A Pirate Looks at Fifty

Rating:
Summary: Escape
Review: Buffet speaks to the vagabond in all of us, even old farts of 68. I wonder if there will be a pirate looks at 70? This is a book to be taken a little at a time, great to pick up for a pleasant read before bed. Non-fans may be a little at a loss at some of the song references, but it is still a good travelogue, cum memoir, for anyone. You can't help liking Jimmy Buffett if you are a dreamer and a romantic. He speaks to a part of all of us who dream of shedding that damn shirt and tie, in favor of a bathing suit and a beach. We all know that the world of Bufet's music exists only in our dreams, but he can take us there if only for a concert. Buffett is not a traditional author or entertainer, but he is the essence of the American dream. He has fun and gets rich while doing it!

Rating:
Summary: Good reading after you get past his plane crash.
Review: I found it a little tedious in the beginning where for the first third of the book he talked of almost nothing but his near death experience. You lived, get over it already! Once that was past I really enjoyed reading about his adventures, especially Grenada and Bequia (I've been there so it was enjoyable to read about places I can picture in my mind and go back again). Jimmy, what I really want to know is - what happened to Tully Mars? Hanna Hearndon and Angel Beech? Please do a sequel to these stories!

Rating:
Summary: A "Must Read" for Parrotheads!
Review: This is Jimmy's best book yet. Mr. Buffett shares some touching personal moments along with many wonderfully humorous tales of his life (so far). As I read this book, it was as if I could hear Buffett's voice telling his own tale. This was one of the best books I have read in a while; extremely entertaining. My friends will have to get their own copy, I'm not letting go of mine. I can't wait for the sequel (the second fifty years)!

Rating:
Summary: If you live by his music, you'll love this book!!
Review: This book reiterates everything that he sings about in his wonderful songs. I especially loved reading the sections that dealt with his children (swimming nekkie in a waterfall, etc.). Jimmy helps us dream and, with the help of this book, he stretches the dream just a little farther. I also think that non-Parrotheads will enjoy this book.

Rating:
Summary: How can he remain married when he's gone all the time?
Review: I am only half way through this book, but envy his lifestyle. He seems to have a very understanding wife who doesn't mind if he disappears for days (maybe she likes the benefits) and when he is home seems to be a wonderful father. I did get a little upset with the mention of so many material goods. I don't even have a working VCR right now, decent microwave, and a car that needs a new transmission. However, his book makes me think of all the things that are good, like a river running into the sea.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting life, boring vacation
Review: I enjoyed very much the autobiography portion of Jimmy's book. He leads a most interesting life as you can imagine. His life experiences relate very well to us who lead more common lives. He is a very good writer and the stories he tells are most enjoyable and fun. I really enjoyed this book until the recount of his extended Caribean vacation, which as it turns out, wasn't very interesting. Unfortunately, it seems that about one third of the book was devoted to this boring trip.

Rating:
Summary: I don't want it to end
Review: I only have 60 pages left and I am starting to stall because I don't want this book to end. I have to agree that this is one of the cheapest forms of therapy out there. Since I began reading it I have purchased ocean kayaks and spent a lot of time "on the water" cleansing the world out of my soul. The book also persuaded me to pick up a copy of the "Tao Of Leadership"(another good book). "A Pirate Looks At Fifty" has changed my life. Does that sound crazy? I hope so. No matter if you are a parrot-head or not, read this book. It is great.

Rating:
Summary: Not what you think it is.
Review: I bought this book to read "at the beach" thinking "what could be more fun than Jimmy B?" Well, War and Peace, maybe. Jimmy's accounts of air flight preparations, customs entries, and wave heights on the ocean did nothing for me. I really wanted to know what a 50 year old pirate/singer thinks about!!! Instead I found Jimmy to be a rich rock star who needs 10+ people to assist him in search of his youth. The book is at least 100 pages too long (mostly from his details of fishing and airplane guts). You know what? He made me glad to be almost 50 and NOT the manager of a musical empire in need of an escapist adventure. I still love his music, but won't ever think of him the same way. Buy his music, leave the book on the shelf!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book!!
Review: I picked up Jimmy's latest before getting on a plane for my holidays..big mistake because I could put it down. I found it amazing..I am a huge buffett fan but I didn't pick the book up for that reason I bought it because Buffett and his adventures never cease to amaze me..yeah, he's got money and toys but he has such a carefree attitude and he still enjoys the simple things in life. The only part I didn't like about this book was I was so jealous..he has so much fun!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I am a huge Parrothead, but I just couldn't get into this book. I either want a real autobiography (about his whole life, not just about a trip he took with stories from his life randomly inserted) or another great work of fiction like Where is Joe Merchant? Skip this one, and wait for the next.