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Investment Biker: Around the World with Jim Rogers
Legendary investor Jim Rogers gives us his view of the world on a twenty-two-month, fifty-two-country motorcycle odyssey in his bestselling business/adventure book, Investment Biker , which has already sold more than 200,000 copies.
Before you invest another dollar anywhere in the world (including the United States), read this book by the man Time magazine calls “the Indiana Jones of finance.”
Jim Rogers became a Wall Street legend when he co-founded the Quantum Fund. Investment Biker is the fascinating story of Rogers’s global motorcycle journey/investing trip, with hardheaded advice on the current state and future direction of international economies that will guide and inspire investors interested in foreign markets.
Before you invest another dollar anywhere in the world (including the United States), read this book by the man Time magazine calls “the Indiana Jones of finance.”
Jim Rogers became a Wall Street legend when he co-founded the Quantum Fund. Investment Biker is the fascinating story of Rogers’s global motorcycle journey/investing trip, with hardheaded advice on the current state and future direction of international economies that will guide and inspire investors interested in foreign markets.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
About the author
Jim Rogers
79 books214 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
James Beeland Rogers, Jr. is an American investor and author, currently based in Singapore. Rogers is the Chairman of Rogers Holdings and Beeland Interests, Inc. He was the co-founder of the Quantum Fund with George Soros and creator of the Rogers International Commodities Index (RICI). He has travelled around the world by motorcycle and car
James Beeland Rogers, Jr. is an American investor and author, currently based in Singapore. Rogers is the Chairman of Rogers Holdings and Beeland Interests, Inc. He was the co-founder of the Quantum Fund with George Soros and creator of the Rogers International Commodities Index (RICI). He has travelled around the world by motorcycle and car
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
December 10, 2013
This book really covers a lot of ground, geographically, historically and from an investing standpoint. The base story itself is pretty incredible, traveling across 6 continents on a motorcycle, which no one had ever done before. The book does a good job of keeping moving with a mix of historical context, current economic activity, and personal anecdote for each country they pass through. While obviously needing to limit scope in many places, Rodgers does a very good job of highlighting the key drivers in history that have brought each country to where the are today (in the 1990's) and what is driving the current outlook for each country, which each chapter resulting in his decision to invest in the country or not. By the end of the book, you really come away with a broad understanding of the main themes in each geography of the world (i.e. varying levels of recovery from colonialism in Africa, strong socialist trends dominating South and Central America, etc.), which is impressive in a book of 300-some pages.
I would recommend this book as a pretty fascinating story that serves as part history book, part economics textbook, part Wall St. tutorial, and part adventure fantasy, all delivered in a straightforward, understated tone that makes for a very easy read.
I would recommend this book as a pretty fascinating story that serves as part history book, part economics textbook, part Wall St. tutorial, and part adventure fantasy, all delivered in a straightforward, understated tone that makes for a very easy read.
April 4, 2016
I would not recommend the book. I like Jim Rogers as an investor. I think he has a keen insight into the World economy and the art of investing. I Google his investment views often.
This book is a travelogue, not an investment book. I was fully expecting this and I was excited. Riding more than 60,000 miles on motorcycles across some of the most remote and dangerous territories in the World seems incredible. A chance to "experience" the peoples and places not normally visited through this Jim Rogers adventure was compelling. But the book lacked in both excitement and intriguing experiences....at least for me. I never found myself totally absorbed in the story as I do for well-written books. It meandered slowly....this might be the best description of my reaction. Yes....the Investment Biker was interesting at times. I did finish the book. But I wouldn't recommend it to others.
This book is a travelogue, not an investment book. I was fully expecting this and I was excited. Riding more than 60,000 miles on motorcycles across some of the most remote and dangerous territories in the World seems incredible. A chance to "experience" the peoples and places not normally visited through this Jim Rogers adventure was compelling. But the book lacked in both excitement and intriguing experiences....at least for me. I never found myself totally absorbed in the story as I do for well-written books. It meandered slowly....this might be the best description of my reaction. Yes....the Investment Biker was interesting at times. I did finish the book. But I wouldn't recommend it to others.
May 9, 2011
When Jim Rogers was a kid growing up in small town Alabama, he had a dream: to one day get richer than God and ride around the world on a motorcycle with a hot blonde half his age. He was a strange kid -- and, let's be honest, pretty unoriginal.* Regardless, Jim Rogers accomplished that dream and wrote an interesting, informative book about it. I'd almost call it lovely, but if "lovely" also had anti-communist connotations.
