An enlightening primer from the bestselling author of "Beating The Street." Many investors, including some with substantial portfolios, have only the sketchiest idea of how the stock market works. The reason, say Peter Lynch and John Rothchild, is that the basics of investing aren't taught in school. At a time when individuals have to make important decisions about saving for college, this failure to provide a basic education in investing can have tragic consequences. For those who know what to look for, investment opportunities are everywhere. The average high-school student is familiar with Nike, McDonald's, and The Gap -- but only a very few own shares in these companies or even understand how to buy them.
