Skip to main content

Book Review - A Pirate Looks at Fifty by Jimmy Buffet


I’ve just finished reading Jimmy Buffet’s A Pirate Looks at Fiftyand I want to read it all over again!  I don’t say that about too many books but this one had me grinning, nodding and laughing out loud from the first page.  I’ve always been a Jimmy Buffet fan and have listened to his music for hours on end on many a sailing trip and while sipping Margaritas in so many Tiki bars throughout the Caribbean, I’ve lost count.  After reading this book (he has others but this is the first one I’ve read), his Joie de Vivre is palpable.  It’s no wonder he writes such wonderful music.  He’s had a life full of crazy adventure and experiences that are hard to believe (some of them aren’t so hard to believe for me as many of his stories of flying into remote island airports and dropping anchor in beautiful bays brought back some great memories of our travels).

Story Telling Wrapped in Good Advice
If you like to get lost in stories of adventure, with colorful characters, this is the book for you.  Buffet also intersperses his skilful storytelling with little nuggets of advice for world travelers… like this little gem: “I learned a long time ago to leave my Yankee bravado at home when I travel.  The best way for an American to get around the world is not to act like you saved it or own it.”  Good advice.  He also gives great relationship advice.  I’ve always believed that if you want to test the mettle of a relationship, do some traveling together.  

Traveling in Pairs
My husband and I love to travel and we’re very well-suited.  I think that bodes well for a relationship (and it’s served us well for over 20 years).  Buffet shares the highs and lows of his marriage (which broke down once but they reconciled and are still going strong).  He ponders that, “We have learned through experience that it’s okay to not like some things that your spouse likes to do, and it’s better to make it known rather than go along.”  Again, a brilliant insight that more couples would be wise to heed.

You’ll hold your breath as he tries to clear his airplane (and family) through customs in Bogal, Columbia after being diverted from his planned landing in Cartagena; and you’ll laugh along with him as he’s constantly entertained by his two pre-school aged children.

He’s a world traveler, avid angler, aviator, world famous musician and devout family man and he’s opened his heart and soul to his fans in this great memoir chronicling some special highlights from his life’s journey.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Francene Gillis is on Tour!

As we celebrate the launch on June 22 of  Where Did i Go? a Memoir Plus by Nova Scotia-based author, Francene Gillis, we're reaching out to reviewers, bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, and avid readers who would like to receive a review copy. Our tour schedule is starting to take shape so wanted to share with you those who have already joined the virtual book tour. Make sure you visit and follow these folks and show the love for those who support authors in their mission to spread the word! As reviews, author interviews and spotlights run, we will be updating the links so come back often :) If you have a favourite book blogger/reviewer, podcaster, BookToker, or Tuber that you think would be interested, add them in the comments below. The Where Did i Go?   T our Line-up: Francene Gillis Sarah Butland's Imagination Captured Author Takeover - Kicked off the tour on May 14 Tea with Francene Gillis on  Toons & Wooden Spoons  with Mary Janet MacDonald - June 8 Lisa Has...

The Tudor Prophecy on Virtual Tour

  We're excited to announce the line up of reviews, bloggers and interviewers for the virtual book tour for The Tudor Prophecy by Julie Strong  that released on January 25th. The tour continues in full force. Please visit the sites and leave comments and follow these reviewers, podcasters and bloggers :)  Here's the line-up so far. As reviews, Q&As and interviews air and post, we will update the links. Atlantic Book Reviews (Lana Shupe) - book review - November 26th - pre-tour review! The Corner Bookstore  - USA Global TV & Radio - author interview - January 9 History Bards and Downunder Reviews  - author interview - January 16 What Cathy Read Next (Cathy Johnson) - launch announcement and excerpt -January 17 Dalhousie Alumni Newsletter - January 20 - launch announcement The Author Journey (Anne O'Connell) - author interview - January 21 Dianne Ascroft  - author Q&A - January 24 The IndieView - author Q&A - January 25 Dartmouth Book Exch...

Where Does Inspiration Come From?

Paul tinkles the ivories with the Beatles 'Let it Be' Artists Inspire Artists  I was at my brother's piano recital yesterday and had a very interesting conversation with his 92 year old piano teacher and one of her students.  The student, who was an artist and had only started learning to play the piano, was talking about how she used sound to teach painting.  A long stroke was a 'shoosh' and making short, staccato brush movements went 'bup, bup, bup'.  I smiled and thought about how all creative types overlapped, embracing all elements of culture to enrich one's specific area of skill and passion.  A sculptor or painter often creates to music and, as a writer, I definitely pull from my cultural experiences, whether it's a symphony or an art gallery, to help formulate descriptions of feelings and senses to lay out on a printed page.   Nature Inspires Creative types see the world around them just a bit differently, which leads to the creation ...