Best Swing Trading Books on Reddit: Insights from Top Traders

Imagine this: you’ve found an amazing stock, the price is fluctuating, and you feel like you can make a solid profit within a few days or weeks. Swing trading is what you're doing, and if you can get good at it, you can make consistent profits. But how do you become good at it? How do you avoid costly mistakes? Books are often a trader's best resource for mastering techniques and learning from the successes and failures of those who came before.

Reddit, a hive of trading discussion and advice, has many users who frequently share their favorite swing trading books, giving insights that can be invaluable for beginners and experienced traders alike. So, if you're eager to step up your swing trading game, here are some of the best swing trading books recommended by Reddit’s top traders.

1. “Swing Trading for Dummies” by Omar Bassal, CFA

One of the most frequently mentioned books in Reddit trading forums is "Swing Trading for Dummies". Many users emphasize that this book serves as a perfect introduction to swing trading for beginners. It doesn’t assume any prior knowledge of trading and breaks down the fundamentals in simple, digestible terms.

One Redditor pointed out, “This book really demystifies swing trading. It made everything seem achievable rather than intimidating.” Another added, “If you're just starting out, it's a no-nonsense guide to strategy development and market psychology.”

In this book, Omar Bassal covers key topics like:

• Understanding the market dynamics
• Setting entry and exit points
• Technical analysis and indicators
• Money management strategies to prevent losses

What makes it valuable for swing traders is its straightforward explanations and actionable insights. The content is structured so you can immediately start applying what you’ve learned to real trades.

2. “Mastering the Trade” by John F. Carter

For those who want a more in-depth, advanced guide, many Reddit users suggest "Mastering the Trade". John F. Carter, a professional trader with over 20 years of experience, walks readers through the finer points of trading strategy, specifically geared towards swing traders.

The book focuses on:

• Identifying high-probability trades
• Technical indicators like the squeeze, Pivot Points, and Moving Averages
• How to manage risk and avoid common trading traps

Reddit users who are more experienced traders claim this book is a game changer. One user commented, “Carter’s trading strategies are gold. They’ve saved me from many bad trades.”

Carter’s unique approach to swing trading includes a blend of fundamental analysis and technical signals, something Redditors appreciate as it helps predict both short- and medium-term price movements.

3. “A Beginner's Guide to Short-Term Trading” by Toni Turner

Another favorite on Reddit is "A Beginner’s Guide to Short-Term Trading" by Toni Turner. The book takes readers through the essentials of not just swing trading but also short-term trading.

Toni Turner’s writing style is engaging and clear, and she covers crucial topics like:

• Market trends and cycles
• Momentum indicators
• Choosing the right stocks to trade
• Timing entries and exits for maximum profitability

Many traders on Reddit find this book helpful because it dives deep into psychology and emotional control, two aspects that are crucial for success in swing trading. As one Redditor explained, “Turner’s book taught me the importance of controlling my emotions in a volatile market.”

4. “How to Swing Trade” by Brian Pezim

Brian Pezim’s "How to Swing Trade" is another book frequently recommended by Reddit traders. It is praised for its clear structure and practical strategies that focus on minimizing risk. Pezim, who is an experienced trader, shares his insights on:

• Chart patterns
• Managing trades once you're in them
• Exit strategies that minimize losses and maximize profits
• Recognizing high-probability trades using technical indicators

One of the top-rated comments on a Reddit thread about swing trading books states, “Pezim’s book is perfect for someone who wants to get straight to the point. There’s no fluff, just actionable advice.”

For traders looking for a resource that dives into specific swing trading setups, Pezim’s guide delivers a lot of value. He breaks down multiple setups and shows how to apply them in different market conditions.

5. “Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets” by John J. Murphy

Although not specifically a swing trading book, "Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets" by John J. Murphy is often cited on Reddit as a must-read for anyone serious about swing trading. Technical analysis plays a key role in swing trading, as it helps traders make informed decisions based on price movements and patterns.

In this book, Murphy explains:

• How to read charts
• The use of technical indicators like the RSI, MACD, and moving averages
• Chart patterns that signal potential breakouts or breakdowns

One Redditor who recommended the book said, “Murphy’s book is the Bible of technical analysis. It’s dense, but once you understand the concepts, your trading will never be the same.”

6. “The New Trading for a Living” by Dr. Alexander Elder

For swing traders who want to focus on trading psychology and discipline, Dr. Alexander Elder’s "The New Trading for a Living" is a popular choice. Elder dives deep into the mental aspects of trading, which, according to many Reddit users, is often overlooked by other books.

Key topics covered include:

• How to develop a trading plan
• The psychology of winning traders
• Risk management techniques
• Using charts and technical indicators to stay ahead of the market

One trader on Reddit shared, “I struggled with emotional control for years until I read Elder’s book. Now I’m more disciplined and confident in my trades.”

This book provides not just strategies, but a holistic approach to becoming a profitable trader by focusing on the mind, the market, and the method.

7. “The Little Book of Swing Trading” by Michael Benklifa

"The Little Book of Swing Trading" by Michael Benklifa offers a simplified and effective approach to swing trading, focusing on how to capitalize on short-term price movements in a practical, step-by-step manner.

This book is often praised for its:

• Simple, easy-to-follow strategies
• Real-life examples and case studies
• Focus on options trading within swing trading strategies

One Reddit user said, “This book helped me understand how to trade without over-complicating things.”

Why These Books Stand Out

Reddit’s traders value these books because they offer more than just dry theory. They contain real, actionable advice, with each author focusing on different facets of swing trading. Whether you’re learning the basics, understanding technical analysis, or trying to master the psychological side of trading, these books provide the necessary tools to improve your swing trading skills. The mix of simplicity for beginners and advanced techniques for seasoned traders makes this list essential for anyone looking to dive deeper into swing trading.

In summary, here’s why these books are recommended on Reddit:

• “Swing Trading for Dummies”: Great for beginners and simple to understand.
• “Mastering the Trade”: Perfect for more experienced traders looking for advanced strategies.
• “A Beginner’s Guide to Short-Term Trading”: Focuses on swing and short-term trading with an emphasis on emotional control.
• “How to Swing Trade”: Clear, concise, and filled with practical setups.
• “Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets”: A comprehensive guide to technical analysis, which is crucial for swing trading.
• “The New Trading for a Living”: Highlights the importance of psychology in trading success.
• “The Little Book of Swing Trading”: Offers straightforward strategies and focuses on options trading within swing trading.

If you’re serious about becoming a successful swing trader, these books recommended by Reddit’s top traders should be at the top of your reading list.