Syed Mokhtar Albukhary (A Biography)

I hardly touch local biography... However, this is a present from a friend. I appreciate the gift and as such, here I am with the stories on Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary.

This is a thin book. (Less than 200 pages with pictures plus big wordings) As such, a full concentration in reading can complete the whole stories within 3 hours. Well, I am not saying this is a simplify biography. In fact, the author covered almost everything about Tan Sri. A good example is how the author traces Tan Sri’s ancestry back to the Afghania region and how they ended up settling in Malaya. That chapter although sounds dull in the first place. But, it is the details that complete the whole stories. In terms of this, I would say the author did a great job. Thumbs up!

After reading the stories, I think we are very much fortunate these days. Peoples like Tan Sri started in tougher environment. Yet, the local tycoon not only survived. In fact, he was so successful in every aspect. This is a story that inspires younger generation like me (Obviously, I am no more that young, LOL). As such, I am rating it at 8/10. Although a thin book, it serves its purpose and I hardly could find any flaws throughout the book. Big thanks to my buddy for presenting this book to me. Thanks, kawan. Appreciate it…

Fixed Odds Sports Betting

A betting book... A kind of book that I usually would avoid… After all, I am already in the biggest casino (and a worldwide casino too) that runs almost 24 hours each day. As such, I do not think I need to understand and explore further into more gambling stuff. But, this book is slightly different. It is a book about sports betting. To be precise, it is a book about football (my favorite) betting. As such, it attracted me at first glance…

End up; well, another disappointing book. There is not a lot of information on finding the edge in football betting. This book deals with various staking plans and show how each one performs over the long term. On its own, I believe it would not make you a successful gambler. So, for those looking high and low for the edge in football betting (including myself), this book is a real disappointment. Perhaps… the fact is: “Overround” imposed by each bookmaker did enough to diminish all the possible probabilities that contributed to certain edge. As such, there are simply zero chances in gaining the best possible edge!

Rating wise, I am so disappointed that I am only giving 2/10 for this book. The overall information given in the book is sufficient to understand the fixed odds of sports betting. However, since my intention is more on the above-mentioned, this book does not serve its purpose. As usual, this book was shifted out immediately after I finish the whole book. Ding, ding, ding… next, LOL!

The Poker Face Of Wall Street

I love Aaron Brown's "Red Blooded Risk" so much... In fact, this is why I am back to one of his old book ~~  "The Poker Face of Wall Street"...

First of all, I must admit… I understand finance, but I have no prior knowledge of poker. As such, I began this book by downloading a poker game to play through and get familiar with it. So, when I thought I had gained enough knowledge (at least some basic rules) on poker, I moved on to this book. End up… confusions follows by confusions was the whole experiences in exploring this book.

Ok… I admit I am with the author when he said that market investing is as good as poker gambling. Examples of risk denials (fantastic examples too) were given in the book to validate the said opinion… But, I thought the author pointed out a lot of theories without supporting evidences. (Perhaps it was due to my ignorance?) At the end, this book although entertaining; but I get frustrated most of the time as it seems not easy to understand the highly technical arguments.

Rating wise… I could not hide my disappointment... and as such, I am rating it at 4/10. “Red Blooded Risk” is so fantastic and maybe that is the reason why I have a lot of expectations in this book. Overall, I would say the author started an interesting topic. However, I just do not know how to digest it. Final word: It deserved some attention (I really believe so…); but, it also needs some brilliant brain to unlock the gems inside this book…