Gary Stevenson’s the rise to the top of the game, the twists and turns along, and his honest, raw, arrogant observations = this book.
Even if you are not interested in trading (I am not), Stevenson’s account of the game, and his life is fascinating. His voice is so distinct that it makes even something as tedious and amoral trading interesting to read.

I had mix feelings about this book. On the one hand it was entertaining and hard to put down. On the other hand some of it was a little grating. I was also expecting it to include more about what he had done since leaving his job and more about inequality.

Review based on an ARC from NetGalley.

This was an absolutely compulsive, can’t-put-it-down read! I blitzed through it in two nights!

What could’ve been a dry dull subject (working as a trader for a bank) is turned into a Scorsese-like Wolf Of Wall Street type tale that’s totally worth your time!

I must admit this isn’t my usual type of book I would read, but It looked so interesting I thought I would give it ago and read out of my comfort zone.
A very interesting book about the trading world inside Citibank . I really enjoying reading about Gary’s life and following his story as he starts from the bottom and works his way up and following his journey. Towards the end of the book when Gary moves to Japan it takes a dark turn with his mental health and felt myself rooting for him.

I loved this book. Gary Stevenson's story is both eye-opening and anger-invoking. He writes naturally from the heart, unaffected in any way. His story of his journey from grammar-school reject to LSE student to top trader in CITI shines a light on inequality, ridiculous money gambled by banks and the realisation that the economy is broken and is unlikely to recover.

Such a fascinating story, and compellingly told by Gary. It exposes the horrors of the industry and is page-turning in the way I only usually find novels to be.

What a rollicking great read. Having just started dabbling in trading I was keen to read this book. It sure got my heart racing in places and I swear my jaw literally dropped open on a number of paragraphs. It’s fast paced and Gary’s rise to the top is meteoric. The author is super honest, relatable and yes bordering on arrogance but boy do I love his dogged stubbornness, his ‘fuck em’ attitude and his balls by taking on one of the biggest banks in the known world. A favourite quote from the book was when Gary realised that rich people assume poor people are thick, stupid, unintelligent.

I think what was shocking to me was how hard Gary and his colleagues played, how out of touch the traders are with the everyday folks and the staggering amount of money that is mentioned on every page. The colleagues he meets are so far removed from everything he knows. Except Bill - you gotta love Bill. It really is another world to us regular mortals.

It’s a story of the underdog making it and hitting the big time and all the ramifications (physically and mentally) that this entails. It is tender in places and depressing (maybe that is my age but I found it super sad in places), about our economy and how it’s orchestrated by people who may or may not know what they are doing. How more often than not it’s not how intelligent someone is but how much money they are born with and how that gives them opportunities not open to everyone.

I wish Gary would write a sequel I want to hear about him writing this book in a villa overlooking the Sydney harbour - where he still cycles to his fave ramen shop, where he found love but more importantly peace. I hope he found his peace.

A really interesting insight to trading & the world of finance. This is an excellent true life rags to riches story told with raw honesty and no frills, despite the complex world Gary lived in he recounts his story in a very clear ad uncomplicated way.

A very different & eye-opening read.

Loved this book. I must admit that watching 'Industry' the HBO TV series gave me a want to find out more about the investment bank industry and this book did not disappoint. A rollercoaster ride story of a working class boy who rises exponentially to the top until he finds that when he gets there it is something that is a struggle both mentally and physically to continue. A cautious tale.

An honest, gritty and witty insight into trading which is hugely entertaining and well written. I didn’t know much about this subject prior to reading this and although I’m definitely still no expert. I do feel I have learned a lot from this warts and all reflection. A different read for me, but I really enjoyed

Absolutely fantastic book. Takes you through the day to day work and culture of working in trading, which is both shocking and unsurprising. Highly recommend.

Written in such a blunt and honest way, this is a warts and all look at really happens in the trading world. Once you get used to the writing style, which is very much how he was thinking when he was thinking it, so you really get the feel for the speed and intensity of the trading desk. From the naive beginnings where he admits that he didn't have a clue, until the day he finished to save his health, you can feel the highs and lows of this crazy world.