*Note: Any information about Jim Rogers' childhood thoughts is purely speculative.
In the world of film and literature, there have been countless encarnations (from The Odyssey to Motorcycle Diaries) of the "travel epic" story. Fact or fiction, the tale is familiar: the main character travels around the country/the hemisphere/the world/the universe, has adventures and evolves. What made Investment Biker so interesting and original was that it told this story from a decidedly capitalistic perspective. (It was almost like an investment banker was riding around on a bi...wait...OH!!!) For nearly every country through which he passed, Rogers would deliver economic insights into the region based on a combination of what he saw, his incredibly vast world history knowledge, and his own brand of straight-forward logic that had made him a fortune on Wall St. Beyond that, it was refreshing to read a novel of this sort that didn't once use the "life is just so much simpler there/these are the real people" brand of hack story telling common to the genre. Basically, I'm just happy a non-hippy finally decided to travel around the world and write about it. Che Guevera, eat your heart out.
Overall, I offer a belated congratulations (the trip was 20 years ago) to Jim Rogers on a job well done. Sir, you are much better at being rich than I would be.
P.S. I mentioned his 23-year-old travel companion/girlfriend (Tabitha). Who am I to judge, but there were times when I couldn't help but notice the underlying creepiness of this relationship. What would you do if your fresh-out-of-college daughter came to you and said "hey mom/dad, I think I'm going to ride a motorcycle around the world with a 46 year old, twice-divorced man." I'm guessing your response would rhyme with "truck no." Now, what about if that guy is one of the richest guys in America and a bit of a financial celebrity? Is it different? I can't decide. It's still horribly awkward when he meets the parents at least, right? Remind me not to have a daughter.
*Note: Any information about Jim Rogers' childhood thoughts is purely speculative.
In the world of film and literature, there have been countless encarnations (from The Odyssey to Motorcycle Diaries) of the "travel epic" story. Fact or fiction, the tale is familiar: the main character travels around the country/the hemisphere/the world/the universe, has adventures and evolves. What made Investment Biker so interesting and original was that it told this story from a decidedly capitalistic perspective. (It was almost like an investment banker was riding around on a bi...wait...OH!!!) For nearly every country through which he passed, Rogers would deliver economic insights into the region based on a combination of what he saw, his incredibly vast world history knowledge, and his own brand of straight-forward logic that had made him a fortune on Wall St. Beyond that, it was refreshing to read a novel of this sort that didn't once use the "life is just so much simpler there/these are the real people" brand of hack story telling common to the genre. Basically, I'm just happy a non-hippy finally decided to travel around the world and write about it. Che Guevera, eat your heart out.
Overall, I offer a belated congratulations (the trip was 20 years ago) to Jim Rogers on a job well done. Sir, you are much better at being rich than I would be.
P.S. I mentioned his 23-year-old travel companion/girlfriend (Tabitha). Who am I to judge, but there were times when I couldn't help but notice the underlying creepiness of this relationship. What would you do if your fresh-out-of-college daughter came to you and said "hey mom/dad, I think I'm going to ride a motorcycle around the world with a 46 year old, twice-divorced man." I'm guessing your response would rhyme with "truck no." Now, what about if that guy is one of the richest guys in America and a bit of a financial celebrity? Is it different? I can't decide. It's still horribly awkward when he meets the parents at least, right? Remind me not to have a daughter.
December 23, 2014
This book was positively agonizing. Rogers, a Rhodes Scholar and well-known, outspoken investment guru, writes with the gusto and inspiration of a 4th grader, and his emotionless rendering of his relationship with the love interest of the story is as dynamic and vivid as a stale English muffin. I got two chapters into this dreadful tome, which came highly recommended from several friends, and left it aside, unable to proceed.
December 2, 2017
Good, but not great book. Jim's story is a fascinating one but I think it could have been written better and highlighted more of the excitement. Like and respect Mr Rogers, but this one was a bit of a slog. Since this is an older book, it's fun to see which of Jim's predictions came true.
May 21, 2022
A good travelogue, with 10% of business/economics thoughts.
I'd love to read about his previous trip to India, and also his thoughts 30 years after his travels.
I'd love to read about his previous trip to India, and also his thoughts 30 years after his travels.
