Let's choose the stock investment books that suit you - 5 must-read titles for 2025

Before investing in the stock market, foundational knowledge gained from reading books is as important as armor on the battlefield. Each investment book contains different information; some are suitable for beginners, some require intermediate knowledge, and others delve deeply into expert level. Choosing the right ones will help you discover your own investment style more quickly.

Stock Investment Classroom: 5 Books That Will Change Your Perspective

1. Sustainable Stock Growth - Building a Strong Foundation

Author: Khun Kavi Chukijkasem | Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This investment book is a true foundational guide, designed so that novice investors can clearly understand value investing (Value Investing) principles.

Why read: Simple language, all examples use Thai stocks, illustrating how to analyze P/E, P/BV, ROE. Khun Kavi Chukijkasem pioneered the VI (Value Investor) concept in Thailand and is Deputy Managing Director of Kasikorn Securities. This book has been reprinted 12 times.

Suitable for: Beginners who are just starting to invest and want to learn from scratch, as it is the first investment book.

Weakness: Content is only at a basic level; it does not delve into advanced techniques.

2. The Intelligent Investor - The Classic Book from America

Author: Benjamin Graham | Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If investment books have a beginning and an end, this is the ultimate. Written since 1949, but still holds core investment principles. Benjamin Graham is regarded as the father of value investing.

Why read: The essence of investing—rather than emotion—Graham achieved an average return of 20% per year from 1936-1956, while the market averaged only 12.2% per year. Warren Buffett, the greatest investor in the world, also praises this book as the best investment book.

Suitable for: Those with intermediate knowledge who want to understand the true philosophy of investing.

Weakness: The English uses complex vocabulary; some parts of the Thai translation are difficult to read. Examples involve foreign stocks, which may be less relevant to the Thai stock market.

3. Breakthrough - Stock Strategies in Crisis

Author: Dr. Nivesh Mewachiraworakorn | Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dr. Nivesh Mewachiraworakorn is the first Thai to introduce the concept of Value Investing. The book “Breakthrough,” published in 1999, became a legend in investment literature and inspired many subsequent investors.

Why read: The content is divided into various styles, read like direct experiences from experts. The structure is clear. Dr. Nivesh has published over 15 books.

Suitable for: Beginners who want a central reference point. His writing style will help you discover your own.

Weakness: The content is not very detailed; it provides a broad overview of stock trading. It may not suffice for those seeking technical depth.

4. Beyond Wall Street - Seeing Stocks Others Don’t Know

Author: Peter Lynch & John Rothchild | Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Peter Lynch managed the Magellan Fund for 13 years, growing it from $18 million to $14 billion. This book summarizes techniques for finding high-potential stocks hidden in the market.

Why read: A comprehensive investment book dividing stocks into 6 categories: (Slow growth, Strong, Fast growth, Cyclical, Rebound, Asset-rich). It explains how to analyze financial statements and key figures, unlike other investment books that focus on obscure stocks no one knows.

Suitable for: Investors with some experience who want to learn fundamental analysis.

Weakness: The Thai translation sometimes has awkward phrasing; examples are all foreign stocks.

5. The Buffett Way - Revealing the Secrets of the Stock Emperor’s Investment

Author: Mary Buffett & David Clark | Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Warren Buffett, the world’s richest investor, keeps his techniques secret. This book, written by his former daughter-in-law, reveals his investment methods.

Why read: Divided into two parts: the first assesses stocks qualitatively; the second delves into calculations like (DCF - Discount Cash Flow). Buffett views stocks as part of a business partnership, not just assets to buy.

Suitable for: Investors with some experience who understand basic concepts and want to learn at an advanced level.

Weakness: The content is designed for long-term (10+ years) investing, requiring complex analysis, many factors, and can be difficult to understand.

How to Choose the Investment Books That Suit You

Why should beginners read books?

Beginners who prepare by studying before entering the market can often avoid many mistakes others have made. Good investment books share stories of failures to avoid. The more you study, the better your defenses. However, it does not guarantee you won’t repeat mistakes.

Can I invest without reading books?

Yes, but it will be more difficult. One option is to invest in mutual funds managed by professionals. But I recommend that regardless of your investment method, reading investment books remains essential. No one is born with market knowledge and trading strategies.

Should I choose Thai or foreign books?

It’s recommended to start with books by Thai authors because:

• The writing style is easy to understand in Thai
• Examples involve Thai stocks and are relevant to the Thai stock market
• Translated foreign books may sometimes alter meanings

Once you have a good grasp of the basics, then you can explore investment books by foreign experts.

3 Main Mechanisms to Beat the Stock Market

1. Market Timing: Choosing the right entry and exit points—buy low, sell high—works in both long-term and short-term, in bull and bear markets.

2. Asset Selection: If you pick stocks but they don’t rise, you may lose due to inflation instead.

3. Asset Allocation: Diversify investments among bonds, stocks, real estate according to your planned proportions. This helps reduce volatility and grow your portfolio over the long term.

Guidelines for Beginners Learning to Invest

1. Start with light reading: Study basic investment books to build foundational understanding.

2. Practice simulated trading: Use demo programs before real trading to see if you can do it.

3. Begin with local markets: Study Thai stocks in the Thai stock market first.

4. Progress gradually: Once you understand the basics, then explore foreign stocks and advanced trading techniques.

5. Find your own style: From reading various investment books, you will discover what suits you best.

Summary

Reading investment books is not just about gaining knowledge but also about discovering your true investor identity. Each book presents different styles and perspectives. There is no single formula that works for everyone. However, by studying these 5 recommended investment books, you will see many investment patterns and gradually develop your own approach. Let investment books be your first step, and let direct experience be your teacher thereafter.