7 Best-Selling Options Books Millions Love

Explore these best-selling Options Books recommended by Ophir Gottlieb, CEO @CMLviz, ex-Option Market Maker, and Spac Guru, retired M&A expert and research analyst.

Ophir Gottlieb
Spac Guru
Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the dynamic world of Options trading. With millions turning to options for portfolio growth and risk management, the demand for reliable, expert-backed knowledge has never been higher. These best-selling Options books provide tested frameworks that have helped countless traders navigate complex markets with confidence.

Ophir Gottlieb, CEO of CMLviz and a former option market maker, champions works like Sheldon Natenberg's "Option Volatility and Pricing," which helped him grasp nuanced market behaviors. Meanwhile, Spac Guru, a retired M&A expert, highlights Lawrence G. McMillan's "Options as a Strategic Investment" for its deep dive into sophisticated strategies. Their endorsements reflect how these books have shaped expert thinking and popular trader practices alike.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Options needs might consider creating a personalized Options book that combines these validated approaches with your unique goals and skill level.

Options as a Strategic Investment by Lawrence G. McMillan offers a detailed examination of the tools and techniques that can elevate your approach to options trading. With a focus on market-tested strategies and new products like LEAPS and PERCS, it equips you to manage risk and boost portfolio returns regardless of market conditions. This edition emphasizes practical examples and clear explanations, making it a valuable resource for investors who already understand the basics but want to expand their tactical arsenal in the options market.
1940·1048 pages·Options, Investing, Risk Management, Portfolio Strategy, Hedging Techniques

Unlike most investment books that skim the surface of options trading, Lawrence G. McMillan dives deep into the strategic use of options to enhance portfolio performance and manage risk. You’ll explore practical techniques such as trading Long Term Equity Anticipation Securities (LEAPS) and hedging Preferred Equity Redemption Cumulative Stocks (PERCS), all laid out with detailed examples and checklists. The book also addresses neutral trading strategies and futures options, providing you with a solid framework to navigate complex market conditions. If you’re already familiar with basic options concepts and want to sharpen your tactical approach, this book offers a thorough guide without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for volatility and pricing experts
Ophir Gottlieb, CEO of CMLviz and former option market maker, highlights this book as a key resource for those serious about option trading. His perspective matters because he combines academic rigor with practical market experience, making his recommendation particularly relevant. He points out that while some tools suit beginners, Natenberg's detailed exploration of pricing and volatility offers deep insights for traders ready to advance their skills. "Sheldon Natenberg's book on option pricing and volatility is a great read," Gottlieb says, reflecting how this text helped refine his understanding of complex option strategies and market dynamics, making it a valuable pick for your trading library.
OG

Recommended by Ophir Gottlieb

CEO @CMLviz, ex-Option Market Maker

@rajitiyer It's my pleasure. I don't think TradeMachine is a great fit for option novices. I think Sheldon Natenberg's book on option pricing and volatility is a great read. I think Stock TradeMachine is a better fit for a novice. (from X)

2014·592 pages·Options, Derivatives, Volatility Trading, Risk Management, Dynamic Hedging

Sheldon Natenberg draws from decades as a floor trader and educator to unpack the complexities of option markets with clarity and precision. You’ll explore foundational concepts like option theory and dynamic hedging alongside advanced topics such as volatility trading and risk analysis, all grounded in real trading environments. Chapters on position management and stock index futures illustrate how to apply theoretical models practically, helping you develop strategies aligned with market conditions. This book suits anyone aiming to deepen technical understanding and improve trading judgment, though it assumes some familiarity with financial instruments rather than catering to absolute beginners.

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Best for tailored trading plans
This AI-created book on options trading is written based on your background, experience, and specific goals with options strategies. You share which tactics and concepts interest you most, your current skill level, and what results you want to achieve. The book is then tailored to focus precisely on those areas, making your learning efficient and relevant. By focusing on your unique needs, this personalized guide helps you cut through generic advice and get straight to the options mastery that matters most to you.
2025·50-300 pages·Options, Options Basics, Options Strategies, Risk Management, Volatility Analysis

This tailored book explores battle-tested options strategies designed specifically to deliver consistent results for traders at all levels. It examines core concepts and advanced tactics, focusing on your interests and trading background to ensure relevant, actionable insights. By matching proven techniques with your unique goals, this personalized guide reveals how nuanced options approaches can be adapted to your trading style. Throughout, it uncovers how market contexts influence strategy effectiveness, helping you build confidence in applying what you learn. This book combines reader-validated knowledge from millions of options enthusiasts with a custom exploration of tactics that resonate with your aims. It offers an engaging journey through options mastery, making complex strategies accessible and practical for your trading growth.

