I'm Gonna Live My Life Like a Jimmy Buffett Song

by Anthony Bjorklund

Jack Danielson always thought he was happy. After all, he had a serious career, a tall, skinny blonde girlfriend, and a condo chock full of Ikea furniture. But then one day an icy Minnesota freeway and an overly close encounter with a Peterbilt truck make him rethink his lifestyle, and he sets out to escape from the ordinary and to live his life like a Jimmy Buffett song.
Written as a tribute to Jimmy B and the Parrot Head way, the story follows Jack as he goes off in search of rum, spices, and new experiences...not to mention his own true identity, as well as what he wants from this crazy little gift called life. As contemplative as it is fun, this light and breezy book is seasoned with a healthy peppering of Buffetteria, and is the perfect tale for anyone who ever dreamed of chucking it all to lie on a beach and drink margaritas all day.

Genres: Fiction, Summer Reads

250 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2011

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm an official card-carrying Parrothead, and as such, I shouldn't be quite so pedantic. Yet I am, and I really wanted to love this book but I couldn't because the spelling, punctuation, and factual errors in this book drove me mad. It's "peek," not "peak" when used to mean "a quick look." It's "its," not "it's" when used as a possessive. Jimmy Buffett may have been born in Pascagoula, but he considers Mobile/Fairhope, AL to be his hometown. And on and on.

Still, it was a quick and cute read that was fairly enjoyable. The author's guide to Key West at the end was nice, too. If you love Jimmy and/or adventure -- and you're far more easy-going regarding the English language than yours truly -- take it to the beach with you this summer.

[Rocket Moe · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite quote from the book was this, "The beach was the beach, the ocean was the ocean, and the place were the two meet is magical."

[Therese Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review imo

I forced myself to keep reading, sort of like when you pass by a car accident -you want to look but hope everyone is okay.
This is one of those times when I should have just kept driving.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful, fast, amusing read. It makes you think about what you would do if you suddenly, after a near-death experience, realized how lacking your life actually was. Could you just gave up all real world responsibilities and go/do whatever you wanted for a while? While I'd love to think I could, I don't think I'd have the courage to be so free. So, maybe it's not for me. But, absolutely loved living vicariously through the author's travels to New Orleans, Mexico, Jamaica, and Florida, finally winding up in Key West. While reading this on my Kindle, I found myself highlighting passage after passage because it all just seemed so relevant to my own life and the things that we allow to drag us down in our everyday routines.

[Nena Stillwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a mini vacation! You could almost smell the salty air and taste the margaritas. Witty and so descriptive it reminded me of the manner Hemingway had of putting you into a single sense be it taste or sight or sound. The only thing I could have hoped for was that it hadn't ended so soon.

[Paul Pivovarnik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great entertaining read for all Parrotheads

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story telling

Anthony has a real knack for writing. He pulls you into the story, like you were there. He draws a picture just enough to get you started, but let's you paint the scene as your mind sees it. I have lived in Minnesota and experienced its bitter cold winters and I have lived in Key West. I would recommend this book to whoever wants a little vacation while sitting at home.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a parrot head this is a good read. The author has an entertaining of phrase and tells a great mostly true story! If I have any criticism it is that he took too long to get on with the story, but believe me that that's a minor complaint.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun read and made me feel like I was on vacation which is a very good thing. I'm not a fan of long dream scenes but other than that, I liked it. I really want/need to visit Key West now and use the bar guide at the end of the book.

[Trent Munger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tempted me...not sure in a good way:p Fun to read. Love the KW bar tips in the back. Gotta check out his song, too. And the two sequels.

[LouAnn Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this first book I was hooked!!! I am an avid fan of Jimmy Buffet, sandy beaches And rum!!!! Couldn't wait foer more!!!!

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

a perfectly silly beach read. Totally speaks to the hidden bar fly beach bum I keep locked in deepest parts of my personality. Taken out only on those rare tropical vacations and hot, lazy summer Saturdays when a margarita and Jimmy Buffett on the stereo make for a perfect day. If all that makes sense to you, or if you are actually living the beach bar lifestyle, this book is like coming home.

[Kevin McGinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a fun read but it wasn’t the best written book. I am also trying to live my life like a Jimmy Buffett song but I am not having a mid life crisis like this character. there were multiple “Easter Eggs” in every chapter of Buffett song names, lyrics or overall message. It was fun traveling around with him to NOLA, the Caribbean, all around Florida and ending in Key West.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have it on my “Beach” shelf where I go when I want an escape from the day to day. It’s a fun story about leaving it all behind and living like there is no tomorrow. I laughed in a number of places and just had a lot of fun reading it. A very quick read.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok, super quick read. Kind of fun to think about giving it all up and hitting the road.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a light-hearted, easy to read, funny book, this will be right up your alley. I enjoyed it.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for escaping the everyday grind

[Bonnie Irwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect little book to read on a Key West vacation...or while dreaming of one.

[Dave Bonenfant · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good read. funny and smart. really liked it, but i'm a closet parrothead which helps.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summer read...loved it wish I could live it!

[Libby Parsons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the light nature of this book. Good way to get away from reality for a little while.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Included some good info about Key West at the end.

[Nick Nelson]

This book keeps me in" Island Time" loved it! Keep 'em coming!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! This is how I want to live my life.......

[Mike Henshaw]

good

[Nicholas Nelson]

This book was awesome. I came back from the keys and was struck with a tropical depression. This cured that right up!

[A.N. Busch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Great read!

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun easy read about running away from your troubles. Made me wish I was able to do the same. Good winter blah read.

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should've reread "Tales from Margaritaville" instead.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just cute, fun, easy read