October 29, 2018
Good book-interesting insights. I enjoying reading thi
January 25, 2016
Jim Rogers, famous investor, expartner of George Soros, retired at 37 and decided to travel the world with his BWM and girlfriend. This book is a travel diary and is full of comments on the countries that he visits. Those comments are not sophisticated and follow the same framework of thinking. Rogers explains that revolutions emerge no because of oppressed people, but from people with unrealized expectations. Provides a good analysis of communism failure: no accountability, no responsibility, no incentive. Black markets as an indicator of failed monetary policies and predictors of collapse and hyperinflation. The desease of statism and government intervention on supply or prices to lead countries into poverty. The portrait of Africa is quite depressing. His views on Argentina were obviously wrong: Peronism went back and the country is still in dire straits. Some tips to be rich: have a goal, pursue it (for many years), work hard, look for opportunities (do not invest to lose).
March 9, 2017
4 Stars - The book "Investment Biker" is a treasure chest for every reasonable investor and more so for everyone interested in contemporary history. His investor's view on history is refreshing; it is free of ideology, free of guilt, and free of politics. He wants to make money; thus, he cannot afford to get caught by beliefs and narratives. He gauges the reality and makes predictions based on it. His logics and thinking are unpolitical to the extent that he becomes politically incorrect.
The book becomes most interesting when he makes predictions using his sharp logic. I am in awe by the precision of his forecasts. It is incredible to see what a clear mind can achieve in this noisy world.
For me, Jim Rogers manifested himself as an authority in international investment with this book.
It is ironic however that his predictions were so off on the topic he is supposed to know most about: the United States of America. Here, I assume, his clarity was clouded by his feelings.
The book becomes most interesting when he makes predictions using his sharp logic. I am in awe by the precision of his forecasts. It is incredible to see what a clear mind can achieve in this noisy world.
For me, Jim Rogers manifested himself as an authority in international investment with this book.
It is ironic however that his predictions were so off on the topic he is supposed to know most about: the United States of America. Here, I assume, his clarity was clouded by his feelings.
February 13, 2024
【2016年的感想】
4 stars. Partly global history, partly economics, partly investment tutorial and partly adventure travelogue. It is more comprehensive than deep, but certainly wove a lot of threads together. Again, a book I wish I had read in high school or freshman year in college.
【2024年重读的随想】
1. 新加坡、奥地利、HK都是"gateway countries/regions”。如果你想要投资东南亚、东欧、中国，却又担心它过于messy，那么通过gateway进行操作是很好的选择。从这些国家的领导人角度来说，当一个好的"gateway"也是不错定位。自身狭小、资源和体量缺乏，与其把自己当成an end in itself，不如做个好的媒人。不过Gateway国家房地产、移民和就业市场容易乱七八糟，需要良好的治理。
印度的Gateway是什么呢？
4 stars. Partly global history, partly economics, partly investment tutorial and partly adventure travelogue. It is more comprehensive than deep, but certainly wove a lot of threads together. Again, a book I wish I had read in high school or freshman year in college.
【2024年重读的随想】
1. 新加坡、奥地利、HK都是"gateway countries/regions”。如果你想要投资东南亚、东欧、中国，却又担心它过于messy，那么通过gateway进行操作是很好的选择。从这些国家的领导人角度来说，当一个好的"gateway"也是不错定位。自身狭小、资源和体量缺乏，与其把自己当成an end in itself，不如做个好的媒人。不过Gateway国家房地产、移民和就业市场容易乱七八糟，需要良好的治理。
印度的Gateway是什么呢？
November 14, 2007
Billionaire business partner of George Soros travels the world on a motorcycle and reports his observations.
Very insightful into how economics is viewed by captains of industry. They really have no interest in a place where everything seems to be running smoothly. Those places have no where to go but down. He was much more interested in places where a reliable infrastructure was the rule of law, he felt that development was inevitable.
Very insightful into how economics is viewed by captains of industry. They really have no interest in a place where everything seems to be running smoothly. Those places have no where to go but down. He was much more interested in places where a reliable infrastructure was the rule of law, he felt that development was inevitable.
April 11, 2011
Disappointing read. I read it a while ago and was very much looking forward to it based on Jim Rogers legendary status in the markets. However, this book, for me, really couldn't decide what its purpose was. Was it a personal account of Jim's travels? Was it investement focused? Suffice to say, because of its lack of commitment to both, it succeeded as neither. I was disappointed because I expected more from Jim Rogers' brilliance. It was a slow, long read.
September 28, 2016
In the early 90s investor Jim Rogers and his girlfriend motorcycled across the world. This book is part travelogue, part history lesson, part economics lesson, and part basic investment strategy. I knew Rogers was of a libertarian bent, but I didn't realize to what degree. As he travels from country to country and comments on the past and predicted future of each region, while musing about the failing and tragedy of statism, bureaucracy, war, and even the war on drugs.
