[adrianscott]

read jack schwager's books, the better biographies on warren buffett (lowenstein's, also snowball effect), lowenstein's book on ltcm is also worth reviewing.

i highly recommend the origin of wealth -- an amazing book

mark douglas' books can be helpful,

how to make money in stocks by o'neil,

steenbarger's book

george soros' books

hank pruden's book

you want to learn what a trading plan is, and you want a trading plan that will work in irrational markets (since humans are not rational etc.), has some risk mgmtn (risk does not equal volatility), rules to buy and sell, etc.

hope this helps,

[Retailslave]

But these are autobiographies, I would like a book that gives me APPLIED knowledge on trading in index funds, options, stocks, bonds, forex..etc. I'll start with stocks/index funds because they're easier.

I want to invest short term(less than a year)

[adrianscott]

not all are (auto-) biographies.

o'neil's book is very applied.

schwager's books are not all biographies, and include several very applied books. the market wizards series include significant amounts of practical advice on risk mgmt, exit strategies, trading plans, etc. -- from some of the best investors.

consider your level of commitment to trading. are you willing to dedicate 4 years of work to becoming a winning trader? are you willing to read 20 books about trading?

there is a zen aspect to learning about trading, which can help explain the value of biographies, when you think about it ;)

best wishes in your journey! ;)