Cramer, James J. Confessions of a Street Addict. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2002.

Date: 23 October 2003

Commentary: A more apt title for this book might have been "Over-Dramatic Recollections by a Self-Occupied & Obsessive-Compulsive Workaholic with a Chip on His Shoulder". Cramer seeks to set the record for his life straight by (1) apologizing for mistakes in which he has hurt family, friends and associates, (2) criticizing antagonists for their cruelty, incompetence and stupidity, and (3) explaining (if not justifying) his obsessive behavior. David Denby (The New Yorker) describes Cramer on the cover of the book as "bellicose, self-justifying, coarse, infantile, lovable". Despite his foibles, I am impressed with Cramer for starting with nothing and striving to achieve so much success in different areas. Cramer is a good writer and the book reads very quick and easy.

Summary: Cramer covers five major aspects of his professional life: (1) print reporter, (2) stock broker, (3) trader and hedge fund manager, (4) business analyst, and (5) dot-com founder. He gave me new perspectives into the functioning of the financial markets and industries. The book also has a happy ending, in which he finally locks his profits and turns to focus on his family.

J. Sprigg