January 19, 2009
good book about a rtw trip on a motorbike at the turn of the century. he went with his girlfriend (up to a point, when she decided to return to the US). A bit self indulgent sometimes, but inspiring for those akin to financial markets and travelling. some good insights about the economies of then developing countrie.s
March 27, 2010
How do you get across the border? Can I plan a trip on all continents where i can ride my BMW motorcycle?
He is having too much fun with his early retirement. Traveling across just Siberia on his cycle would be a kick.
Investing in equities in any country that would sell them.
He is having too much fun with his early retirement. Traveling across just Siberia on his cycle would be a kick.
Investing in equities in any country that would sell them.
April 28, 2019
There's very little useful information here for those interested in investing, trading, commodities or anything else Jim Roger's made his name on in the 70s and 80s. A lot of analysis/commentary on the countries he travels through, mostly from a socio-political purview. Some of what Roger's observed is prescient, much of it was way off the mark.
Not as much of a presence now on Business channels in the United States since he moved to Singapore, Jim Rogers use to be a regular on Bloomberg, CNBC etc.up to the build-up and during the great recession. Labelled as a "perma-bear" (someone who more often than not forecasts gloom), a lot of his pessimism seems to have been consistent since at least the early 90s, when this book was originally published.
The book was written after a 2-year motorbike trip Rogers took with his then-girlfriend across the Eurasian landmass from Europe to China, then back through the Maghrib, into Africa, then back to Pacific through Australia and New Zealand, then through Latin America, then Mexico and finally back to New York. The trip was made during the late 80s, maybe 89, simultaneously during the fall of Communism in much of Eurasia. As an eyewitness account of these regions during this point in history, the book's ok. Much of Rogers observations is libertarian, so he peppers his observations with commentary on the inability of central governments to govern their states. Much of it is cookie cutter for anyone who's ever read any kind of libertarian analysis, though possibly this was novel writing in non-political/business books for that era.
Not to say Rogers is devoid or insightful commentary. He often takes a very "progressive" attitude towards the world civilizations that had existed in the regions he is travelling. Often times musing that they were often as great, perhaps greater in some cases than those that emerged in the West at various times in history. He reserves these commenters not just for obvious candidates like China, but to many areas he travels in Africa and South Americas. Given the time of writing and his age, it is not trivial to say that this thought pattern was probably learned through independent initiative, as standard world histories both at the primary, secondary and collegiate level would likely have been heavily "euro-centric". The fact that this man grew up in Alabama during the 50s and 60s makes this fact about him more intriguing and demonstrated a well-read mind built out of contrarian drives. These traits clearly served him well as an investor.
On the other hand, Rogers also makes many many bad predictions, some of which are forgivable, like his prediction that the then Soviet Union and/Russia would break up into multiple states, with Siberia being lost to Russia. Many people in the 90s believed something like that was plausible. Though Rogers took that idea and misapplied it to many different countries (including hypothetically the United States) predicting many more state collapses than actually occurred. He also comically forecast that Bill Clinton would be the last Democratic president.
Is the book worth it? Unless you want to learn more about Jim Roger's ideas, no. There's virtually nothing about the practice of investing. It's kind of like a long series of blog posts. Not recommended
Not as much of a presence now on Business channels in the United States since he moved to Singapore, Jim Rogers use to be a regular on Bloomberg, CNBC etc.up to the build-up and during the great recession. Labelled as a "perma-bear" (someone who more often than not forecasts gloom), a lot of his pessimism seems to have been consistent since at least the early 90s, when this book was originally published.
The book was written after a 2-year motorbike trip Rogers took with his then-girlfriend across the Eurasian landmass from Europe to China, then back through the Maghrib, into Africa, then back to Pacific through Australia and New Zealand, then through Latin America, then Mexico and finally back to New York. The trip was made during the late 80s, maybe 89, simultaneously during the fall of Communism in much of Eurasia. As an eyewitness account of these regions during this point in history, the book's ok. Much of Rogers observations is libertarian, so he peppers his observations with commentary on the inability of central governments to govern their states. Much of it is cookie cutter for anyone who's ever read any kind of libertarian analysis, though possibly this was novel writing in non-political/business books for that era.
