The Snowball

Warren Buffett and the Business of Life

By: Alice Schroeder

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “The most authoritative portrait of one of the most important American investors of our time.”—Los Angeles Times

“Even people who don’t care a whit about business will be intrigued. . . . A side of the Oracle of Omaha that has rarely been seen.”—Time (Five Best Nonfiction Books of the Year)

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The Washington Post; People; Financial Times; Businessweek; Janet Maslin, The New York Times; Publishers Weekly

Warren Buffett is one of the most respected men in the world. But the legendary Omaha investor has never written a memoir or offered a glimpse into his intensely private life. Here, at last, he gives unprecedented access to his work, opinions, struggles, triumphs, follies, and wisdom.

This complete biography of the man known everywhere as “the Oracle of Omaha” was written by highly respected former financial analyst and business writer Alice Schroeder with the cooperation of Buffett himself, who gave her thousands of hours of his own time as well as complete access to his wife, children, friends, and business associates—and his files. The result is the fullest exploration of his philosophy of life we will ever have. Here are the principles and ideas that made Buffett astoundingly wealthy, enriched the lives (and bank accounts) of those who adopted them, and created the most fascinating American success story of our time.©2008 Alice Schroeder; (P)2008 Books on Tape

Surprisingly Personal Account

This book offers a surprisingly personal history of Warren Buffett's upbringing, family and key personal relationships, and the development of his political views. It also describes more fully than any account I have seen before the personality, drive and genius behind his extraordinary business success.

To borrow a phrase from his partner, Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett has been a "learning machine" in business and financial affairs from his teen years. While he has generously shared with Berkshire shareholders, business school students and others, the investment precepts that have guided him, there can be no doubt after reading this book that Buffett's success cannot be duplicated by simply following his precepts.
His success is owed in greater part to native intelligence, drive, dedication and hard work.

The book also illustrates why Buffett is so widely admired: it cites numerous examples where Buffett acted with fairness and integrity when he had an opportunity to make more money with a less noble, but perfectly legal, alternative course of action. He exemplifies a life that has placed as much importance on doing things the right way as it has on achieving success in his chosen field.

The Snowball requires steadfast discipline

This book is exemplary in its content and biography and give a full account of Warren Buffet’s life thus far. He is and always has been a collector. His life’s passion was to collect money and that he did. This is long and detailed book and requires much time and discipline to read. Just like a snowflake collecting on the ground to eventually be shaped into a round ball that could amass into a huge boulder requires much effort, discipline and time. This a great book on those life lessons. Regardless of his weaknesses as a human being Mr. Buffett has lived a wonderful life to wantonly give all back and more from which it came!!

Excellent book

Well written. If you want to know what warren is, or what kind of character we want to look for in a CEO / investment advisor , you' ll find it in this book.

One of the best biographies... EVER.!

You feel like you know Warren, this enigma that has impacted the world today in so many ways. Alice's writing accompanied by Kristen's wonderful performance bring you into his world. You hear each person, feel their emotions and want to keep going. Time flies, wow, this book did not seem long, it was purely interesting and entertaining. Thank you for taking the time and effort to do this book, man and family justice. A must read for any fan of nonfiction, biography and business.

Great Comprehensive Biography

Snowball is the most comprehensive biography ever written about Warren Buffett. Very compelling for investors, but goes beyond investing and business, he was born in the 30s so it also illustrates American history such as the civil rights movement and other historical events. Shows his evolution from being super frugal to becoming philanthropist, Great Biography!