Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets

Nassim Nicholas Taleb

"A book review, good or bad, can be far more descriptive of the reviewer than informational about the book itself." This is typical of the out of the box thinking and insights you will find in this unique book by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Taleb is an options trader and a professor. Although I definitely do not agree with all of his conclusions, and at times I find his writing a little too scholarly or pedantic, and despite the fact I probably would not like Taleb if I met him, I found this book irresistible, enlightening, and very enjoyable.

Randomness is a very interesting concept and tool. This book is an excellent articulation of a very important subject that few think about and talk about. Taleb's real talent is to select and use a wide variety of extremely imaginative examples to demonstrate to us that many of our cherished beliefs and convictions are questionable at best. There is enough charm and humor in the book to keep us turning the pages while we absorb some very profound observations. It you consider yourself a skeptic or a contrarian you will love this book. I am both, and really enjoyed reading this one and highly recommend it.

Review by Len Oppenheim