Clear and easy to understand structure

Cons: Not very detailed; a broad overview suitable for those without basic knowledge.

Book 3: The Intelligent Investor - A Guide for Learners

Author: Benjamin Graham
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended for: Those with some investment experience

This classic published in 1949 discusses the correct attitude and strategies for different types of investors, dividing them into two categories:

• Defensive investors: Little knowledge, limited time, low risk appetite
• Enterprising investors: More knowledge, dedicate time, seek higher profits

Special feature: Graham, the father of VI, achieved an average return of 20% per year (1936-1956), while the market only grew 12.2% annually. Warren Buffett, the world’s richest, praises this book as the best.

Pros:

• Standard for traditional VI investing
• Clear investment system
• Acts as a reminder when trying new approaches

Cons:

• Language can be somewhat difficult
• Not suitable for beginners
• Content is somewhat disorganized
• Written over 72 years ago; some ideas may be outdated

Book 4: One Up on Wall Street (by Peter Lynch & John Rothchild)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended for: Experienced investors interested in fundamental analysis

This book covers nearly all aspects of stock investing, categorizing stocks into 6 types:

1. Slow growers
2. Steady earners
3. Fast growers
4. Cyclical stocks
5. Turnaround stocks
6. Asset-rich stocks

Special feature: Peter Lynch managed the Magellan Fund for 13 years, growing from $18 million to $14 billion. Lynch believes amateurs can succeed too.

Pros:

• Covers many angles
• Packed with real experiences
• Relatively easy to understand
• Few technical terms
• Enjoyable to read

Cons:

• Some translated sentences in Thai edition are awkward
• All examples are foreign stocks

Book 5: Buffettology (by Mary Buffett & David Clark)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended for: Investors with some experience

This book reveals Warren Buffett’s secret techniques. Buffett invests through a business partnership approach, selecting stocks based on DCF (Discount Cash Flow), influenced by Benjamin Graham and other experts.

Special feature: Warren Buffett, the greatest investor, rarely reveals his methods; he teaches only his family. This book is written by his former daughter-in-law.

Pros:

• Not overly complex
• Well-organized
• Most formulas are fairly understandable

Cons:

• Focuses on long-term investing (decades)
• Requires extensive analysis
• Quite complex, full of many factors

How to Win the Stock Market in the Long Run - 3 Main Techniques

1. Market Timing (Market Timing)

Simple principle: Buy low, sell high. This technique works for both long-term and short-term, up and down markets.

2. Asset Selection (Asset Selection)

If you choose assets that do not appreciate over the long term, your investment will not generate profits or may even lose value due to inflation.

3. Proper Asset Allocation (Asset Allocation)

A good investment must diversify across multiple asset classes:

• Bonds
• Stocks
• Real estate
• Cash

According to your intended proportions, this reduces volatility and ensures steady portfolio growth.

Post-Reading Investment Approach - Start Light and Gradually Increase

After studying these 5 books, the author recommends the following steps:

1. Continuously increase knowledge - Read easy-to-understand stock books first to build a basic foundation.

2. Practice virtual trading - Simulate buying and selling without real money to understand procedures.

3. Start small - Invest in domestic index funds or stocks you understand first.

4. Gradually escalate - When confident, study and invest in foreign stocks.

5. Discover your own style - Everyone has their own learning method and investment style, so experiment and adapt.

Summary - Stock Books Are the Beginning of Smart Investing

From studying the 5 recommended stock books above, the author hopes that new investors will see various investment approaches. Each book explains different content.

Because everyone’s analytical thinking is unique, your investment style might be VI like Graham or searching for a “Tenbagger” like Peter Lynch.

The author’s advice: Apply the content of this article to your own investment techniques rather than copying everything. Successful investing is about knowing yourself and making stocks grow along with your life.

⚠️ Investing involves risks and may not be suitable for everyone