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I recently picked up a book at the library about buffett. When I opened it up I was surprised to see author had put a written letter from buffett in the book, the letter asked the writer not to write the book, because jimmy didnt want anyone tellinghis life story besides himself. Now if Jimmy didnt want this book written, should i still read it, it could expand my buffett knowledge, but at the same time lie about buffett and fill me wiht false buffett info, so do i read it?

If it were me, I'd go ahead and read it, but with the knowledge that everything in it may not be exactly true. Then, if you haven't done this already, find a copy of "A Pirate Looks at 50," written by the man himself, and read it.

What's the title of this book you've found?

i have read all of jimmy's books, thanks for the heads up though

There was an unauthorized biography done a few years back by a psuedo reporter who felt the "real" story needed to be told. It is mostly a gathering of rants and raves. Some factual information regarding Jimmy's early years...mostly the kind of info that doesn't really let you know about Jimmy as a person, but just makes you feel like you wasted the time to read it. Go to Amazon.com and there are a listing of books by and about Jimmy. You'll find yours, and look at the reviews. They all agree it isn't worth the time.

I just went on Amazon...I think this is the book...

Jimmy Buffett Vol. 1 : The Man From Margaritaville Revealed
by Steve Eng (Author)

What book was it? I recall the "Parrot Head Companion" having something like that in it. At the end of the book is a story about how the author went to a couple of concerts with some die-hard Parrot Heads. It's one of the funniest things I've ever read! If you don't read the book, at least read the end!

its called the man from margaritaville revealed, by steve eng

I wouldn't waste my time with anything Steve Eng wrote. I almost bought this book a few years ago at a local bookstore. I was standing at the checkout when I noticed the letter written by Buffett asking Eng to not write the book. Just then the clerk asked me if I was ready to check out, and I responded politely that no I just changed my mind. In my own opinion the "boring lifestyle" Eng just attempted to capitalize on Jimmy's life and fame. Personally I would burn the book and pay the library the fine. You'll be doing a great justice to many new parrot heads that don't know any better.

I've read it and commented on it before.

Desdamona wrote:I did read this "unapproved" biography.
( I did something Bubba told me not to?? )

It really, REALLY lacks in writing style, but it is encyclopedic in
researched factual tidbits. It even includes addresses of multiple Buffett-
related locations! It's almost like reading an encyclopedia, and
it's main focus, once you get into it, is on the way the music industry
works. The only complaint I had fact-wise was about the description of
the story in the song Cliches, which he seems to think is about a
young man and an 86 year old woman....
"She's eighty-sixed from the Chart Room
He's twenty nine and pushin' thirty real fast "

I agree with Des... the book provides a timeline, but Eng's poor attempt at writing and his even poorer attempt to create the illusion of controversy and scandal in Jimmy's life are both pretty laughable.

If you read it, the library is the way to go. Don't give him your hard-earned money.

I bought, I read it and it's a good reference book to have. It's got an impressive index and bibliography like the scholars do. That's my review and I'm stickin to it.

I've have the book and have read it cover-to-cover, and it's not THAT terrible. It is a straight-forward biography, but with little that wasn't already known. It is not at all controversial, except for the fact that Jimmy asked that it not be written. And, yes, it is somewhat encyclopedic. It does have some interesting stuff in it, but it IS NOT revealing of anything new, and is not very entertaining. Several years ago, there were people blasting the book for airing Jimmy's dirty laundry who had obviously not read the book. Somehow, these people thought the book was demeaning, and it is not.

I would advise reading it to learn some interesting facts that you might not (or might already) know, but don't read it to be entertained.

I received it as a gift and read it. It was okay, I guess ... mostly worth having around for the references in the back, though.

Key Lime Lee wrote:I agree with Des...

W W!

I just picked up this book w/o searching the boards for any info on it. Luckily, I got it at the library. This very well may be the most poorly written book I've ever picked up. The reference material to Jimmy's ancestory is OK, but then he mentions the ancestory of people who have nothing to do with Jimmy just to fill pages and relates them to Jimmy b/c "they led a Pirate lifestyle" or some BS like that.

There are lines like, "The Captain and the Kid" is probably one of Buffett's favorite songs of his. PROBABLY? No wonder Jimmy didn't want the book written, this guy is guessing on a lot of stuff. He also goes as far as to say Jimmy doesn't care about the color of other people's skin by citing the lyrics to "African Friend". I agree that Jimmy isn't influenced by color, but what a stupid reason for saying that.

Anyways, I'm about a 1/3 of the way through it and I guess I'll fight hard to finish it. This book has provided little in the way of being entertaining.