Where Is Joe Merchant?: A Novel Tale

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful over all book
Review: When my friends first saw me with a copy of a book by Jimmy Buffet, the obvious reaction was laughter. When I saw myself in the mirror reading a book by Jimmy Buffet, I too was sent into fits of spasmodic laughter. And when my fits ended, I started the first "chapter." One day later, I realized that I had not eaten nor slept for 24 hours, because I was immediately taken in by this world that was created by the Alabama born, beach dwelling, musician. To compare this book with such great works as Ayn Rands "fountain head", or Hesses "steppenwolf" seems impossible and actually, somewhat stupid. But I tell no lie when I say that these three books are my favorite pieces of literature in the history of the written word. I was not, at the time I read this novel, a "parrot head", but soon after I was. The author does such a fine job of conveying his feelings, and situitaions, that I found myself soon wondering if I wouldn't be better cut out for the life of a... well, a... beach bum(?) as well. We truly are blessed to have such a talented man as Jimmy Buffet in our generation. He is a brilliant musician, and writer, and thanks to him, we have some kind of escape from the suffocating skyscrapers we've erected as some false idol. Thanks to him, we can retreat to some tropical beach somewhere, if only in our imagination. So, I would reccomend this book to not only "parrot heads," but to all future "parrot heads," in other words, anyone who is intrested in having fun.

Rating:
Summary: A great story by a great story teller!
Review: Telling stories is what Jimmy Buffett does best. Any fan (or Parrothead, as the case may be) of his music can positively attest. "Where Is Joe Merchant?" is very nearly a total lyrical compilation of Buffett's many years of song writing. Many of the topics found in his music have worked their way into this novel in one way or another. Set in the Carribean, Buffett paints a marvelous picture of the region--complete with colorful, off-beat, yet enjoyable characters. This book may not be for everyone, however. Some of the book's more bizare elements (Desdemona's rocket ship for example) may turn off some readers, but Jimmy Buffett fans will love this book. No other book in my opinion can take your mind off of the cold winter months and place you directly in the warm waters of the Carribean better than this book. Give this one a try, you won't be disappointed!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderous tropical romp!
Review: In his music, Jimmy Buffett takes us to places most of us can only dream of going once every two years if we're lucky. In "Where is Joe Merchant?" he does it with literature. He describes the sounds, smells, tastes and climate of the tropics vividly. I've read the book twice and will read it again. It's a fun adventure and I'm looking forward to seeing the film

Rating:
Summary: Misguided youth...
Review: Read it first when I was 16 or 17. Thought Jimmy was the dog's bollocks at the time. Owned every album to date, and almost every t-shirt. that level of fan-dom and my lack of exposure to "good" writing had me flippin through that book like . . . . like something you flip through very quickly.

But I put those things away from me for a while. Put the CD collection up, donated my t-shirts, started drinking something other than margaritas. Years later I came back to Merchant. I remembered the great story idea and plot twists and great characters and their development.

couldn't get past the first chapter. It actually seemed to pain me physically to read the book. Where before I thought it clever for him to allude to his myriad songs and personal memories, I came to see it as a cheap way to make a story. Write what you know.... yet it seemed that he just took his song lyrics and made them into novel form.....

well, it's a good example to use in the classroom to explain to students what a simile is... "Yes, class. Just turn to page... uh... page... well to any page in the book."

Summary: it turns out that I am disappointed. I like Buffett. I like the idea and basic plotline. Approach. It's all in the approach.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful read
Review: I really loved this book. It was action-packed, full of creative plots, delightful twists and turns, and colorful characters... it even has the unforgettable romance! Wish I could read this book for the first time again.

Rating:
Summary: Where is Joe Merchant?
Review: In my opinion, the book "Where is Joe Merchant" is a very interesting story about a rock star disappearing and the search to find the truth. I feel that Jimmy Buffett did an excelent job of creating his characters and thouroughly explaining their thoughts and actions. In all, I feel that "Where is Joe Merchant" was very well written and put together. I rate it 5 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Winter Doldrums Escape
Review: Although a Buffett fan, this book will be a great read for anyone looking for an escape. From the tropical settings, to the colorful characters, to the incredible dialogue, it won't take long before our whisked off the couch and find yourself flying shotgun next to Frank Bama himself. Although I found myself asking, "where the hell does he come up with this stuff", I couldn't pull myself from its pages and giving it a full 5 star rating! Parrothead or not, kick off those boots, slip on the flip-flops and enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Fun Plot & Wonderfully Bizarre Characters
Review: This is a wonderful book filled with high flying adventure. One thing about this book is that it will skip to another person. At first it will through you off guard with all of the changing around however as you read on it will all fall into place. I loved the story and because it changes like that you really dont get board with the story. I gave 5 stars because it has great adventure and it does not get old. Jimmy Buffett's Where is Joe Merchant? is a tale that people of all ages should read. (Do not read if under 12)

Rating:
Summary: What a Margarita is to the '82 vintage of Bordeaux.......
Review: After completely enjoying the short stories in Tales From Margaritaville, I wasn't sure what to expect from Where Is Joe Merchant. I was pleasantly surprised at how good this book really was and how quickly I got wrapped up in it. I'm a big Jimmy Buffett fan, so this was a must read for me. His writing is surprisingly good. Mr. Buffett has a great ability to suck you into a story and make you feel like you are there with the characters. It's not Pulitzer Prize material, but is a very enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: Fans dig it, but is it good?
Review: Colorful characters and some excellent settings. The plot is weak and the ending was poor. Mostly read (and rated?) by his fans. If you love the music, you may be entertained by some of the references between the songs and the book.