Customer Reviews

God in the Pits: Confessions of a Commodoties Trader

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

For those of you looking for a book about trading commodities, "God in the Pits" is not for you. Although there are some interesting musings about life on the trading floor within the pages of this book, "God in the Pits" really tackles issues much more significant than trading.

At the core of this book is Mr. Ritchie's account of his own spiritual and religious questions as they relate to significant (and sometimes tragic) events throughout his life. Through a remarkably revealing personal account, Mr. Ritchie takes us from the deserts of Afghanistan to the shores of Oregon and on to the trading pits of Chicago. In the process, Mr. Ritchie shares with the reader a stimulating ideological debate about the reality of religion in his life, and how he was able to reconcile within himself some difficult questions. For anyone who has ever questioned their faith, and who also enjoys a life story of nearly epic proportions, this book IS for you.

This book is a must for those searching questions about their own identity, how we fit into the grand schemes of life and Where is God in all of the difficulties of life?

My pilgrimmage has been very similar except I am not a commodities trader. I have been involved on the other side as a relief and development worker along the Thai/ Cambodian border and also in Afghanstan for the last 20 years. I was amazed to find these two connections within a book about commodities.

However, the issues of suffering and the questions raised by the author are a must for all serious thinkers. The issue of ethics and morality raised are also issues to be pondered by those involved in finances as well as the relief and development community.

I've rated this book five stars but can only recommend it to those who will honestly look at themselves and listen to what the author is saying. This book is NOT primarily about commodities trading although traders (especially "part-timers") should read it. It's an autobiography that starts with the author's means of livelihood but then moves into a far more important aspect of his life - something few have the honesty to think about, and of which fewer still are willing to write about publicly.

After trading a small account (and losing) for a year I ran across this book. I was excited and encouraged by the author's successes but chose to ignore or downplay his failures and warnings. "Surely that wouldn't happen to me, a Christian...after all, my motives are of the highest order [or are they?] and I would gladly donate half of what I make to good causes" [as long as it's half of a million]. In short, I didn't fully understand the subject which comes out as the main focus of this book, and because of this, I didn't heed the warning to us over-confident part-timers. Nevertheless, after near-bankruptcy three years later, I have a much better understanding of the more important things Mark Ritchie attempts to convey.

On second thought, based on the main focus of the book, I FULLY recommend it to all who can get their hands on it! Better to expose underlying bankruptcy and hypocrisy now, thus creating desire for a cure, rather than later when the remedy is no longer offered. I dare you to read it with an open and honest mind, but be especially careful, and read some of the primary source material cited. If this doesn't stir up your thinking you probably can't be stirred!

What an incredible book! It took me only 3 days to read the whole thing. Everyone should take the time and energy to examine their own life and relationship with their Creator the way Ritchie did. He articulated his struggle to come to terms with God better than any I've ever seen.

Don't read this book to get tips on successful trading. It goes much deeper than that!

To give you an accurate idea of the book, I would like to quote from the last page of it: "The story would tell how twenty years had shown me that Christianity was true, that it worked for me, and could work for anyone else willing to try it." That's it. For those who want to read something like Pit Bull, Baruch: My own story, Reminiscences of a Stock Operator type of stuff, you will be absolutely disappointed. However, if you want to read some spiritual stuff, this is it.

p.s. As usual, I would do some copy and paste of messages I like the most for your reference. (Though it's not easy for this book)

You will be amazed at how much common sense you'll have to drop in order to understand this business. pg 8

There is an important lesson to be learned from the silver debacle of 1979. The lesson is old, simple and taught by every kindergartenteacher: Share with others. It applies to stocks and commodities as much as it does to crayons and toys. pg 24

It is a world of make believe, where money grows on trees, dreams become reality, a Disneyland for adults. Almost everyone I meet wants to know how they can get into the business and make a fortune. When I discourage them from doing so, they only become more convinced, thinking that I am just trying to preserve a greater portion of the pot of gold for myself. Little do they know that the gold is not held by a few as a result of their ability to keep others away. It is held by a few because the others find consistent ways to lose. And the futures industry is a most convenient place for the public to lose their money. pg 181

This isn't much about trading or Christianity. More about this guy's somewhat unusual life story. A nice little read but it won't rock your world. What I found interesting was the unresolved issue of what happened to the people who lived before the time of Christ, when Ritchie was raised to believe that salvation only comes through Christ. This is a perplexing question for a Christian who believes this--it certainly says something about the nature of God as such or the belief structure which holds this as a tenet.

This book is an incredible expose on the ongoing ethical struggle in the commodities pits. A first-hand look at what the market calls a "straight-shooter." Mark Ritchie does an incredible job at detailing his profession and his life, and being completely candid with the reader. A must read for anyone interested in the market, or just a good book. One of my top 20 books, and recommend it to anyone. Thanks again, Mark Andrew Ritchie!

This very honest account of floor trading clearly outlines some of the subtle and not-well-known techniques of traders in buying and placing trades. Any investor should be aware of these variables and plan accordingly, as Ritchie warns. He also offers a fascinating view of the human and psychological side of the trading profession. The book is similar in approach to Niederhoffer's "The Education of a Speculator."

I read this book in just two sessions. I have traded commodities for the last five years. Mark Ritchie's descriptions of the trading process and his reasons for amatuers to avoid the commodity markets are well said and VERY true. He search for his personal relationship with God is something that few others will ever have the courage or stamina to persue, but should. I don't remember the last time I read a book that impacted me the way that this book did. It is truely a MUST read for all who are serious about the commodity business, for the psychological approach to the markets, and to all who search for a true and living relationship with God. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

A very engrossing, candid, and well written work by a man who has commanded credibility and respect from his own achievements as a commodities trader. This is about his life's journey, of which many people will find a great amount of common ground especially in the formative years. The reader will find it difficult to lay this one down as Mr. Ritchie describes one experience after another from his early years in Texas, moving with his family to Afghanistan, then moving to the Oregon coast to complete high school. Also a lot of interesting trader stories from the Chicago commodities business. What is most striking about this book is not so much the content, but the writer's stark honesty and humility as he addresses the numerous life issues all of us have encountered, but seldom talk about. Evidently he made a lot of right decisions. This, coming from a very successful trader who could just as well have taken the money and ran. This is a book every man should have on his desk. When you realize who this man is and what he has to say, you might even shed some tears. Much thought-provoking stuff here from a guy you will inevitably admire and respect.