Tailored Guide
Consistent Results
3,000+ Books Created
Best for foundational options knowledge
Spac Guru, a retired M&A specialist and research analyst, highlights the demanding yet rewarding nature of options trading. He points out that while options aren’t suitable for everyone, this book offers strategies that can fundamentally improve your approach if you commit to learning. His emphasis on the need for discipline and practice reflects how the book’s detailed guidance helped shift his perspective on managing risk and enhancing returns. "There’s strategies that are safe & can really change your game," he notes, connecting the book’s value to readers ready to deepen their knowledge.
SG

Recommended by Spac Guru

Retired M&A expert and research analyst

Friends. We have been discussing options lately. They’re not for everyone! There’s strategies that are safe & can really change your game. “YOU” must put in the work & learn it. Here’s a book that can do that IMO. It’s boring. Pay attention. #Share #HelpYourself #Practice 1st (from X)

2012·1072 pages·Options, Derivatives, Investment Strategy, Portfolio Management, Risk Management

Lawrence G. McMillan draws on decades of experience in the financial markets to offer a detailed exploration of options trading that goes beyond basics. You’ll learn how to apply a wide range of strategies, from trading Long Term Equity Anticipation Securities (LEAPS) to hedging with Preferred Equity Redemption Cumulative Stocks (PERCS), supported by extensive examples and market-tested tactics. The book breaks down complex topics like neutral trading and futures options with clarity, making it most suitable if you already have some familiarity with options and want to deepen your strategic toolkit. Chapters on tax implications and portfolio protection provide practical insights for investors aiming to manage risk while enhancing returns.

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Best for practical floor-tested strategies
Lee Lowell brings a rare insider perspective from his years on the New York Mercantile Exchange trading floor in "Get Rich with Options." This book distills his experience into four actionable strategies that have stood the test of time, helping traders navigate the complexities of stock and commodity options. Its focus on practical setups, including home-based trading tools, makes it suitable for those ready to move beyond theory and engage the market directly. The book’s detailed explanations offer clarity on when and how to use specific option plays, making it a valuable guide for anyone aiming to join the ranks of consistent options traders.
2009·272 pages·Options, Trading Strategies, Stock Options, Commodity Options, Risk Management

After years working as an options market-maker at the New York Mercantile Exchange, Lee Lowell shares practical insights drawn directly from his trading floor experience. This book walks you through four specific strategies: buying deep-in-the-money calls, selling naked puts, credit spreads, and covered calls, explaining how each operates and when to apply them. You'll also learn how to set up your own trading operation at home using software and tools that Lowell recommends. If you're serious about options trading and want to understand what methods have proven profitable over decades, this book offers a grounded approach that demystifies complex tactics without fluff.

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Best for income-focused traders
What sets this guide apart in the crowded field of options trading books is its focus on actionable techniques and insider knowledge from experienced traders. The book’s approach demystifies key elements like predicting big price moves and mastering "The Greeks," making it accessible even if you’re just starting out. It addresses common hurdles that often trip up new traders, offering clear paths to multiply income streams through stocks, futures, ETFs, and binaries. This makes it a practical resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and improve their results in options trading.
2019·126 pages·Options, Investing, Trading, Stock Market, Futures

Neil Sharp’s background as a seasoned trader shines through in this guide, offering a clear pathway to mastering options trading. The book breaks down complex concepts like "The Greeks" and price prediction into digestible insights, using examples that help you understand how to multiply your cash flow effectively. It’s particularly useful if you struggle with the basics or want to avoid common pitfalls that lead to losses. Whether you’re new or have some experience, this guide equips you with strategies from industry veterans, focusing on stocks, futures, ETFs, and binary options to broaden your trading toolkit.