I know nothing about economics and finance so whilst I found this interesting, it was a little over my head and I had to re-read some paragraphs to try to get to grips with it. Is there ever an easy way to explain economics?? I have learned a little something which is always a good thing. I am very glad I never considered to enter the world of high finance.

I came across Gary during my masters studies and found his podcast/YouTube so I had to read this. It was a great ress, educational and explained things in the way any normal person could understand. It made economics feel like it wasn't a hard grasp.

As someone with very little experience/ knowledge of economics and the financial sector, I found myself greatly enjoying this book! I found the book to be a very honest and raw retelling of Gary's journey through his education and career as well as an eye opening account of what it may mean to achieve 'success' in the field. 5/5.

This was interesting to begin with whilst he was at school and university.

Once he started work it became boring, with a repeat of how much bonus was made each year.

It ended a real struggle to finish and ended up jumping some pages.

This compelling book chronicles the extraordinary journey of Gary Stevenson, charting his meteoric rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most successful and youngest foreign traders in the city. Gary’s story is a testament to the power of determination and ambition, but it also delves into the substantial personal costs of such rapid success. This narrative is more than just a tale of financial triumph; it's a profound exploration of the sacrifices and challenges that accompany high achievement.

Gary’s remarkable true-life rags-to-riches story is recounted with a refreshing blend of candour, humour, insight, and self-awareness. The author does not shy away from the gritty realities and emotional tolls that come with the territory of high-stakes trading. Instead, he presents an honest and nuanced portrayal of his journey, making it not only an inspiring read but also a deeply human one.

One of the standout aspects of this book is how it demystifies the complex world of FX swap trading. As someone who was initially unfamiliar with this subject, I found Gary’s explanations particularly valuable. He breaks down the terminology and basic concepts with clarity and precision, making the intricate world of foreign exchange trading accessible to readers without a background in finance. Despite his efforts, I must admit that some of the more complex concepts still went over my head, but this did not detract from my overall enjoyment and understanding of his story.

As someone who works in finance, this book has shaken me! A brilliant, brilliant read!
He paints such a vivid picture and shares his experience in a manner that keeps you hooked. If there is one nonfiction book I would recommend, it would be this!

This book details the meteoric rise (and fall) of Gary Stevenson, who comes from nothing to become one of the most successful and youngest foreign traders in the city. But at what price does this accolade and success cost him? A phenomenal true-life rags to riches story told with candour, humour, insight and self-awareness. FX swap trading is a subject I knew nothing about, but Gary walks you through the terminology and demystifies the basics of it - some things did still go over my head though! The author's real life story is riveting and takes you on an emotional journey of class, wealth, greed and mental health peppered with an eclectic mix of characters like Chuck, The Slug, The Frog and The Icicle.

5.0 out of 5 stars
A White-Knuckled Ride Through the World of High Finance

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 May 2024

Gary Stevenson's memoir, "The Trading Game," is a wild rollercoaster of a read. It takes you from the gritty streets of East London to the opulent trading floors of Citibank, following Stevenson's journey from a number-crunching student to a million-dollar trader.

The book is brutally honest. Stevenson doesn't shy away from portraying the exhilarating highs and the soul-crushing lows of the financial world. You'll meet a cast of characters both brilliant and bizarre – the mathematical wizards, the over-privileged bullies, and the pressure cooker environment that pushes everyone to the brink.

Stevenson's rags-to-riches story is undeniably compelling. He excels at the trading game, making vast sums of money. But as he climbs the ladder, a dark side emerges. The relentless pursuit of wealth takes its toll, raising questions about the true cost of success.

"The Trading Game" is more than just a memoir; it's a cautionary tale. Stevenson eventually leaves his trading career behind, disillusioned by the culture and its impact. His story is a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, risk, and what it truly means to win.

Here's a quick breakdown of the book's pros and cons:
Pros:
• Gripping narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat
• Unfiltered look at the high-pressure world of finance
• Raises important questions about success and morality
Cons:
• The fast-paced world of trading might be overwhelming for some readers
• Stevenson's personal journey takes centre stage, with less technical explanation of trading itself

Overall, "The Trading Game" is a well-written and thought-provoking book. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the world of finance or anyone who has ever questioned the meaning of success.