Not to say Rogers is devoid or insightful commentary. He often takes a very "progressive" attitude towards the world civilizations that had existed in the regions he is travelling. Often times musing that they were often as great, perhaps greater in some cases than those that emerged in the West at various times in history. He reserves these commenters not just for obvious candidates like China, but to many areas he travels in Africa and South Americas. Given the time of writing and his age, it is not trivial to say that this thought pattern was probably learned through independent initiative, as standard world histories both at the primary, secondary and collegiate level would likely have been heavily "euro-centric". The fact that this man grew up in Alabama during the 50s and 60s makes this fact about him more intriguing and demonstrated a well-read mind built out of contrarian drives. These traits clearly served him well as an investor.
On the other hand, Rogers also makes many many bad predictions, some of which are forgivable, like his prediction that the then Soviet Union and/Russia would break up into multiple states, with Siberia being lost to Russia. Many people in the 90s believed something like that was plausible. Though Rogers took that idea and misapplied it to many different countries (including hypothetically the United States) predicting many more state collapses than actually occurred. He also comically forecast that Bill Clinton would be the last Democratic president.
Is the book worth it? Unless you want to learn more about Jim Roger's ideas, no. There's virtually nothing about the practice of investing. It's kind of like a long series of blog posts. Not recommended
Read
January 24, 2022I had my rst job at the age of ve, picking up bottles at baseball games.
Little did we know that we were buying at the top. engendered by the Korean War. Our investment in beef was wiped out in the postwar price collapse.
I considered medical school, law school, and business school. I loved learning things
I fell in love with Wall Street. I had always wanted to know as much about current aairs as I could, and I was astounded that on the Street someone would pay me for guring out that a revolution in Chile would drive up the price of copper. Besides, I was poor and wanted money in a hurry and it was clear there was plenty of money there.
I was a coxswain on the crew
I was lucky enough to win an academic scholarship to Oxford
Balliol bursar
hedge fund, which is a sophisticated fund for foreign investors that both buys and sells short stocks, commodities, currencies, and bonds
read The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times
watershed, something that would mark a new beginning for the rest of my life
In 1980 it was dicult to circle the planet—you couldn’t get anywhere. There were twenty-ve to thirty wars going on, and the Communists wouldn’t let you pass through Russia or China
It was as if I’d been sitting outside a door, knocking on it every day for nine years, and it never opened, and then one day the damn door did open
here were these Russians who considered long-distance motorcycle riding a sport. Lesson number one in going around the world: Know enough about the culture you’re entering so you can maneuver in it; otherwise you’ll get locked out.
more than half the world—is still rough, wild, unpaved, savage.
I bought foreign currencies, mainly certicates of deposit denominated in guilders or deutsche marks, reasoning that the dollar would go down as the politicians cut interest rates.
Ireland is a victim of statism, which my dictionary denes as the concentration of economic controls and planning in the hands of a highly centralized government, and which I further dene as the belief that the state is the mechanism best suited for solving most if not all of society’s ills, be they health related, natural disasters, poverty, job training, or injured feelings.
Margaret Thatcher was the rst major example of a leader who reversed this trend. When she was elected in 1979, Britain was bankrupt from its government’s eorts to solve every social problem. She began to sell o the assets and businesses that had been nationalized by the Labour Party, invigorating the country’s economy.
high prices cut back demand
If something was wrong with Tabitha internally, better to be closer to a large city than out here in the middle of farmland.
Riding the bike, having the wind in our faces
I had wanted to buy her a BMW R100RT motorcycle like mine: a heavy 1,000-cc machine with electric starter, cassette deck, heated handlebars—all the comforts of home.
Little did we know that we were buying at the top. engendered by the Korean War. Our investment in beef was wiped out in the postwar price collapse.
I considered medical school, law school, and business school. I loved learning things
I fell in love with Wall Street. I had always wanted to know as much about current aairs as I could, and I was astounded that on the Street someone would pay me for guring out that a revolution in Chile would drive up the price of copper. Besides, I was poor and wanted money in a hurry and it was clear there was plenty of money there.
I was a coxswain on the crew
I was lucky enough to win an academic scholarship to Oxford
Balliol bursar
hedge fund, which is a sophisticated fund for foreign investors that both buys and sells short stocks, commodities, currencies, and bonds
read The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times
watershed, something that would mark a new beginning for the rest of my life
In 1980 it was dicult to circle the planet—you couldn’t get anywhere. There were twenty-ve to thirty wars going on, and the Communists wouldn’t let you pass through Russia or China
It was as if I’d been sitting outside a door, knocking on it every day for nine years, and it never opened, and then one day the damn door did open
here were these Russians who considered long-distance motorcycle riding a sport. Lesson number one in going around the world: Know enough about the culture you’re entering so you can maneuver in it; otherwise you’ll get locked out.
more than half the world—is still rough, wild, unpaved, savage.
