Rating: 
Summary: Too much and not enough
Review: It is with some sadness that I write this review. My wife bought this book for me to help celebrate my 40th. Knowing I have always enjoyed living vicariously through the words of the true poet-laureate of the lesser Antilles, she was as excited in presenting the book to me as I was in receiving it. Disappointed is not a strong enough sentiment.The book falls far short of all objectives, stated or implied. It fails as a travelogue in the "Following the Equator" tradition lauded by the author (I love ya, man, but M.T. did it right - less "him" and more "where"). It comes as close to the juicy and captivating autobiography Buffett has the facts and faculties to pen as the Hemisphere Dancer came to logging water landings. Fly-fishing seemed a fascinating pastime, until this book destroyed all latent desire. And as a professional pilot with a wet compass stuck on "S" (and a little cherished Widgeon time), I read Buffett's aviation narratives to be more bragging fodder than meaningful, seasoned experience. Beware big brother and certificate actions, my man. All of what put Buffett in the hearts of we wanderlusts everywhere was abandoned (in this tome) in favor of a repetitive, trivial and dragging act of self-aggrandizement. It is hard to reconcile the free concerts in Florida I attended years ago with his current "rubbing elbows with the stars" attitude (talk about "Changes in the [same]"). You are better than this, Mr. Buffett. Get back to the Caribbean soul we all know to be more interested in the "people, places and Caldwoods Rum" than the lifestyles of the rich and famous B.S. this book turned into. Tap back into that humility that gave your writing (poetry and prose) such an honest and frank appeal, and which this book conveyed so little of. Losing your perspective? I know - we know - because your fans still harbor those dreams. You can live it for us, we've always asked you to, but don't patronize, don't sensationalize, don't rub it in our face. You deserve your toys, your entourage, our envy, but discretion is the better part....you know. You once wrote, "Fiction over fact always gets my vote." Hold that thought and go from there. My endless fascination with the lower latitudes gave the book 2 stars. Buffett's knowledge of the Caribbean never ceases to invoke envy, and this book demonstrated that almost carnal intimacy. That it encompassed airplanes, the water and the tropics held my interest, but it was soon relegated to short reads during bathroom breaks. Look forward to reading your next book - one that does your rich heritage justice.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent!!
Review: For all of those people who don't have time to sit down read everyday, this book is perfect. Each chapter is a story of it's own. This book is great for a Jimmy Buffet fan to really learn more about the man behind the music.
Rating: 
Summary: Going to Costa Rica??Take it along!
Review: A friend suggested this for reading when I went to Costa Rica. What a satisfying reading experience this was! While my travels did not parallel Jimmy Buffet's trip, the contrast was interesting and educational.
Rating: 
Summary: This book was tougher to get through than Dick and Jane.
Review: It appears that the pirate has forgotten what adventure is. Being pampered by guides and babysitters while pretending to tough out life on his fans' money must be rough. Grow up Buffett! The book is the work of a con man; a way to make Parrotheads spend their money to subsidize Buffett's extravagent lifestyle. His music and his writing ability were better when he was a real sailor and adventurer. His storytelling abilities (whatever the genre) haven't improved with age, they have only molded. Save your money for margaritas.
Rating:
Summary: A pirate looks at re-thinking his non-fiction efforts!
Review: I can't tell you how much I truely loved "Where is Joe Merchant?" and "Tales from Margaritaville". Those were two of my most enjoyable reads. They rank right up there with The Master, Carl Hiaasen. I really wish that I could say the same about this effort or lack there of. I guess it just wasn't what I expected. It was like Jimmy just wanted to try his hand at published memoirs. Or maybe his publishing company was breathing down his throat to get a new book out. This read like a drawn out narrative on fly fishing, flying, and how lousy his Spanish is. I couldn't wait to finish it so that I could crack a great book like "Don't Stop The Carnival" by Herman Wouk, which I read at Jimmy's recommendation. Thanks Jimmy, I loved it! If anything good came out of this book I guess that was it. Stick to fiction Jimmy. You are a great storyteller but not here. Remember what Mark Twain said: Write about what you know. I look forward to "Where is Joe Merchant Now", or "Tales From Margaritaville 2000" or something like that. Anything but "A pirate looks at 60".
Rating:
Summary: disappointing,particularly for a parrothead
Review: please return to the imaginative short stories that you weave so well.this book appears to be a way to get a long central/south american vacation paid for by a publisher.i had to force myself to finish.
Rating:
Summary: It got this pirate through my own 50th!
Review: This is Jimmy Buffett "the man," the explorer, the philosopher. My only regret was that I couldn't be along to view the Costa Rican waterfall, or cruise the Amazon, or hear the steel drum band. Buffett's theory: do something for yourself on your 50th. He wrote this book for himself, and for all of us who'd rather be sipping and sailing. It's not for everyone (how do you describe the ocean to someone who's never seen it?), but maybe you should read it. Especially if you're trying to reason with turning 50. I lay down the book, blew out my candles -- went out and bought a ragtop!
Rating:
Summary: Too much ego for one book.
Review: Should change the title to: "RICH BOY TAKES A VACATION." Not much adventure when you get there via floating, flying bachelor pad. Would've been much more interesting if he did it in a sea kayak or a home-made ultra light. Hey Jimmy, he who dies with the most toys still dies. Do yourself a favor and stick to fiction. There are many more adventures out there much more noteworthy. Bush pilots are just shaking their heads in pity.
Rating:
Summary: I could not put this book down
Review: By mixing equal parts hard work, determination, humility, and a great sense of humor, Jimmy takes us along on a remarkable journey and tells the story with refreshing candor. This book reminds me of Jim Roger's "Investment Biker", where the sheer audacity and scope of the adventure propels the reader page after page. I am looking forward to more non-fiction from Jimmy. Why make stuff up when the truth is so compelling and colorful?
Rating:
Summary: Maybe you have to be a guy?
Review: I am a female Jimmy Buffett fan and was looking forward to reading about his music and his life as a musician in this book. Instead, I get stories about fishing and plane crashes. I couldn't even finish this and I very, very seldom quit a book in the middle. Maybe this was designed to appeal more to his male fans, or nonfans interested in travel, but it didn't do anything for me. Next book, Jimmy?
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