performing arts

Jimmy Buffett made a reputation of easy living and a care-free lifestyle in the Islands. His book attempts a return to the "quiet clean country living" best described in his song, "He Went to Paris" be detailing a month long vacation around the Caribbean. However, much of his trip is saturated with technical fishing and flying details. More disruptive for Buffett fans reading this book is the vacation itself. While his travel log retraces many of his earlier steps and embarks on new adventures, Buffett fans are left with the feeling that their hero has somehow abandonded the simple life. Instead, Buffett seems more content on expansive gadgets and toys.

Regardless, this is a must read for Buffett fans. While it provides only limited insight into Buffett's past, including his relationship with his wife and children, the book does reveal a inner layer of Buffett not normally accessible. It's just too bad it's only a couple of layers and not the core.

Whether or not the reader is a Buffett fan, Jimmy's latest book is a familiar journey for those who have ever traveled to the Caribbean and have had the pleasure of enjoying the beautiful people and scenery. Of course for Parrotheads this is a must!

"A Pirate Looks at Fifty" is an easy read despite an intimidating 400+ pages. It is written a bit like a traveler's log but without the technical jargon (although Buffett includes some of his flight logistics--he makes you want to learn how to fly!). Buffett allows the reader to travel with him to various parts of the world and is descriptive enough where a person can gain a mental vision of places visited. Jimmy did a great job describing people, places, and events. I felt as if I was vicariously living through him throughout the book and as a result did not want to put the book down for a moment.

A good underlying message to this fun book is basically to live life to the fullest and to be thankful for life itself, at least in my eyes. Think about all of things you have ever wanted to do, people you have wanted to meet, and just go for it. You get one shot at living out your mortal life--make the best of it!

Each time I read this book, I pick up previously missed "words of wisdom", and am transported along with him to all the adventures he describes so intimately, all over the world. Here is a man who went for his dreams, freely admits when he screwed up, and made it in a way we can only imagine. I absolutely loved this book.