I bought foreign currencies, mainly certicates of deposit denominated in guilders or deutsche marks, reasoning that the dollar would go down as the politicians cut interest rates.
Ireland is a victim of statism, which my dictionary denes as the concentration of economic controls and planning in the hands of a highly centralized government, and which I further dene as the belief that the state is the mechanism best suited for solving most if not all of society’s ills, be they health related, natural disasters, poverty, job training, or injured feelings.
Margaret Thatcher was the rst major example of a leader who reversed this trend. When she was elected in 1979, Britain was bankrupt from its government’s eorts to solve every social problem. She began to sell o the assets and businesses that had been nationalized by the Labour Party, invigorating the country’s economy.
high prices cut back demand
If something was wrong with Tabitha internally, better to be closer to a large city than out here in the middle of farmland.
Riding the bike, having the wind in our faces
I had wanted to buy her a BMW R100RT motorcycle like mine: a heavy 1,000-cc machine with electric starter, cassette deck, heated handlebars—all the comforts of home.
February 11, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book to be honest. Jim Rogers has a very admirable personality and for that he needs to be congratulated. His ability to derive forecasts and predictions on the basis of observations he makes in each of the countries he visits is extremely inspiring. This is something everyone aspiring to pursue a career in long term investing needs to learn. An ability to make inferences on the basis of what is happening on the ground. IF A, then B. And the B here is not the most obvious, plainly visible consequence of A, but the hidden, slow but dramatic change happening in the far background.
However, his ideas and ideals are rather bounded. He is a staunch supporter of capitalism and staunchly against statism. While evidence overwhelmingly suggests that his conviction is right, I'd have enjoyed this book more had he delved deeper to find out what aspects of statism do and dont work. Surely, not every aspect is bad? In domains like education and healthcare, statism has contributed to significant efficiency improvement in Europe. That could have been explored?
The journey that he undertook itself is an extraordinary one. He stays in five star hotels as well as in heavily crowded barges along Congo and that to me shows someone who is extremely rugged and seasoned as an individual. Such an individual earns my respect. His networth at the time of the journey was around several hundren million dollars. Such a rich bloke at that time could just as easily have rented a chartered flight and travelled the biggest cities of the world staying in plush hotels.
The book has a lot for the reader to think about. A lot of his predictions did come true, a lot did not. He was super bullish on Chile and invested money there. Chile today runs over 50% inflation every year and is in the verge of going bankrupt. Had he remained invested in New Zealand from when he was there to today, his investment would have returned a mere 5% CAGR. However, some of his other bets like in South Africa would have paid off really well. I personally disagree with thea approach of taking the tepmerature of the country and investing in the biggest companies with healthy balance sheets; that is of course if the stock market of the country is not on the first page of the news paper. There is much more art and science behind investing and this is perhaps why he is not at the same league as Ben Graham or Warren Buffett.
All in all, good book if you enjoy the genre of travel and investment. A very good concoction, but still leaves you short a little.
However, his ideas and ideals are rather bounded. He is a staunch supporter of capitalism and staunchly against statism. While evidence overwhelmingly suggests that his conviction is right, I'd have enjoyed this book more had he delved deeper to find out what aspects of statism do and dont work. Surely, not every aspect is bad? In domains like education and healthcare, statism has contributed to significant efficiency improvement in Europe. That could have been explored?
The journey that he undertook itself is an extraordinary one. He stays in five star hotels as well as in heavily crowded barges along Congo and that to me shows someone who is extremely rugged and seasoned as an individual. Such an individual earns my respect. His networth at the time of the journey was around several hundren million dollars. Such a rich bloke at that time could just as easily have rented a chartered flight and travelled the biggest cities of the world staying in plush hotels.
The book has a lot for the reader to think about. A lot of his predictions did come true, a lot did not. He was super bullish on Chile and invested money there. Chile today runs over 50% inflation every year and is in the verge of going bankrupt. Had he remained invested in New Zealand from when he was there to today, his investment would have returned a mere 5% CAGR. However, some of his other bets like in South Africa would have paid off really well. I personally disagree with thea approach of taking the tepmerature of the country and investing in the biggest companies with healthy balance sheets; that is of course if the stock market of the country is not on the first page of the news paper. There is much more art and science behind investing and this is perhaps why he is not at the same league as Ben Graham or Warren Buffett.
