God in the Pits: Confessions of a Commodities Trader

by Mark Andrew Ritchie and Mark A. Ritchie

Book Overview

Ritchie gives the story of the astonishing early growth of his options-trading company and the dilemma of newfound wealth against his background of Christian faith.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0026035316
• ISBN13: 9780026035316
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: MacMillan Publishing Company
• Length: 271 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.

Customer Reviews

An honest self-examination

What an incredible book! It took me only 3 days to read the whole thing. Everyone should take the time and energy to examine their own life and relationship with their Creator the way Ritchie did. He articulated his struggle to come to terms with God better than any I've ever seen.Don't read this book to get tips on successful trading. It goes much deeper than that!

Engaging Life Story

For those of you looking for a book about trading commodities, "God in the Pits" is not for you. Although there are some interesting musings about life on the trading floor within the pages of this book, "God in the Pits" really tackles issues much more significant than trading. At the core of this book is Mr. Ritchie's account of his own spiritual and religious questions as they relate to significant (and sometimes tragic) events throughout his life. Through a remarkably revealing personal account, Mr. Ritchie takes us from the deserts of Afghanistan to the shores of Oregon and on to the trading pits of Chicago. In the process, Mr. Ritchie shares with the reader a stimulating ideological debate about the reality of religion in his life, and how he was able to reconcile within himself some difficult questions. For anyone who has ever questioned their faith, and who also enjoys a life story of nearly epic proportions, this book IS for you.

Read but heed!

I've rated this book five stars but can only recommend it to those who will honestly look at themselves and listen to what the author is saying. This book is NOT primarily about commodities trading although traders (especially "part-timers") should read it. It's an autobiography that starts with the author's means of livelihood but then moves into a far more important aspect of his life - something few have the honesty to think about, and of which fewer still are willing to write about publicly. After trading a small account (and losing) for a year I ran across this book. I was excited and encouraged by the author's successes but chose to ignore or downplay his failures and warnings. "Surely that wouldn't happen to me, a Christian...after all, my motives are of the highest order [or are they?] and I would gladly donate half of what I make to good causes" [as long as it's half of a million]. In short, I didn't fully understand the subject which comes out as the main focus of this book, and because of this, I didn't heed the warning to us over-confident part-timers. Nevertheless, after near-bankruptcy three years later, I have a much better understanding of the more important things Mark Ritchie attempts to convey.On second thought, based on the main focus of the book, I FULLY recommend it to all who can get their hands on it! Better to expose underlying bankruptcy and hypocrisy now, thus creating desire for a cure, rather than later when the remedy is no longer offered. I dare you to read it with an open and honest mind, but be especially careful, and read some of the primary source material cited. If this doesn't stir up your thinking you probably can't be stirred!

Read but heed!

I've rated this book five stars but can only recommend it to those who will honestly look at themselves and listen to what the author is saying. This book is NOT primarily about commodities trading although traders (especially "part-timers") should read it. It's an autobiography that starts with the author's means of livelihood but then moves into a far more important aspect of his life - something few have the honesty to think about, and of which fewer still are willing to write about publicly.After trading a small account (and losing) for a year I ran across this book. I was excited and encouraged by the author's successes but chose to ignore or downplay his failures and warnings. "Surely that wouldn't happen to me, a Christian...after all, my motives are of the highest order [or are they?] and I would gladly donate half of what I make to good causes" [as long as it's half of a million]. In short, I didn't fully understand the subject which comes out as the main focus of this book, and because of this, I didn't heed the warning to us over-confident part-timers. Nevertheless, after near-bankruptcy three years later, I have a much better understanding of the more important things Mark Ritchie attempts to convey. On second thought, based on the main focus of the book, I FULLY recommend it to all who can get their hands on it! Better to expose underlying bankruptcy and hypocrisy now, thus creating desire for a cure, rather than later when the remedy is no longer offered. I dare you to read it with an open and honest mind, but be especially careful, and read some of the primary source material cited. If this doesn't stir up your thinking you probably can't be stirred!

This book blows the cover on the ethical struggle in the pit

This book is an incredible expose on the ongoing ethical struggle in the commodities pits. A first-hand look at what the market calls a "straight-shooter." Mark Ritchie does an incredible job at detailing his profession and his life, and being completely candid with the reader. A must read for anyone interested in the market, or just a good book. One of my top 20 books, and recommend it to anyone. Thanks again, Mark Andrew Ritchie!