A Pirate Looks at Fifty

by Jimmy Buffett

Book Overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Buffett offers his philosophy on life and how to live it, "like sitting with Buffett at a beachside bar, listening to him spin... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679435271
• ISBN13: 9780679435273
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 458 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Love the book, hate it wasn't accurately represented

So, it's listed as good, and that's accurate. A bit of wear. Not a problem. But it doesn't have the jacket cover. The glossy iconic book jacket that makes the book stand out. Also where the summary of the book is. So much detail on that jacket. And none of it came to me. That should be disclosed. I feel like I only got 90% of the book I ordered.

A Pirate Family Vacation

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir. Buffett wrote it during a family vacation to the Carribbean and South America over Christmas 1996 and New Years 1997. The trip inspired memories of his childhood and of other trips and he weaves these stories into the book. There are also wonderful asides about geography, history, movies, fiction and of course, music. Some of my favorite pieces of the memoir were the times he spent with his then 2 1/2 year old son Cameron. As a parent of a now 3 1/2 year son, I found myself laughing at the descriptions of his son's enthusiasm and energy.

Buffett Looks at Life

A big part of Jimmy Buffett's success is his to spin magical tales of real-life experiences. One of his most popular songs is "A Pirate Looks At 40" , in which he tells of a friend reaching that point in his life. A Pirate Looks At 50 finds Mr. Buffett dealing with reaching the big 5-0 in his own life. The book is part remiscinces from his past and a travelogue from the trip he takes to various tropical locales in his seaplane during the week or so after his 50th birthday. Mr. Buffett vividly describes the exotic locales and his wry sense of humor and unique outlook on life makes the book a lively read. The book takes us into Jimmy Buffett's world and what a world it is.

Escapism Buffett-style

I was greatly dissapointed to hear so many people who read this book criticizing Mr. Buffett for his fine autobiography. I did not buy this book expecting the next literary classic, Mr. Buffett simply wanted to share with his fans the joy of hitting the half way mark, and that he most certainly did. His imagery took me to places in my heart that I did not know exsisted and I long to visit those places some day. He made it clear in this book that he is not only dedicated to his family and friends but to his fans and to this place we call earth. Mr. Buffett worked hard to get where he is to day and we should commend, not condemn him for sharing his fascinating life with us. Thank you Mr. Buffett for such a wonderful escape into your world!

Great Summer Read-A Pirate Looks at 50

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!