All in all, good book if you enjoy the genre of travel and investment. A very good concoction, but still leaves you short a little.
October 15, 2018
One of the most entertaining finance books of all time.
Jim Rogers is a former fund manager who just wants to fulfill his dream of traveling around the world -- coast to coast on each continent. His travel method of choice? Motorcycle.
His companion is Tabitha Estabrook, who -- reading between the lines -- becomes the real hero of the journey. (She's the mechanic, translator, leader, and cool head of the two. In the end, we're all #TeamTabi.)
They begin their travels in 1989, a couple years out from the collapse of the Soviet Union. They drive through Soviet territory early on though, noting all the signs of revolution around them.
They also travel through a China in flux. Back then, the country was just beginning the capitalist shift that we associate with it now.
Eventually, they make it back through Europe, too, going literally ocean to ocean.
Then they plow south, traversing all of Africa, from end to end.
Finishing out their tour, Rogers and Estabrook travel the breadth of Australia, the length of South America, and straight up through war-torn Central America.
All the while, Rogers offers running commentary on the economics of the regions they travel through. As an investor, he's also on the lookout for new financial opportunities. And he buys into several markets they visit.
They end the narrative in New York, their home. After almost two years, both travelers are (we think) fundamentally changed. And we, the readers, have been gleefully along for the ride.
Jim Rogers is a former fund manager who just wants to fulfill his dream of traveling around the world -- coast to coast on each continent. His travel method of choice? Motorcycle.
His companion is Tabitha Estabrook, who -- reading between the lines -- becomes the real hero of the journey. (She's the mechanic, translator, leader, and cool head of the two. In the end, we're all #TeamTabi.)
They begin their travels in 1989, a couple years out from the collapse of the Soviet Union. They drive through Soviet territory early on though, noting all the signs of revolution around them.
They also travel through a China in flux. Back then, the country was just beginning the capitalist shift that we associate with it now.
Eventually, they make it back through Europe, too, going literally ocean to ocean.
Then they plow south, traversing all of Africa, from end to end.
Finishing out their tour, Rogers and Estabrook travel the breadth of Australia, the length of South America, and straight up through war-torn Central America.
All the while, Rogers offers running commentary on the economics of the regions they travel through. As an investor, he's also on the lookout for new financial opportunities. And he buys into several markets they visit.
They end the narrative in New York, their home. After almost two years, both travelers are (we think) fundamentally changed. And we, the readers, have been gleefully along for the ride.
February 10, 2020
This book contains Rogers’ round the world trip with a lot of his view on international affaires coupled with travelling anecdotes. From Europe through Central Asia to Japan, then U-turn from Eastern Siberia across Russia back to Southern Europe and southbound through Africa to Cape of Good Hope. Then flew to Aussies and round the island before flying to the southern tip of the Americas. Lastly northbound through South and Central Americas.
Wherever he goes, he would always on the look out for good investment opportunities such as Aussie, Botswana and most of Latin Americas' stock exchanges. He always look for top five blue chip companies in different sectors. This book offered numerous macro view of different regions of the world. Rogers has a talent of analysing historical events from an economic perspective. He is a brilliant investor, which is very apparent through this book.
I really admired his take on life, his investing philosophies and his adventurous spirit. Rogers is a truly global investor. I aspire to follow his footsteps, in investing and travelling.
Wherever he goes, he would always on the look out for good investment opportunities such as Aussie, Botswana and most of Latin Americas' stock exchanges. He always look for top five blue chip companies in different sectors. This book offered numerous macro view of different regions of the world. Rogers has a talent of analysing historical events from an economic perspective. He is a brilliant investor, which is very apparent through this book.
I really admired his take on life, his investing philosophies and his adventurous spirit. Rogers is a truly global investor. I aspire to follow his footsteps, in investing and travelling.
January 7, 2023
3.5* An enjoyable light read on a fund manager's epic journey around the world. Jim Rogers weaves tales from his around the world trip with economic/investment commentaries on the countries travelled through, providing some useful insights.
However, the book could have done with more fact checking and better editing, as there are several inaccuracies (particularly regarding some of the African countries travelled through) and several gaps in the narrative. Additionally, while some of the author's economic insights and predictions are well balanced and insightful, some are stated with an apparent bias, hubris and overconfidence (especially his view of the US in the 'Afterward'). A pinch of salt might be needed here.
