I must admit that a blog writing break for a few months will do me a great good. The weeks follow one another at a breathless pace and it is not easy to find subjects of interest without repeating too much what I have written in the past.
My colleague, Jean-Philippe Legault, will have the kindness (and courage) to take over from next week and until I resume pencil in early September-thank you! I invite you to read it – his texts are always insightful and approach very different subjects of my blogs.
I plan to use the time “saved” in two ways: 1. Do even more research on titles that could be attractive investments, which I appreciate the most in my work, and 2. Read!
I have already read 46 pounds since the beginning of 2025, a good harvest, several of which relate from near or far to my work. Over the next two months, I intend to read only books for fun. My son, a great reader, recommends the series of seven novels by Marcel Proust, Looking for lost time. It is a possibility, but I also think of me taper the Human comedyfrom Honoré de Balzac. We will see – in both cases, I will have at least for summer!
Here is a list of eight pounds that I have read in recent months and that I really enjoyed (I used to note, several years ago, to note each of the books that I read on a five -star scale). Sorry if some of them are books in English: I decided, many years ago, to always read a book in English or French in its original version.
First, two books on psychology. I recently wrote a series of six blogs on the first Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (*****)by Robert B. Cialdini. In my opinion, any serious investor must read this book. After rereading InfluenceI came across another psychology book, The Rational Animal (****)by Douglas T. Kenrick and Vladas Griskevicius. It is also interesting to learn that the mentor of these two authors was Robert Cialdini. According to the authors, and contrary to what one might think, our cognitive biases may not be the Tares that invariably lead to expensive errors. From the point of view of the evolution of the human race, our decisions, even if they often seem irrational, are completely rational.
Gaza before 7, Guillaume Lavallée, *****. This is a very beautiful book, written in a clear way by a Quebec writer, who deals with the situation in Gaza before October 7, 2023. We especially read in the media and literature the Israeli and Western perspective; That of this book is Palestinian.
The WaitingMichael Connelly, ****. I still appreciate Connelly’s books, but it was particularly good. I liked the main character to be an investigator. I also appreciated the fact that several investigations were carried out, which may seem closer to the reality of an investigator.
Deep WorkCal Newport, ****. Develop discipline to focus fully on what matters and to minimize what is little matters. Since reading this book, I have been trying to maximize full concentration hours in my work, which is not always easy!
The work of the Grand Lièvre FilouSerge Bouchard, ****. Beautiful, poetic. Serge Bouchard makes us realize how magnificent Quebec and Canada are and the importance of our Amerindian cultural heritage.
LincolnDoris Kearns Goodwin, *****. Abraham Lincoln was president of the United States during the Civil War and is the one who abolished slavery in the country. He is undoubtedly a great character in American and human history. Could we say that he is the antithesis of a certain contemporary president?
Melancholy of EuropeStefan Zweig, *****. In times that run, it is useful to remember what happened in Europe at 20e century. In this series of essays, Zweig militates for peace and a return to humanist values. Our leaders should read this book.
I take the opportunity to thank you for reading me every week. Do not hesitate to let me know, by email, your comments and suggestions on what I write.
Happy summer holidays and good reading!
