<p>I'm interested in learning about financial markets, investing and those sorts of things but I have no idea where to start. I know very little about these topics currently, but I would like to understand how things function and work. Any suggestions for some books on these subjects would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Fiction or non-fiction? how to or stories? Venture Capital or securities? Any particular industry? </p>
<p>The easy answer is to pick something up about (or by) universally famous people like Warren Buffet, Michael Milken, and Donald Trump. Then branch out and read books involving people mentioned in the first set of books. Try to avoid technical stuff until you have some business classes under your belt. Specifically finance and accounting courses.</p>
<p>I’m unsure about famous traders but they’re out there. Just go to the library or a bookstore walk the stacks and pick one that looks interesting.</p>
<p>Try: “In the Black: a history of African Americans on Wall Street” By Gregory S. Bell
I found it inspiring as an African American and some of the recent history is fascinating. It’s notoriously difficult for African Americans to break in on Wall Street. This book is about pioneers operating up to the '90. Yes, pioneers in the '90’s. It’s that recent. The founder of Ariel Investments is mentioned it’s the first black owned Registered Investment Advisor (1980 or so?).</p>
<p>If you read that you won’t have any sympathy for those who btch about how hard it is to get into IB. Those guys had to teach themselves the ropes because no one would share the knowledge or the opportunities. It didn’t matter if you came from HBS. If your were black you were not welcome. Talk about go hard or go home.</p>
<p>Read a classic, Liar’s Poker.</p>
<p>For a different look at Wall St.</p>
<p>[Amazon.com:</a> How I Became a Quant: Insights from 25 of Wall…](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470050624?tag=quantfinaneng-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0470050624&adid=1NSMB3M403QN741TFTCZ&]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470050624?tag=quantfinaneng-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0470050624&adid=1NSMB3M403QN741TFTCZ&)</p>
<p>[Amazon.com:</a> Nerds on Wall Street: Math, Machines and Wired Markets (9780471369462): David J. Leinweber: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/dp/0471369462?tag=quantfinaneng-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0471369462&adid=0MJMVB652T5C58M2B47Z&]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/dp/0471369462?tag=quantfinaneng-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0471369462&adid=0MJMVB652T5C58M2B47Z&)</p>
<p>CFA Curriculum.</p>
<p>There is one book on derivatives "Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives (7th Edition) " by John Hull which is very popular. Many people including both buyside and sellside traders have the book on their desks. </p>
<p>If you need a more intro book that explains the terms and go through definitions, I would recommend, essentials of investments.</p>
<p>Keep in mind these are textbooks but they are worth reading through if you really want to learn the basics</p>