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Reflections of an Option Seller: The Rise, Fall, and Return of a Commodity Market Maverick

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James Cordier, a renowned figure in the commodity trading world, offers a captivating and honest account of his remarkable journey in Reflections of an Option Seller. From his humble beginnings in a small Wisconsin town to his rise as a prominent portfolio manager, Cordier's story is one of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of mastering the art of commodity trading.

In this memoir, Cordier takes readers behind the scenes of his life and career, sharing invaluable insights and hard-won wisdom gained from nearly four decades of experience. He delves into the challenges and triumphs of building OptionSellers.com, one of the most innovative and respected firms in the industry, and candidly reveals the untold story of its downfall in 2018.

Through his engaging storytelling and unique perspective, Cordier illuminates the complexities of commodity futures and options markets, providing a rare glimpse into the mind of a true market maverick. With a focus on adaptability and perseverance, he shares the valuable lessons learned from his experiences and how he is applying them to tackle the ever-changing landscape of today's markets.

Reflections of an Option Seller is a must-read for anyone seeking an inside look at the world of commodity trading, as well as those searching for inspiration to overcome obstacles and achieve success in their own endeavors.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

24 people are currently reading
765 people want to read

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James Cordier

23 books5 followers

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Píaras Cíonnaoíth.
Author 143 books206 followers
October 26, 2024
Futures, Options, and Second Chances: A Trader's Memoir...

James Cordier's "Reflections of an Option Seller" provides a riveting insider's view of the commodity trading world, following the author's rise from small-town roots to become a major person in the sector. Cordier's story is instructional and contemplative, offering readers a unique peek into the high-stakes world of options trading. The book's strength is Cordier's open portrayal of his accomplishments and failings, particularly the rise and demise of his company. His forthright approach to recounting his company's breakdown in 2018 lends a degree of realism to the narrative, elevating it above a mere success tale.

Cordier's knowledge is shown through his discussion of difficult trading principles, making the book useful for both industry insiders and newbies. His understanding of market dynamics and risk management is extremely helpful. His emphasis on adaptability and fortitude in the face of setbacks teaches universal skills that go beyond trading. "Reflections of an Option Seller" is a fascinating read that combines personal experiences with professional insight to provide a unique view of the commodity trading sector. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Juliana.
244 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2024
This book inspired me in a way that I cannot explain.

It tells the story of James Cordier's beginnings and his entire history of becoming a top portfolio manager. The author shares his candid experiences, ups and downs, decisions and lessons learned over four decades in the industry.
What I liked most were the tips on adaptability and perseverance that seek inspiration to overcome obstacles and achieve success in our lives.
I identified with it from the beginning as I recently opened my business and we have had too many obstacles and frustrations. This reading taught me to dream big, work towards my goals and understand that hard work brings rewards.
Loved this book, I have already recommended it to all my family and now I recommend it to you.

Profile Image for Camilo.
397 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2024
Great Book!

This book is perfect for all those who feel identified with the trading world and with great and passionate stories. I liked knowing the behind the scenes of a humble person that with hard work transformed and enhanced his life and the life of others. Reading this book is very motivating and help readers to increase their self-confidence and for sure inspire them. The narrative and the language used by the author are one of the things that make this book a very good option to pass a great time. Other fact that called my attention was the way the author developed the content by chapters that are not so long, this was great because they are like small stories / chapters of his life.
Profile Image for Yolanda Gomez.
570 reviews9 followers
October 25, 2024
This book about the history of the author left me with many lessons and a great desire to continue with my business. I have been looking for inspirational stories that motivate me to move forward with my personal projects, because many times when it gets difficult, I think about finishing everything, that's when these readings of real stories come, of real people who have achieved success with a trajectory of ups and downs.
I highlight a lot of this read, not only it is very honest and grounded, but I manage to connect completely with me and with what I am looking for, to understand from the hand of a person with so much success that it is not always easy and that you have to fight to have what you always wanted, it motivates me to move forward and to face all the problems.
Profile Image for Margarita Garcia.
1,027 reviews22 followers
October 28, 2024
Great book!

