If you would be so kind...investing, the essentials.

[APXG]

Your dedication sounds good, but I would change your horizon from one summer to 3-5 years before you expect any sort of "returns". Add more to this number if a)you don't plan on doing it 24/7 and/or b)there are intelligence issues.

If you are truly as interested in business / investing as you think, don't listen to any recommendations. Your goal would be to get through EVERY semi-popular book on the topic, so it really doesn't matter where you start. If you don't understand something in a book, ask a question here or research it online. If you don't understand anything(i.e. if Alchemy of Finance happened to be your 1st book), leave it for later.

Success will depend on whether you can fully fall in love with it, much like in poker. If you have temperamental dedication to go along with that, it will boost your chances further.