Even with it's short comings, it is an enjoyable read and worthwhile read - and it may ignite one's wanderlust.
However, the book could have done with more fact checking and better editing, as there are several inaccuracies (particularly regarding some of the African countries travelled through) and several gaps in the narrative. Additionally, while some of the author's economic insights and predictions are well balanced and insightful, some are stated with an apparent bias, hubris and overconfidence (especially his view of the US in the 'Afterward'). A pinch of salt might be needed here.
Even with it's short comings, it is an enjoyable read and worthwhile read - and it may ignite one's wanderlust.
December 26, 2019
Perfect book to take with you on a travel! It's exciting, stimulating, honest and easy to follow.
I appreciated the endless adventures during the trip around the world - also makes you realize your limits - I wouldn't have enjoyed such an extreme travel - while highlighting that some the of the most amazing experiences there are you can't just purchase from a tour agency - one would have to create them serendipitously by allowing the chance to work its magic on the strategically planned opportunities.
I also liked the book from a historic perspective - it's well more entertaining to learn about the things past from the descriptions of a traveler than from a history book.
Overall - would recommend to anyone and every one!
I appreciated the endless adventures during the trip around the world - also makes you realize your limits - I wouldn't have enjoyed such an extreme travel - while highlighting that some the of the most amazing experiences there are you can't just purchase from a tour agency - one would have to create them serendipitously by allowing the chance to work its magic on the strategically planned opportunities.
I also liked the book from a historic perspective - it's well more entertaining to learn about the things past from the descriptions of a traveler than from a history book.
Overall - would recommend to anyone and every one!
March 22, 2022
In 1990, Jim Rogers, a successful investor who was in his late forties sets out with his 23 year old girlfriend, Tabitha, on a motorcycle trip around the world. Over two years they rode around the world passing through over 50 countries. Jim provides a colourful narrative of his adventure but also breaks down the workings of the local economy on a macro level and why he is likely to invest there.
“If you have a dream, you must try it, you have to get it out of your system. You will never get another chance.”
I was recommended this book by Steve Goodey, a property investment coach that I caught up with for a coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed the catchup, the coffee and now this book. 3 stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“If you have a dream, you must try it, you have to get it out of your system. You will never get another chance.”
I was recommended this book by Steve Goodey, a property investment coach that I caught up with for a coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed the catchup, the coffee and now this book. 3 stars. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
October 2, 2017
Really enjoyed the trip through Siberia. The many challenges. Handy to have a map to keep track of where Jim Rogers and Tabatha are travelling. This is an exceptionally long trip. After travelling to Japan, via China (across 3000mi with only 1 timezone), and then through Siberia to Poland. Then embarks on a successive trip through Africa to New Zealand, and back through S. America (have not reached that part yet, assumed that is where they go). Investment ideas integrated with text that some may find boring.
March 24, 2019
I dont know how this made the best seller's list unless the ranking was bought, the book is so bad, is a wasted read, gives little to no information in the area of investment, more about the details of his trip with a gal half his age, sounded more of an ego stroke than anything else. In addition, it is geopolitically dated.
July 24, 2021
Very interesting view on long-term global investing
I like his view on finding countries that are coming out of recession an investing in the most hopeful companies. Very exciting book with lots of detail on the hurdles he faced by riding motorcycles in different countries. A really fun mixture of sites and economic history. Definitely a joy to listen to.
I like his view on finding countries that are coming out of recession an investing in the most hopeful companies. Very exciting book with lots of detail on the hurdles he faced by riding motorcycles in different countries. A really fun mixture of sites and economic history. Definitely a joy to listen to.
June 6, 2022
Rogers travels the world by motorbike in 1990. Fascinating read as he goes EVERYWHERE from Siberia to China to crossing the Sahara, giving us his perspective of what’s going on on the ground and his economic/investment takeaways and predictions. 20 years this books doesn’t feel dated - the world has changed and it really gives pause for thought and reflection.
January 7, 2020
I really enjoyed the story-telling writing combining many topics I find interesting: investment, traveling, development of nations and fun anecdotes. Highly recommended for curious, business interested travellers.
February 23, 2021
Amazing blend of travel and finance. It may sound like the weirdest fusion ever (ok, except chicken and waffles maybe), but I promise you’ll love it, laugh a lot, and learn a lot of valuable principles of investing along the way.
October 26, 2017
Superb book! Jim is great writer- hard to put this book down. He writes about his investing method what is very interesting, simple and smart. Plus great story!
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