As an expert in commodities trading, author James Cordier writes this book as a reflection of his long career in the business. ''Reflections of an Option Seller'' is a captivating memoir packed with valuable insights and advice for those involved in commodities trading. In this book, you will find an authentic story of resilience and passion for someone who enjoys work and achieves goals in life. The narrative is engaging and enthusiastic, reflecting the author's career and experience, merging personal stories. This is a compelling book for individuals in the finance and trading sectors or for those seeking inspiration from someone who has achieved success in life. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Laura.
280 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2024
Excellent book! I never thought a book about stock trading would be so interesting, let alone suck you in right from the first page and make you want to keep reading. I usually don't like when books about a certain business field talk a lot about their childhood growing up and their families, but even those parts were interesting to me here. Great book about one man's experience in the volatile world of investing (to stressful and risky for me, probably why I'm fascinated by people who are drawn to that field). Good book, really interesting. I'd recommend this book to anyone, even those who wouldn't think they'd be interested.
Profile Image for Lina Perea.
389 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2024
A Good Read

Reflections of an Option Seller is a book that tells the story of its author from his beginnings in a small Wisconsin town to becoming the founder and head of Option Sellers, a U.S. investment firm.
In 224 pages and with an easy to understand and pleasant writing, Cordier tells his life, which is full of ups and downs, making him a resilient person and serving as an example for all those who have suffered a setback in his life. He shares his knowledge of market dynamics, risk management and more, helping professionals who move in the commodity options markets to perform better.
Profile Image for Rocio.
342 reviews4 followers
November 25, 2024
James Cordier delivers a masterclass in resilience through his memoir. Reflections of an Option Seller is more than a book about commodity trading, I think it’s a story of overcoming immense challenges. His rise from humble beginnings to managing a renowned firm is inspiring, and his honest account of the firm’s collapse shows courage.
The author provides a behind-the-scenes look into the commodity trading world, making it accessible to everyone, either beginners or experienced traders. This book is an engaging read filled with lessons about persistence, learning, and moving forward after failure.
Profile Image for Lauraforero.
287 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2024
A must read book


This is a unique blend of personal memoir and trading wisdom. James Cordier provides readers with an unfiltered look into the ups and downs of his career. What I really liked is its balance between technical insights and emotional depth. Author Cordier explains the nuances of commodity markets while sharing the human side of his story. His reflections on adapting to change and staying resilient are deeply motivating.
This is a must-read for traders and anyone fascinated by the resilience required to navigate life’s challenges.
Profile Image for AMR CAMI .
370 reviews12 followers
October 25, 2024
Highly recommended

James Cordier's book called "Reflections of an Option Seller" is a riveting memoir that greatly blends the high-stakes world of commodity trading with deeply personal reflections on resilience and redemption.
I liked that his writing is engaging and accessible, and this helps make complex trading concepts relatable to readers whether experienced or not. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Mayra.
613 reviews12 followers
October 26, 2024
Reflections of an Option Seller by James Cordier is a fascinating dive into the highs and lows of the trading world, told through the lens of someone who has truly lived through it all. I think that what makes this book stand out is Cordier's ability to turn complex concepts of commodity futures and options into something accessible. He shares trading strategies and insights in a way that’s understandable for beginners, yet still captivating for those more seasoned in the field.
Profile Image for Kendra Owens.
44 reviews
October 31, 2024
Good information

This book was not what i thought it was going to be, and i almost stopped reading until i got to this quote "It’s how we respond to the losers that determines success in the long run." This quote is what made me continue reading, and I am glad I did. There is a lot of good information in this book. Information that can assist anyone in business or that just wants a financial future.
Profile Image for Lucia Maranghello.
423 reviews9 followers
November 26, 2024
This memoir is an incredible journey into the highs and lows of commodity trading. James Cordier’s storytelling is gripping and transparent. The insights into the complexities of the commodity markets are valuable, especially for anyone interested in trading such as myself. His reflections on resilience and adaptability are inspiring, showing how setbacks can lead to growth. All in all, this book offers lessons and motivation wrapped in a compelling narrative.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,457 reviews41 followers
December 8, 2024
This was a good book. This was a Goodreads giveaway winner.
19 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2025
Like many others I really enjoyed this book. The author details his fascinating life story in concise yet riveting fashion. Kudos to him for laying it out there and finding a way to restart
125 reviews7 followers
April 10, 2025
hubris is the word

This book is compelling and well written. If all there was to life was winning and the time horizon was the author’s 40 more years, then his outlook would be persuasive. The past 3 months of unbridled exploitation demonstrates as nothing else in our recent history has, how harmful such an outlook is to the common good of our nation, the people who share our world, and the earth of limited resources not to be exploited by the powerful few. The three most important things in this man’s life are his business, his boat, and his wife. Not children, not community, not for anyone who is less well positioned to take “advantage of market opportunities”. We all reap the consequences.
Profile Image for Susan Molloy.
Author 150 books88 followers
December 23, 2024
🖊 Interesting to read for my education and knowledge, though a second reading might have more of the points made stick to my knowledge. Intelligently written. ♦️ I received a Kindle eBook copy via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. Thank you to the author. 😀

જ⁀🟣 Kindle.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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