Value Investing : A Balanced Approach

Rating:
Summary: Some Good Points, when you can understand what he is Saying
Review: Parts of this book are good. Whitman does say a few important ideas clearly, but a lot of what he writes is difficult for the lay reader to understand. Maybe you need to be a business major or have an MBA. Whitman does not clearly define alot of the basic terms he uses through the book. When he does give a definition, often the definition is obtuse, wordy and confusing. The tables of financial data and examples are pretty much impossible to follow. Some good ideas here, but I really had to force myself to finish it...

Rating:
Summary: Decent
Review: This book has many good insights, but the writing isn't great, and it gets pretty technical at times. A better choice, especially for less sophisticated investors, is Kirk Kazanjian's "Value Investing with the Masters," which features Whitman among a panel of 20 value gurus.

Rating:
Summary: Decent
Review: This book has many good insights, but the writing isn't great, and it gets pretty technical at times. A better choice, especially for less sophisticated investors, is Kirk Kazanjian's "Value Investing with the Masters," which features Whitman among a panel of 20 value gurus.

Rating:
Summary: Good, if you can understand it
Review: This is a fair book written by an outstanding investor. Marty Whitman has practiced value investing successfully for many years, and his writings draw on his vast experience. However, unlike Buffett, he isn't the most clear author in the world. His writing is a little obtuse, and devoid of examples that would illustrate his points. Nevertheless, if you can make your way through the writing, you will find a lot of extremely useful and interesting information. I would recommend this book, but to understand it the reader should have a good working knowledge of financial terminology and an understanding of other value investing techniques and perspectives. If you read (and understand) some other books on value investing, plus maybe a few of Mr. Whitman's Third Avenue Value Fund shareholder letters, I think you will find this book invaluable.

Rating:
Summary: Good Overview
Review: Whitman's book offers a good introduction and overview of the issues and topics to pay attention to for value investors. He does a fairly good job explaining and clarifying his points. However, sometimes that is overdone and things seem quite repetitive. New value investors should definitely read it. My main disappointment is that there are not too many illustrations, in-depth examples or stories that would have made the book a more interesting and valuable read. This book has its place in today's "pay anything for growth" mentality.