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Best for rapid skill boosts
This AI-created book on options trading is tailored to your skill level and specific goals. After sharing your background and which aspects of options you want to master, the book focuses on delivering a clear, step-by-step plan to accelerate your learning. Instead of generic advice, you get content that matches your interests and helps you improve quickly with practical, focused actions.
2025·50-300 pages·Options, Options Basics, Risk Management, Trade Execution, Volatility Analysis

This personalized book explores a step-by-step options trading plan designed to deliver rapid improvements tailored to your experience and goals. It covers essential concepts such as options fundamentals, risk assessment, and trade execution, while focusing on practical techniques to build your skills quickly. By aligning with your background and specific interests, the content reveals how to navigate market volatility, select optimal strategies, and manage positions with confidence. This tailored approach ensures you focus on areas that matter most to you, streamlining your learning journey and accelerating progress in options trading.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Skill Acceleration
1,000+ Learners
Best for beginners seeking clear basics
Options Trading QuickStart Guide by ClydeBank Finance offers a no-nonsense entry into the often intimidating world of options trading. By translating Wall Street expertise into clear, accessible language, this book has gained recognition for helping newcomers and seasoned traders alike build practical skills. Its focus on foundational concepts, from intrinsic value to implied volatility, equips you with tools to think like a trader and make informed choices. Whether you're starting out or revisiting basics, it addresses the critical need for straightforward guidance in options trading.
2016·99 pages·Options, Trading Strategy, Volatility, Risk Management, Put Options

What happens when Wall Street expertise meets straightforward teaching? ClydeBank Finance distills complex options trading concepts into accessible insights that cut through jargon and fluff. This guide walks you through foundational elements like puts, calls, and implied volatility, while also diving into strategic decision-making and the role of "The Greeks" in options valuation. The book lays out how traders think and decide, making it useful not only for beginners but also for experienced traders seeking a fresh perspective. If you're eager to move beyond theory and sharpen your trading instincts, this book offers clear, practical knowledge without unnecessary complication.

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Best for accessible beginner instruction
Dr. Joe Duarte has been analyzing, trading, and writing about financial markets since 1990. With multiple books to his name, including this one, he brings years of experience and insight to help you understand options trading. His background ensures that the strategies and explanations here are grounded in real market practice, making complex concepts approachable for those new to options. Duarte’s work focuses on empowering you to trade with knowledge and confidence, no matter your prior experience.
2021·416 pages·Options, Trading, Investment, Technical Analysis, Risk Management

After analyzing decades of market behavior, Joe Duarte developed this guide to make options trading accessible and manageable for everyday investors. You learn how to distinguish between index, equity, and ETF options, and apply technical analysis to craft strategies that balance risk and reward effectively. The book walks you through common tactics like covered calls and butterfly spreads, with clear explanations that demystify complex concepts. Whether you want to expand your retirement portfolio or experiment with shorter-term trades, Duarte’s approach equips you with the necessary knowledge to navigate fluctuating markets confidently. If you're looking for a straightforward introduction without heavy jargon, this is a solid place to start.

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Conclusion

These seven books collectively reveal key themes: disciplined strategy development, mastery of volatility and pricing, and practical methods tested on trading floors. If you prefer proven methods, start with McMillan’s strategic investment guide and Natenberg’s volatility insights. For validated approaches that build foundational skills, ClydeBank Finance’s and Duarte’s beginner-friendly texts are ideal.

For income-focused strategies, Neil Sharp’s guide complements Lee Lowell’s practical floor-tested tactics, offering a broad spectrum of options trading perspectives. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Options book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed by blending expert wisdom with practical trading advice—making your journey in Options trading both informed and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Options Trading" by ClydeBank Finance or "Options Trading For Dummies" by Joe Duarte. Both introduce core concepts clearly, giving you a solid foundation before tackling more advanced texts.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Options?

Not at all. Some, like "Options Trading For Dummies," are designed for beginners, while others, such as McMillan's work, suit more experienced traders. Choose based on your current skill level.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with beginner-friendly titles to understand basics, then progress to McMillan’s and Natenberg’s books for strategy and volatility insights. Complement with practical guides like Lowell’s for real-world application.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Classics like McMillan's and Natenberg's texts remain highly relevant due to their depth and strategic focus. Newer books often simplify entry but learning foundational classics is invaluable.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick one based on your goals, but combining texts offers broader perspectives. For instance, pairing a beginner guide with a volatility-focused book can deepen understanding efficiently.

How can I get Options insights tailored to my experience and goals?

While these expert books offer proven methods, personalized Options books can tailor strategies specifically for your situation, blending popular approaches with your unique needs. Explore tailored Options books for customized learning.

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