Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...
 Interesting and thorough reading for Buffett fans April 12, 2007
Jim Richmond
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm extremely surprised to see the negative reviews below. Although I agree somewhat with most of the comments, the overall reviews of this book are unfair and almost bordering on mean and nasty.
I'll agree that the writer has his opinions about the albums, but a simple pinch on the arm and personal reality check by any Parrot Head will reveal that each has his or her own opinion too. I don't have any problem reading this authors opinions, especially since he backs up what he is talking about with explanations. And his opinions aren't off-base at all; actually they're quite accurate and on-target.
I've noticed that some Parrot Heads are afraid to say anything critical of Jimmy's music, even though some albums are lower in quality than others. Fans of any music should be free to point out these things without fear of anger or reprisal. I value this author's openminded and fair approach to the reviews. He neither slams albums nor worships them as some kind of sacred objects. I genuinely feel that Jimmy could read this and not be bothered, but would probably smile and even nod his head.
Really, this is an interesting book, covering basically all aspects of Jimmy's life and music, since his birth, through the release of Banana Wind. Any Parrot Head should find interesting and useful information here. There is much information beyond the album reviews.
I guess if you're narrowminded, or easily offended, you aren't mature enough for this book. Everyone else though should get it. The reader may have started out with little familiarity of Buffett, but it's clear he spent a lot of time researching Jimmy, and ended up getting a great perspective on what he and his music are all about. Well worth the money.
 Not a gift for Parrot Heads January 6, 2006
Peter I. Davitt (NJ, USA)
I got this book from a well meaning spouse for Christmas 2005. I have been a Parrot Head for the last 7 years. I did not like this book. The only part of this book that I found worth reading was the part after each album's review, the author wrote a few paragraphs about what was going on in Jimmy's life or with the record companies at the time that the album was recorded and released. I found the historical background interesting. The second part of the book was devoted to reviewing the books that Jimmy has written. The reviews were way to long and to me, seem self serving. Other than that, not worth your time.
This book in short is horrible. December 13, 2003
Paul E. Leslie (Oakwood, GA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book has a terrible title. First of all, it is not a "Companion." I'm sure Ryan is a nice guy, but I found myself cringing at his insight. Second of all, the guy went to 2 Jimmy Buffett concerts. Many of us do that in year. How is he an "insider"? I hate to be negative, but this book is awful. The only interesting chapter is the very last one where we get to see a confrontation with Marvin Gardens himself! All that Thomas Ryan does in this book is review all of his albums. WELL! Let people listen for themselves. Sorry Thomas, this book was not something you should have taken on.
Buffett Reviews December 20, 2000
Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
The Parrot Head Companion's title is really a misnomer as the book is for people who are more casual fans of Jimmy Buffett, but not the devotees that real parrot heads are. Thomas Ryan advises that he was not a big Jimmy Buffett fan before he started writing the book, but grew to become one. The book reviews all of Mr. Buffett's albums and you get an honest take from the author. If you have never been to Jimmy Buffett concert, you get a feel of what it's like to be there. The book is quick and easy to read as you can skip around the chapters. Hardcore parrot heads may be put off by the book, but if you area fan of Mr. Buffett, this is nice book to have on yourself.
 Not Bad for an Un-Parrot Head July 7, 2000
R. McKinney (CA, USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Thomas Ryan has attempted to become an "insider" with this book, but it is obvious that he is writing this as an assignment and not a passion. Ryan does, however, present some basic Buffett facts, but his evaluation of Buffett's music is exactly that-HIS EVALUATION.
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