Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets is a book written by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. This is a rather interesting read especially if you are one of contrarian minds.  I came to know about the book when it was mentioned by one of the guest speakers in our MBA program.  Finally, I had a chance to read the book while I was visiting India this summer.  If you invest in the stock market then it is a must read.  IUnlike other stock market gurus, this book doesn't teach you how to value a stock or how to time the market.  Instead, it talks about how random events shape markets and how our short term mentiality can affect our long term success.   The book also makes mockery of certain social norms and standards we use to compare our success with our peers.  It reminded me of one of my classmates who at a rather young age had accomplished a lot yet he was unsatisfied because Bill Gates had accomplished a lot more than him at the same age :)   Therefore, it might also be a good read for folks with great career aspirations.  Overall, I think that it is a good read and gives you a different prespective on life. The book is easily available online and in bookstores.