Rating: 
Summary: Supercool Introduction to Investing
Review: This is one of those books you're either going to love or hate, due to the author's very individual, conversational style. Personally I loved it, that's why I'm writing this and that's why I gave it 5 stars. It's a fast-paced introduction to all different types of investing, from fixed-income to stocks to futures. It's laced with retro-80s references which you'll be familiar with if you're in the target 20-35 age group. Despite the whirlwind pace the author has some very good substance to offer. His philosophy of viewing every purchase you make as an investment may come as a shock to some but it is the foundation of good personal finances. He also presents the stock market in a very easy-to-understand way, for the beginner. This is a fun, introductory book, that maybe surprisingly bears re-reading several times (I certainly have). If you're in the target age group and have just started to think about your money, pick this book up. It makes a sometimes dry topic really come to life.
Rating:
Summary: Hoenig is talented, smart and -- heaven forbid -- funny.
Review: Any neckbone could write yet another 'get started investing, kids!' book. It'd be practical, perky, thorough, and sensible. And no one would read it. Hoenig injected his personality and sense of humor into his book, turning out one of the most readable, informative and original investing primers ever. See, that's the thing about writing about money for those who don't identify themselves as money types -- you've got a few seconds to grab their attention, convince them that the topic matters and assure them that you can render it comprehensible, interesting -- inspiring, even. As some other reviewers of this book have noted, Hoenig doesn't sound like most other money writers. How that can be construed as a flaw escapes me. Instead, Hoenig observes one of a writer's highest goals: a willingness to do whatever it takes to reach the reader. If that means pop culture references and a strange obsession with '80s music, so be it. Jonathan Hoenig is a friend of mine. I like him and I admire him. And I quite like this book (even its mistakes are kinda charming -- misspelling the name of a CNBC anchor hardly impugns the advice). So I won't pretend any lack of bias here. But at least I'll sign my name to my comments.
Rating:
Summary: A lively introduction to investing on the stock market
Review: I was looking for a book that would give an overview of the stock market and investing and I found it in this book. The title alone drew me to it. Johnathan Hoenig is the host and producer of "Capitalist Pig", the first radio program exclusively for the financial needs of 'Gen-Exers'. Hoenig has been investing in the stock market before he could drive and now holds a seat on the prestigious Chicago Board of Trade. In this book, he provides a lively intoduction stocks, bonds, mutual funds, futures, options, diversification strategies, order execution and other fundamental topics of investing. He encourages investors to take prudent risks and think ahead. Hoenig's philosophy is not just about being rich, but its also about taking control of our future, professionally, personally and financially. His overall philosophy is complete self-reliance. This witty and fun book inspires a delightful spirit of independence and after reading this, I am looking forward to making lots of money investing in the stock market.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Book
Review: I'd be compelled to give this book 3 stars, but due to the comprehensive information on options on futures, I choice to give it four stars. This is a great book, but it's simple, conversational style can get annoying and there can be too much substance at times to follow (sidebars, quotes, etc.). This is a good book by an up-and-coming hedge fund manager (Jonathan Hoenig). While I don't know if it would be good for kids to read, it definitely is a great book for adults who are intermediately knowledgeable about the financial markets, as it explains terms and operations in a simple, easy to understand mannerism.
Rating:
Summary: HOENIG MAKES IT EASY TO START INVESTING
Review: It starts out great but after a while his pop culture references become inappropriate, disruptive, and irritating. His explanations of the various investment vehicles are clear and informative.
Rating:
Summary: A Pig on Wall Street...No Less than a Bull in a China Shop
Review: Jonathan Hoenig is a regular analyst on one of my favorite shows, "Cashin' In" on Fox News. Frankly, I like his style. From his no-nonsense attitude toward investment advice to telling a Wall Street elder that he doesn' "know preferred stock from livestock" right there on the television screen, Hoenig is truly the financial voice of the Me generation. Long held to be the stodgy realm of pinstriped boomers, the world of investing is an important one for we Xers to get into, if for no other reason than Hoenig's central theme in this book: we have the time. We have a lot of time left in which to make our fortunes and take our place among the leaders of this world, and while this book isn't necessarily the roadmap (nor does it proclaim to be), it is most certainly the antithesis of all the rest of the investing books out there which are little more than cobranded, self-serving brochure-ware. Hoenig tackles investing from the 20-something point of view, puts it in the proper perspective, and gives us the tools we need, but tells us to do our own work. I applaud that approach. Plus, this book is one hell of a good read, even if you couldn't care less about making money (you know who you are too..). My only hope is that I can get Hoenig to do an interview or column for my new GenX-themed website, because after reading this book and watching him on Fox, his opinion is one I truly value.
Rating:
Summary: Buy it as an investment; enjoy it as entertainment.
Review: Let me start by saying that on a scale of 1-10, I give this book a solid 14. It is a hilarious, and highly educational primer for anyone contemplating entering (or in my case, re-entering) the market. Addressed to the young would-be investor, it nevertheless speaks to everyone. From one of his opening comments: "It's always better to own than be owned. And once you've experienced that feeling, there's no going back.", to his frequent irreverences, "Mutual funds have made stock ownership more convenient than getting a dime bag in Central Park", this book is a pure joy to read. Very obviously a proponent of the "buy and hold" school (nothing wrong with that), the only glaring weakness I can see is that although he points out that bear markets do exist, because of his youth (he's 23) and never having lived through one, he fails to truly factor that into the equation as a reality, rather than a concept. Having said that, though, I've already ordered a copy for my own library, and will gift my son with a copy soon after he's had a taste of what the world of work is really like.
Rating:
Summary: Funny and Informative...what a novel concept!
Review: My husband and I were trying to learn about the investing world as we started to look to the future. This book was such an easy read that is made this topic easy to understand plus fun as well. I would recommend it to anyone, especially those from our generation, to get serious and think about saving money for the future. It is not that intimidating and actually can be interesting if presented correctly. Thanks Jonathan for making our first taste of investing a delicious one!!
Rating:
Summary: Funny and Informative...what a novel concept!
Review: My husband and I were trying to learn about the investing world as we started to look to the future. This book was such an easy read that is made this topic easy to understand plus fun as well. I would recommend it to anyone, especially those from our generation, to get serious and think about saving money for the future. It is not that intimidating and actually can be interesting if presented correctly. Thanks Jonathan for making our first taste of investing a delicious one!!
Rating: 
Summary: Not worth your time
Review: Somebody recommended this book to me. I read it. The idea is good however the author is far from understanding the principles of math (one would argue about understanding economics which is half social half science). There are many wrong calculations. I tried to contact Mr. Hoenig as I am from Chicago, too. Left several messages, sent e-mails with disagreement - no response.
I don't recommend the book. It's a waste of time.
| 
