Below are some books that may help educate investors or at least get them thinking.
Books I have completed reading will have longer descriptions following the titles.

Even Buffett Isn’t Perfect by Vahan Janjigian
The author talks about ways individual investors can emulate Warren Buffett and some Buffett practices that cannot be replicated by individuals. The end of each chapter has a “Key Takeaways” section to emphasize the lessons of that chapter.
I found the discussion on Value investing versus Growth investing interesting. Both can be profitable but depending on your time horizon on may be a better choice.

Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey and Rajendra Sisodia
John Mackey is a founder of Whole Foods. This book covers the philosophy of Conscious Capitalism. In ways it overlaps a lot with stakeholder optimization management. This idea is that companies exist to fulfill a purpose not to make money. Making money is just a requirement to continue with your purpose. This resonated with me as some of the first books I read on business and management were by Peter Drucker. I was struck by his assertion that the purpose of business is to provide goods and services to its community. Profit is just necessary to continue providing to the community. Mackey also states his case that firms practicing Conscious Capitalism have superior financial results.

Firms of Endearment by Rajendra Sisodia
The author makes a case for the superior financial results of firms practicing conscious capitalism. As a proxy for conscious capitalism principles the author uses the list of best firms to work for. He then gives details of how these firms fit the practices of conscious capitalism, sometimes imperfectly. Interesting statistics on how these firms greatly outperform the market and their peers. I am a bit skeptical. At least some of the listed firms have been poor performers recently. I also have friends who work at some of the companies. Employment practices have changed and they are having some morale issues since publication of the book. This begs the questions – Is this real? And even if it is can companies keep the culture going forward?

Charlie Munger – The Complete Investor by Trenholme J. Griffin
Charlie Munger is often overshadowed by Warren Buffett as an investor. This is true even though Buffett himself has said multiple times that Munger is the better investor. I have not completed the book yet but I am enjoying it. Each chapter starts with a Munger quote. The quotes make we want to order the next book which I have not even started.

Poor Charlie’s Almanak – The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger by Charles T. Munger
The previous book listed has each chapter start with a Munger quote. This book is a collection of quotes and commentary by Charlie Munger. I am looking forward to reading it.

How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer
This book is a treatise on the research in neurobiology and psychology of brain function in decision making. It is written by a science reporter for the general public. It gives examples in work situations of decision making. I think knowing how the brain goes about making decisions can help us make better decisions. Marketers know this research and use it nudge consumers into purchases.

Drive by Daniel H. Pink
This book is really about what motivates people to be creative and innovative. In the current business environment it is important to get employees into this zone or face a competitor who makes you obsolete by their innovation. The book mainly covers 4 major factors that improve “Drive”. One of these is money. What probably surprises many managers, money is the least effective motivating factor among the 4 discussed, at least once a certain level is reached. The reason I recommend this for investors is the companies you invest in better be motivating their employees to innovate or they will eventually decline. Investing in declining companies is neither financially nor psychologically fulfilling. How do the companies you invest in measure up in the 4 factors that drive innovation?

Do you have other recommendations? Enjoy reading and may your investments be rewarding. That’s all for now.

Russell Malley
StockCentral Community Leader