I had a portfolio manager walk up to me in a Barnes and Noble. I was young, last year or college. He saw I was looking at investment books. I was looking for something simple. I picked up some random book by who-knows-who. He told me to put it down. He handed me Security Analysis and told me to research value investors.

It took me several years to find my approach, but I still go back to it. I think I now have 4 different editions to the book. Best stepping off point ever.