Gene Marcial has been writing the legendary column "Inside Wall Street" for Businessweek for the past 26 years. Gene has taken the collective wisdom and knowledge he has accumulated over the decades and written a brilliant book titled Gene Marcial's 7 Commandments of Stock Investing.

Gene brings the same sense of calm and logic to his book as he does to his weekly column. Having known Gene for a few years, the one characteristic that has always impressed me is his ability to separate the news from the noise. Gene doesn't go with the flow, in fact, as he aptly states in his book, it's when an investor goes contrary to the flow is when the best buying opportunities present themselves.

Gene has spoken with thousands of Wall Street insiders over the decades and has taken the very best of the many he respects. Gene's book is an easy read and full of real world experiences and examples. Investors can relate to real stories versus "theoretical "concepts that begin with company ABC.

The lessons from the book are timeless and prescient: Gene's commandments go against the grain of accepted and typical investment advice. For example, Gene discusses the wisdom of owning a few well thought -out stocks versus several stocks. Diversification can actually impede superior performance. Gene also writes about taking profits when others are fat and happy.

The beauty of Gene's book is veteran investors will learn many new concepts yet the book appeals to beginner investors as well. He writes in a fluid, easy to read style that has been his hallmark for nearly 30 years.

Gene Marcial's book is a must read for any investor as he walks through the seven commandments with the aforementioned real world examples. Gene knows when the "art of investing" is relevant and important to a stock story and also, when the "science of investing" is necessary. This is the kind of wisdom not found in text books!!

For a nominal investment of $24.95, an investor can be armed and equipped with the seven commandments and Gene's wisdom. A small investment for the possibility of superior long term returns.