The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder

About the Book

The Snowball is the first and only authorized biography of Warren Buffett, written with unprecedented access to the investor himself, his family, friends, and business partners. Author Alice Schroeder spent thousands of hours interviewing Buffett to craft this intimate portrait that goes far beyond balance sheets and stock picks. You’ll discover how a shy boy from Omaha developed the mental frameworks that would make him one of the wealthiest people on Earth—and why he chose to live life on his own terms. This book reveals the philosophy behind the fortune: how patience, integrity, and rational thinking compound over time, just like interest.

From the Back Cover

“The story of how a boy from Nebraska became the world’s richest man is a masterclass in turning principles into prosperity—one thoughtful decision at a time.”

About the Author

Alice Schroeder is a former managing director at Morgan Stanley and an acclaimed financial journalist. Her deep understanding of markets, combined with years of exclusive access to Warren Buffett, allowed her to write the most comprehensive and intimate account of his life ever published. Schroeder’s meticulous research and narrative skill have made The Snowball the gold standard for business biographies.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is perfect for investors seeking to understand the mindset behind value investing, entrepreneurs building long-term businesses, and anyone fascinated by personal development through discipline and patience. If you’ve ever wondered how consistent habits and rational decision-making create outsized results, this biography shows you exactly how it’s done. You don’t need to be a finance expert—Schroeder writes for curious readers who want to learn from one of history’s most successful individuals. Students, professionals, and lifelong learners will all find actionable wisdom in Buffett’s journey.

What You’ll Learn From This Book

You’ll gain insight into Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy, including his focus on intrinsic value, long-term thinking, and emotional discipline. Beyond finance, you’ll discover how Buffett approached relationships, handled failure, and stayed true to his principles even when others chased trends. The book teaches timeless lessons about compound interest—not just in money, but in knowledge, reputation, and character. By the end, you’ll understand why Buffett’s life story isn’t just about wealth accumulation; it’s about building a meaningful life through consistent, value-driven choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is The Snowball suitable for beginner investors?
Yes. While the book covers Warren Buffett’s investment strategies, Alice Schroeder writes in an accessible way that doesn’t require financial expertise. It’s more about understanding the mindset and principles behind investing success than technical jargon.

How long is The Snowball book?
The paperback edition is approximately 960 pages. It’s a comprehensive biography that covers Buffett’s entire life, from childhood through his rise as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway.

What makes this Warren Buffett biography different from others?
This is the only authorized biography written with direct cooperation from Warren Buffett himself. Alice Schroeder had exclusive access to Buffett, his personal files, and interviews with those closest to him—making it the most detailed and accurate account available.

Does The Snowball teach specific stock picking techniques?
The book focuses more on Buffett’s investment philosophy and decision-making process rather than step-by-step stock analysis. You’ll learn his approach to value investing, patience, and risk management through real stories from his career.

Is this book good for understanding business success beyond investing?
Absolutely. While investing is central to Buffett’s story, the book offers lessons on discipline, focus, relationship-building, and living with integrity that apply to any career or personal goal.