Tap Dancing to Work: Warren Buffett on Practically Everything, 1966-2013 by Carol J. Loomis

Warren Buffett is one of the world’s most successful investors and perhaps the most renowned business icon of our lifetime. His name has long been synonymous with wealth, but it is his ability to tap dance to work that makes him stand out from the crowd.

In her book, Tap Dancing to Work: Warren Buffett on Practically Everything, 1966-2013, Carol J. Loomis looks to explore Buffett’s success and the life lessons he has imparted on his journey to become one of the richest men on the planet. Buffett has long attributed his financial success to following a straight and narrow path that he calls “tap dancing to work”.

This phrase illustrates Buffett’s ability to focus on a single goal and to execute it. Even in the face of tremendous odds, Buffett manages to persist and win. Tap Dancing to Work highlights the practical wisdom that underlies this doggedness and points to the investments and businesses that have benefited from Buffett’s “tap dance”.

The book begins with an overview of the business movements made by Buffett over the years, culminating in the creation of his now-renowned Berkshire Hathaway. It then dives deep into the underpinning of Buffett’s investment philosophy and examines the parameters through which he chooses promising opportunities. This includes his aversion to diversification and his emphasis on buying stocks of businesses rather than stocks of single assets.

Moreover, Tap Dancing to Work also highlights the value of Buffett’s relationship-driven approach to stock selection. Loomis examines the partnerships that were established between Buffett, his partners, and the management teams of the companies in which he invested. This less-discussed side of the investor shines through, allowing readers a glimpse into the decision-making process of one of the greatest minds in finance.

Finally, Tap Dancing to Work wraps up its exploration by showcasing the toll that Buffett’s success has taken on the investor’s own family and personal life. Loomis artfully portrays a human being behind the white-collar investor, humanizing Buffett in a way that few other books have before.

Written with a journalistic yet empathetic tone, Tap Dancing to Work offers a comprehensive overview of Buffett’s journey and success. The book is a great resource for beginner investors and business students or anyone interested in the life of one of the most influential financiers of our time. As a collection of Buffett’s advice and anecdotes, it provides a unique peek into the personality, skill, and dedication of the world-renowned investor.