Contributor, Benzinga
April 16, 2021

If you’ve ever looked into the interworkings of the stock market, you are likely no stranger to Jim Cramer. Born in 1995, James J. Cramer developed an interest in investing as a child. After graduating from Harvard and starting a career in journalism, he began his own hedge fund in 1987.

Cramer worked at Goldman Sachs for a while but soon decided that he preferred to work on his own. In 1996, he co-founded TheStreet.com, which covers financial markets with a focus on the U.S. stock market.

However, Jim Cramer’s fame didn’t solely come from TheStreet. Cramer has been the most popular stock market analyst at CNBC for two decades where he was a contributor before getting his own TV show, Mad Money.

Because of his charismatic and unorthodox approach to presenting his stock picks, Cramer drew many people to the world of investing. His advice made it easier to get started. As a television personality, he is energetic, loud, and blunt.

If you’re looking to learn from this investing icon, there are plenty of resources outside Mad Money to learn from, especially his books. We’re breaking down the top Jim Cramer books for all levels of investing expertise and skill.

Quick Look: The Best Jim Cramer Books To Read Right Now

  • Get Rich Carefully by Jim Cramer - Get it now
  • Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich by Jim Cramer - Get it now
  • Stay Mad for Life: Get Rich, Stay Rich (Make Your Kids Even Richer) by Jim Cramer - Get it now
  • Getting Back to Even by Jim Cramer - Get it now
  • Real Money: Sane Investing in an Insane World by Jim Cramer - Get it now
  • Confessions of a Street Addict by Jim Cramer - Get it now
  • You Got Screwed! Why Wall Street Tanked and How You Can Prosper by Jim Cramer - Get it now
  • The Best Investment Advice I Ever Received: Priceless Wisdom from Warren Buffett, Jim Cramer, and Other Financial Experts by Liz Claman - Get it now

What to Look for in a Jim Cramer Book

To follow Cramer’s more recent analyses, you can read his column on TheStreet.com or check out his videos on YouTube. To get an in-depth look at his stock picks and the reasoning behind them, it’s in your best interest to turn to his books.

Here is what you need to assess before you start adding Cramer’s work to your library.

Subject Matter

Cramer’s books tend to be aimed at a general audience. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and introductory guide to the market, Cramer’s work can help you understand the fundamentals.

However, though his information is applicable to beginners, his advice is far from generic. Even if you’ve read countless finance books, Cramer presents his audience with strategies that are worth considering.

Time Period

After the stock market crash of 2008, Cramer’s commentary picked up more popularity. He would get into public debates as people questioned his advice. If you’re interested in this subject matter, it may be best for you to focus on Cramer’s more recent books. These look at charting how the stock market rebounded.

Our Picks for the Best Jim Cramer Books

Whether you’re looking for investment advice or a quality business book, Cramer’s work will give you the information you need. It simply comes down to understanding what you’re looking to learn.

1. Get Rich Carefully by Jim Cramer

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Source: Amazon.com

Written in 2013, the goal of Get Rich Carefully is to help you build an empire of lasting wealth without taking massive risks or relying too much on the stability of the stock market. This book explains how to navigate your investments post-crash.

Using his own experiences, Cramer explains the victories and downfalls you may have on the stock market. He also looks at the strategies of some of the world’s most successful investors.

You’ll likely be impressed by how some of his stock picks turned out, such as Amazon, Facebook, and more. If you’re only going to read one Jim Cramer book, this is the one.

Get it on Amazon

Paperback: Get it now

Hardcover: Get it now

Audiobook: Free with Audible Trial

2. Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich by Jim Cramer

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Source: Amazon.com

Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich is a powerful, entertaining read that’s a good choice for fans of Cramer’s show. Even if you’ve never seen Cramer in action, you’ll enjoy his investment philosophies.

This book will give you the boost you need in order to start investing, providing you with helpful inspiration.

Cramer also covers some of the most significant decisions that investors have to make when making their trades.

