I thought it was a great book for someone like me who knew ablsolutely NOTHING about investing in the stock market. I found it while browsing in a book store. Although I bought several books on investing that day, this one is my favorite primarily because of it's readability. One of my favortite features is the bulleted summary at the end of each chapter. Now, I have a basic understanding about how to pick stocks which was exaclty what I was looking for. Although the book discusses fundamental and technical analysis of stocks, I did not find it overly technical.

The day after I completed the book, I went to my local library to take a look at IBD and 'lo and behold' it wasn't Greek to me. "24 Lessons" has opened my eyes to the world of trading stocks which to me was an invaluable lesson.

True, it's not a comprehensive book about the stock market, but no single book can be. I viewed it simply as a place to start. Halfway through the book I had already trained myself not to be irritated by the excessive advertising for IBD because I liked what I was learning.

Bottom line? I guess the value of the book is not what it costs, but how we individually can relate to the information presented. But just to put it in perspective, last month my husband went to a "FREE Seminar" [not by William O'Neil or IBD]on investing in stocks. What did he get?--a REAL sales pitch for "trading" software that cost (get this) only $3,995.00! That's what I would call shameless advertising.

This book is a great tool for a serious investor, but can be difficult to understand if you are new to the stock market. Bill O'Neil reveals many of his own strategies for timing the market and investing in quality stocks. If you are serious about making money in the stock market, I would definitely recommend this book to you.

I must admit I am an amateur when it comes to the stock market. William J. O'Neil's 24 Essential Lessons for Investment Success help put me on the right track to succeed in the market. This book is an in depth report on when to buy and sell stocks, and how to read graphical analysis of a stock.

O'Neil makes it clear that the only difference between the successful person and everyone else is determination and persistence. O'Neil states that one has to pay close attention to each stock, mutual fund, etc... Also, he points out that investing in too many stocks can come back to haunt you. Keep it simple and you will see results. O'Neil is a big advocate of keeping your basket small.

O'Neil goes over buying and selling stocks in depth. He goes into cutting your loses (8% below purchase price). Also, he talks about when to buy at the right time (pivot point). This book will without doubt help any person deciding to invest their hard earned money in the stock market. I know it helped me.

Honestly, you should not pick up this book if you are looking for a comprehensive guide to investing. Instead O'neil's "How to Make Money..." is what you should be looking at. Consider this a guide to investing principles as applied to using Investor's Business Daily. If you keep that in mind you'll stay happy reading William O'Neil's latest book. You'll draw out useful nuggets and basic investing principles, but most of all, you'll better understand how basic principles well help you get the most out of IBD.

The book is written in a basic interview approach-- someone probably asked questions and then recorded the answers over a period of years. That makes the volume consise and very easy to read. In fact, you'll barrel through it in no time.

If you are relatively new to IBD, you need to read this. And, if you are a new subscriber you've probably received a copy with your subscription! If you didn't-- with patience, over time you can read through the book as it is reprinted chapter by chapter in the paper itself. O'Neil does this from time to time.

Someone in another review said this book is a giant advertizement for the Daily. No denying that-- but rather than seeing the comment as a criticism, look at it as a worthwhile suggestion. If you are considering getting into investing, I'd strongly recommend Investor's Business Daily as one of your first steps toward starting your learning curve.

And, if the book isn't included with your subscription, then be sure to pick it up at the same time.

O'Neil has attracted a wide and deep following as founder of Investor's Business Daily and as author of a previous best-selling book, How to Make Money in Stocks. In this book, he offers 24 "essential lessons" which he has learned from his extensive prior experience. Each of the "essential lessons" makes sense but I think they have the greatest value only when used together (in combination) as you formulate an investment plan. Once you have your plan and begin to implement it, understand that your work has only begun...not ended. Track earnings and sales, frequently check relative price strength, follow chart patterns, etc. (O'Neil's Lesson 11 explains "How to Read Stock Charts Like a Pro", not occasionally but "frequently" and better yet daily.) No doubt sophisticated investors view this book as "simplistic" and "obvious." For them, it probably is. But for most of the rest of us, this book provides helpful explanations and sound advice. Also, as more people participate in 401 (k) plans and exercise stock options, a book such as this can give them a better understanding of their investments. I also recommend this book as a gift to recent graduates of college and universities. The sooner they understand the vocabulary and the concepts of stock investments, the better.