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Rating: 
Summary: Highly recommended. A treatise on more than just investing.
Review: An absolute must. Some readers have missed the point and have been dismayed by, among other things, the lack of active trading as part of the Fool philosophy (which isn't necessarily true) or that the Fool methods can't be this simple and straightforward-- the Wise Wall Street Wonders must know something after all. One of the marvelous things about this book is that the Brothers G tackle the question of investing from a life perspective (for example; sure, one can be an active day trader, glued to his/her computer screen awaiting stock micro-movements, but who wants to live this way, especially when very few who do so even manage to meet or beat the SP500 for all the work and ulcers involved?) They don't just dive off the cliff in the first chapters with esoteric techniques as in so many other (yawn) books, either. They offer straight talk about who they are, why they do what they do, why and how Wall Street strives to maintain its mystique, and above all, the concept of investing successfully and still remaining both sane and human. In today's extremely hectic fast lane, that extra bit of advice is worth its weight in stock certificates. This book has opened the eyes of a very average guy who previously shunned the stock market as an unfathomable, shark infested hole. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Decent Investing Primer, but not much more
Review: Dave and Tom have created an immensely readable and informative book for the average Joe who wants to learn how to invest in the stock market. Their liberal use of humorous examples makes the book hard to put down. They explain why mutual funds are usually a bad choice, how to do your own research, how to avoid sky-high commissions, how to do your own research on companies, the difference between fundamental analysis and technical analysis (and which one is basically worthless), and even how to make money in a bear market (yes, it can be done, and it's a lot easier than you might think). Overall, if you are looking for a simple and fun explanation of how to get started in investing, you can't possibly go wrong with this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Great methods here if you stick to the formula
Review: I can tell some great points have already been made; good and bad about the book.First thing to know is that there are three basic stock strategies that I have noticed in my readings of about 12 stocks books. They are: (1) BUY AND HOLD: this is what the Motley Fools, as well as Peter Lynch, like. You pick great companies through research and buy shares when the company is down. Stockpile and wait at least 10 yrs; preferably more. At the end, you should havea lot of cash for retirement. Great for people who don't want to do a lot of work and have time to do this; not great if you want to make money faster though. (2) O'NEIL STRATEGY: based on William O'Neil's HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN STOCKS and 24 ESSENTIAL LESSONS FOR INVESTMENT SUCCESS. O'Neil picks great companies, too, but watche them on various graphs. Based on the curves, he knows when to sell and tends to do it within a few months to 2 years I believe. O'Neil doesn't believe in diversifying which, according to Robert Kiyosaki in RICH DAD, POOR DADY, is something you have to give up to make more money. See, most of the rich concentrate their money. The middle class tend to spread it all around so even though their risk is far less, their gain is, too. (3) TRADERS: these are the people who trade every week or monthly or even daily. According to the Davis study, 1 in 68 make a profit. Of course, if you have the right temperament and know the system, you can make a profit. But, I think that group is small. Check out Van Tharp's TRADE YOUR WAY TO FINANCIAL FREEDOM. So, the overall point, is that this book is great for strategy number one. It really comes down to your values on risk and your strategies. Personally, if you choose to go with #1, I would say this is the best book I have read on it so far. As for the fluctuations, I wouldn't worry about it. Anyone who knows the stock market, shouldn't look at the Foolish Four averages every day unless they want ulcers. Once a year is fine and their method has worked pretty well since the early 60s contrary to what the doomsayers say. In the future, ask yourself this: would you rather take the advice of journalists and commentators who make maybe 30-50k or people like the MF who most likely make more than that and have devoted years of their lives to studying a system?
Rating:
Summary: Very good intermediate book
Review: I did not think i was going to like this book untill i was half way through it, but it is overall a good book. You must be cautioned though that this is not a novice book. It is probably the third or fourth book that you should read. ( see my other reviews for recommendations). I like their methods for picking stocks and have used them successfully myself. They also get you thinking. For example, why pay a broker who is only returning 11% per year if the S&P 500 is at 15%. I agree with the book you would be better off investing in an index fund. I also like their sense of humor. You will have to read the book to see what i mean.
On the the oportunities side, I do not feel believe this is good reading for anyone who has no investment experience or, has not read any other novice level books. I also disagree with them on futures. While I do agree that they are very risky i think and experinced investor should try a small futures contract at least once in their investment carrear. Just remmeber the rule " dont gamble with what you are afraid, or cant afford to lose", if you are then by all means do not get into futures. I also think when writing the book they should have found a way to keep the readers interest from the start of the book. The 17 people in my investment club have all read this book, and agree. The book doesnt get interesting until half way through.
Rating:
Summary: Good...with a capital G
Review: I was rather surprised by this presentation's listener friendliness. Being, as I am, one who is new to investing, I find that the stock market can be rather threatening. What does all this mumbo jumbo mean, I often ask myself. The Motley Fool Investment Guide: How the Fool Beats Wall Street's Wise Men and How You Can Too does a terrific job breaking down what is necessary and what is not. Additionally, it does so in a manner that keeps your attention and is easy to relate to.
The manner in which methods and definitions are broken down into several points is very helpful. "Foolish" (capital F is good) checklists provide great ease in deciphering what stocks are right to invest in. They offer explanations of the importance of such characteristics as PE ratios, incoming cash verses outgoing debt, ability to grow immensely, and important signs of properly run management. Also, such subjects as shorting stocks and index funds are summarily explained. These explanations offer common knowledge to those feeling in the dark. The tips provided are level-headed and logical to follow. While for many people this program will not offer many novel ideas, it will provide a starting checklist when choosing what stocks to consider.
Perhaps the most beneficial part of the Motley Fool's message is that the worst risk one can take, is not taking a risk. It is very easy to become weak stomached in the market we currently have. Sudden drops can make one want to sell it all. Most investing, however, should be with the intent of long term return. Thus while it seems risky to allow a stock to fall, the greater, foolish (lower case bad) risk is taking it out.
Overall, this is a very good learning tool for one wanting the stock market to be demystified. It is a perfect starting tool for one wanting to get in on the action. A warning, however, is not to take this, and any, information as the word of God. Use this program to compare to other investment schemes to find what is best for you.
Rating:
Summary: The Best of the Bunch
Review: Out of the three audio books on CD I have listened to, this one is by far the best! It pulls a bit of info from each of the other 2 books and then adds "investment guide" touches. If you are on the fence about purchasing a book from these guys I reccommend you purchase this one only and save yourself the extra $$$. (I purchased the set of all 3 audio books in a 3-pack)
Rating:
Summary: Good intro for wannabee Fools
Review: This book is pretty good for first time or novice investors, the Gardner brothers discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different investment methods most notably: mutual funds, index funds, and stocks. Also it seems these Fools (yes they like to be called that) like investing in Dow stock, much of their information regarding Dow stocks appears to come from Michael O'Higgins author of Beating the Dow. Another method that the brothers introduce is one of their own for picking out small cap growth stocks, here's what they look for: Sales of less than $200 million
Daily Dollar Volume of $3 million or less
Low Price $5-$20
Net profit margin of 10% or more
Relative Strength (IBD) of 90 or higher
Earnings and sales growth for the most recent quarter of 25+ or more
Insider holdings of 15%+
Cash flow from operations should also be a positive number This book is primarily aimed at beginning investors who want to hold growth stocks for a year or more, however a lot of this book is focused on them talking about their website www.fool.com My favorite part of this book would have to be the chapter on Zeigletics: The Penny Stock That Never Was. Reed Floren
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