Get it on Amazon

Paperback: Get it now

Hardcover: Get it now

Audiobook: Free with Audible Trial

3. Stay Mad for Life: Get Rich, Stay Rich (Make Your Kids Even Richer) by Jim Cramer

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Source: Amazon.com

Like the previous books on our list, Stay Mad For Life was written before the stock market crash. However, the advice given here doesn’t depend on the volatility of the stock market.

This book is an illuminating read for those who are starting to think about their long-term financial prospects.

The topics covered include mortgage, the best way to finance college tuition, and more. Cramer wants to help you set up a stable financial future for yourself and your family.

Get it on Amazon

Paperback: Get it now

Hardcover: Get it now

Audiobook: Free with Audible Trial

4. Getting Back to Even by Jim Cramer

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Source: Amazon.com

Getting Back To Even was written in 2009 during the immediate aftermath of the crash.

Taking a slightly more restrained tone than usual, Cramer explains the best ways for investors to recover from their battered portfolios.

This book features contributions from Cliff Mason, one of the senior writers for Mad Money. It takes into account the age and personal goals of investors, suggesting sound strategies that fit each circumstance.

Get it on Amazon

Paperback: Get it now

Hardcover: Get it now

Audiobook: Free with Audible Trial

5. Real Money: Sane Investing in an Insane World by Jim Cramer

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Source: Amazon.com

This 2005 book is a good option for both new and old investors alike. It takes a hilarious and clear-eyed approach to the ups and downs of investing.

As usual, Cramer uses straightforward language and sticks to brave statements without hedging his opinion.

If you’re tired of reading complex finance books that don’t appeal to you as an investor, Sane Investing In An Insane World could be the best option for you.

Get it on Amazon

Paperback: Get it now

Hardcover: Get it now

Audiobook: Free with Audible Trial

6. Confessions of a Street Addict by Jim Cramer

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Source: Amazon.com

Confessions Of A Street Addict is Cramer’s first book published back in 2002. It is written in an engaging, confessional tone which lives up to its name.

The book follows Cramer’s path through life and his career, explaining the hedge fund he used to manage.

It also recounts personal situations that take a look at his stressful, fast-paced life, which also includes massive doses of Wall Street and how it operates.

Get it on Amazon

Paperback: Get it now

Hardcover: Get it now

Audiobook: Free with Audible Trial

7. You Got Screwed! Why Wall Street Tanked and How You Can Prosper by Jim Cramer

Screen Shot 2019-04-18 at 11.01.39 AM
Source: Amazon.com

You Got Screwed! is another example of Cramer’s early work. It is the perfect choice for readers looking for investment advice outside of stocks.

Cramer takes a look at what happened to some of the biggest names during the crash of the early 2000s. He also gives voice to the frustration that investors felt at the time.

His advice on alternative ways to build wealth is rock solid to this day, making this book timeless. If you are interested in investing outside trading stocks, this book is worth the read.

Get it on Amazon

Paperback: Get it now

Hardcover: Get it now

Audiobook: Free with Audible Trial

8. The Best Investment Advice I Ever Received: Priceless Wisdom from Warren Buffett, Jim Cramer, and Other Financial Experts by Liz Claman

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Source: Amazon.com

The Best Investment Advice I Ever Received: Priceless Wisdom from Warren Buffett, Jim Cramer, and Other Financial Experts is a collection of essays that's a must-read for anyone looking to start an investment portfolio.

It’s an easy book to get through and offers useful advice to people of all income brackets.

While some of the advice here is quite general, you will read about alternative strategies you might not have known before. It can also serve as inspiration if you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about the future.

Get it on Amazon

Paperback: Get it now

Hardcover: Get it now

Audiobook: Free with Audible Trial

Final Thoughts

For various reasons, Cramer is a divisive personality in the world of financial analysis. Not everyone agrees with his views and some of his advice was seen as overly risky. However, no one can deny his influence or passion in helping people build their fortune.

Between his explanations and his column, you will have the motivation to start building your investment portfolio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

What should I look for in Jim Cramer’s books?

A

You need to look at the subject matter and timeframe.

Q

What are the best books by Jim Cramer?

A

Benzinga recommends “Mad Money,” “Get Rich Carefully” and “Getting Back to Even.”