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A Salty Piece of Land: 20th Anniversary Edition
Wander to "where the song of the ocean / Meets the salty piece of land" with Tully Mars, washed up from Margaritaville and in the mood for monkeyshines—in the 20th anniversary edition of this shimmering Caribbean epic by the late king of tropical rock, Jimmy Buffett.
#1 bestselling author Jimmy Buffett is back at last with his first new novel in a decade!
#1 bestselling author Jimmy Buffett is back at last with his first new novel in a decade!
It's not on any chart, but the tropical island of Cayo Loco is the perfect place to run away from all your problems. If you're looking for a license to chill, come along as cowboy Tully Mars takes his pony to the shore-on an unforgettable Caribbean adventure as colorful and wonderfully bizarre as cocktail hour at your favorite expatriate bar.
From a lovely sunset sail in Punta Margarita to a wild spring-break foam party in San Pedro, Tully encounters an assortment of treasure hunters, rock stars, sailors, seaplane pilots, pirates, and even a ghost or two.
Waking from a ganja buzz on the beach in Tulum, Tully can't believe his eyes when a 142-foot schooner emerges out of the ocean mist. At its helm is Cleopatra Highbourne, the eccentric 102-year-old sea captain who will take him to a lighthouse on a salty piece of land that will change his life forever.
Once again, master storyteller Jimmy Buffett weaves a mesmerizing tale that combines both humor and emotional reflection. After all, one man's cathedral is another man's fishing hole. And in Jimmy Buffett's world, paradise is just a state of mind.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
679 people are currently reading
3265 people want to read
About the author
Jimmy Buffett
87 books475 followersJames William "Jimmy" Buffett (born December 25, 1946) was a singer, songwriter, author, businessman, and recently a movie producer best known for his "island escapism" lifestyle and music including hits such as "Margaritaville" (No. 234 on RIAA's list of "Songs of the Century"), and "Come Monday". He had a devoted base of fans known as "Parrotheads". His band was called the Coral Reefer Band.
Aside from his career in music, Buffett was also a best-selling writer and was involved in two restaurant chains named after two of his best known songs, "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "Margaritaville". He owned the Margaritaville Cafe restaurant chain and co-developed the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant concept with OSI Restaurant Partners (parent of Outback Steakhouse), which operates the chain under a licensing agreement with Buffett.
Aside from his career in music, Buffett was also a best-selling writer and was involved in two restaurant chains named after two of his best known songs, "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "Margaritaville". He owned the Margaritaville Cafe restaurant chain and co-developed the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant concept with OSI Restaurant Partners (parent of Outback Steakhouse), which operates the chain under a licensing agreement with Buffett.
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June 2, 2007everyone's submissions are far too serious and overly reflective for me. so, this is my attempt to rebel. jimmy buffett: drunken debauchery, cheeseburgers and flip flops flood your thoughts, yes? preposterous to *actually* consider the jimbo a bona fide author. he's no vonnegut. twain does circles around him i'm sure. but i challenge you to read his lyrics. what's more, open up this book. it's not a masterpiece. rather, it documents the life of a wayward wanna be cowboy-sailor. who cares right? but, amid this highly connected, satellite driven society, how often are you invited to that one particular harbor? read it. hate it. love it. judge me harshly for submitting this review. i have a small attention span here in cyberspace and probably won't submit more than one review... so i figured i had to make it good.
September 2, 2023
Yes, that’s him, the singer. But also, a writer.
At first I thought I was reading a series of short stories about Jimmy Buffet, but then I realized that it was a novel about a guy and his adventure/life story.
Once I realized this, I kind of relaxed into the fun of it and let go and didn’t think much of it. Just flowed with it. Some crazy characters with strange names and interesting back stories living the life on an island.
It is a simple book. If you don’t think much beyond that, you can enjoy the everyday people who walk their own path in spite of themselves, make friends along the way and eventually accomplish worthy goals.
Rest in Peace Margaritaville. September 1, 2023.
At first I thought I was reading a series of short stories about Jimmy Buffet, but then I realized that it was a novel about a guy and his adventure/life story.
Once I realized this, I kind of relaxed into the fun of it and let go and didn’t think much of it. Just flowed with it. Some crazy characters with strange names and interesting back stories living the life on an island.
It is a simple book. If you don’t think much beyond that, you can enjoy the everyday people who walk their own path in spite of themselves, make friends along the way and eventually accomplish worthy goals.
Rest in Peace Margaritaville. September 1, 2023.
August 17, 2008
Surprisingly (at least to me), Jimmy Buffett is quite the storyteller. I didn't expect a celebrity novelist to be quite so entertaining, or so good at crafting a genuinely interesting tale. Granted, Buffett's songs are stories in themselves and he has written quite a few novels in his day, but still I didn't expect much from this book; I picked it up because my dad said it was alright and I wanted something to read that wasn't academic. So I was quite pleased to find that I really enjoyed it. It wasn't fine literature, of course, but it was similar to - and as good as - any Carl Hiaasen novel. So if you like Hiaasen, or Tim Dorsey, you'll like Buffett. This was a quirky and downright lovable story.
June 12, 2020
A Wyoming cowboy makes his way to The Caribbean after getting fired from his job. Bumming around, he gets a job restoring a lighthouse. Strange things start to happen.
About what one would expect from a book by Jimmy Buffet. Light, but entertaining.
About what one would expect from a book by Jimmy Buffet. Light, but entertaining.
