Grande Expectations

A Year in the Life of Starbucks' Stock

Grande Expectations claims to be the first book that follows the ups and downs of one stock over the course of a year. The chosen industry is one that is close to the hearts (and tummies) of investors worldwide, coffee company Starbucks. Perhaps the choice is such that the average reader will not have to drown himself in industry jargon. But the colourful character of its founder Charles Schultz could also be the other reason why the beverage company has been chosen as its subject, as you will soon find out why once you pick up the book.

The work is a timely read. Business editor Karen Blumenthal has done a good job in charting the rise and fall of the stock over the course of 2005-2006 all in just 273 pages. You will understand how certain political and geographical events worldwide affect a particular stock counter, as she has made this immaculate link easy to see.

Other useful features are the little stories peppered along the chapters which give an insightful peek of how corporate governance and Wall Street politics works, especially the deal with mutual fund managers and how they manipulate their books to a more glossy finish.

But the writing got a little too narrative at time. I could understand the author's intention in making the work a little less pudgy with anecdotes and interviews. But the lines after lines of dialogues and sunset descriptions was too draggy for my liking.

However all is not lost as the reader will walk away with a tip on two before sinking their money into another 4-letter ticker symbol.