January 17, 2018
You know that any Floridian with a sailboat will have a copy of Buffett's 4 CD collection titled "Boats, Beaches, Bars and Ballads" aboard. The music is the perfect accompaniment to the glorious wind, waves and water of the Florida Keys and the Caribbean. Like his music, his books take you there like few others can do. Frankly, I don't know how this one snuck by me as I have read and enjoyed all his others. Probably got backed up in my reading or was waiting for paperback release or kindle price drop.
At any rate, better late than never and my patience was rewarded with a great tale featuring some great characters, places and stories. Why only 4 stars instead of 5? Well, it could have used a bit of a trim, frankly, and the long epistles from his friend got to be a bit annoying, I still have trouble picturing lugging a horse around on a boat but I think it was the coincidences and connections that were a bit of a stretch, Still, great escapist literature in every sense of the word.
At any rate, better late than never and my patience was rewarded with a great tale featuring some great characters, places and stories. Why only 4 stars instead of 5? Well, it could have used a bit of a trim, frankly, and the long epistles from his friend got to be a bit annoying, I still have trouble picturing lugging a horse around on a boat but I think it was the coincidences and connections that were a bit of a stretch, Still, great escapist literature in every sense of the word.
August 3, 2023
Una cosa me queda clara: Jimmy Buffett no es Herman Wouk.
Buffett es otro caballero que ranquea alto en mi lista de candidatos al ‘hombre más interesante del mundo’. Y a diferencia de los demás, casi todos aventureros, él construyó un imperio de negocios basado en su marca personal como cantautor. Esa marca personal, para quien no lo sepa, es la de un individuo que se la vive relax, siempre en la playa pescando, surfeando y bebiendo. Todos sus conciertos los toca vestido con hawaiana y traje de baño, descalzo siempre. Sus fans se hacen llamar ‘cabezas de perico’ y en sus canciones las dedica al fin de semana (‘Come Monday’), a la vida marinera (‘Son of a son of a sailor’) o, bendito Dios, a las hamburguesas (‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’). La más famosa, por supuesto, es Margaritaville, que da nombre a su cadena de restaurantes.
La vida de este músico polifacético sólo podía producir una novela que glorificara este estilo, y aquí la tenemos. La leí porque me el estilo de vida de Buffett está en uno de mis niveles de cozy personal y porque se veía divertida. Y es divertida, pero está muy mal escrita. Mal escrita hasta hacer enojar al lector. Y es demasiado larga.
Al principio me la pasaba bien con Tully Mars, un vaquero que se escapa después de pelearse con la dueña del criadero de caniches en el que trabaja y termina recorriendo lugares de ensueño entre la Riviera Maya y Bahamas. Pero a medida que avanzaba fui pasando de divertido a fastidiado por el paupérrimo nivel de escritura, particularmente con la trama. Largas historias que salen de la principal sin ningún otro motivo que el que contar la vida de algún personaje extravagante o interesante en algún lugar paradisíaco. A Mars la trama le facilita la vida mediante artificios con un nivel mínimo de drama o peligro y todo mundo termina feliz, contento y rico de las formas más convenientes y absurdas posibles. El narrador tiene ciertas formas de expresarse que no pasan la prueba de la modernidad, y por supuesto los personajes son de un tipo cuyas prácticas están siendo muy cuestionadas últimamente.
Por un momento, ya en las postrimerías del libro, cuando la trama principal se resuelve y todavía quedaban más de cien páginas de exposición, mi ánimo comenzó a declinar y a agriarse hasta el punto de que consideré ponerle una sola estrella. Pensé en ese meme de: ‘Y la perra seguía y seguía’.
Buffett profesa adoración a ‘No paren el carnaval’, la famosísima novela de Herman Wouk que narra la vida de un agente teatral que quiere cambiar de giro y administrar un hotel en el caribe. Incluso al nivel de escribir un musical basado en la novela. Pero claramente Buffett no es Wouk, y se le queda muy muy abajo.
¿Qué esperaba yo de un libro escrito por una celebridad? Pues algo mejor, porque sus canciones son más que buenas.
Buffett es otro caballero que ranquea alto en mi lista de candidatos al ‘hombre más interesante del mundo’. Y a diferencia de los demás, casi todos aventureros, él construyó un imperio de negocios basado en su marca personal como cantautor. Esa marca personal, para quien no lo sepa, es la de un individuo que se la vive relax, siempre en la playa pescando, surfeando y bebiendo. Todos sus conciertos los toca vestido con hawaiana y traje de baño, descalzo siempre. Sus fans se hacen llamar ‘cabezas de perico’ y en sus canciones las dedica al fin de semana (‘Come Monday’), a la vida marinera (‘Son of a son of a sailor’) o, bendito Dios, a las hamburguesas (‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’). La más famosa, por supuesto, es Margaritaville, que da nombre a su cadena de restaurantes.
La vida de este músico polifacético sólo podía producir una novela que glorificara este estilo, y aquí la tenemos. La leí porque me el estilo de vida de Buffett está en uno de mis niveles de cozy personal y porque se veía divertida. Y es divertida, pero está muy mal escrita. Mal escrita hasta hacer enojar al lector. Y es demasiado larga.
Al principio me la pasaba bien con Tully Mars, un vaquero que se escapa después de pelearse con la dueña del criadero de caniches en el que trabaja y termina recorriendo lugares de ensueño entre la Riviera Maya y Bahamas. Pero a medida que avanzaba fui pasando de divertido a fastidiado por el paupérrimo nivel de escritura, particularmente con la trama. Largas historias que salen de la principal sin ningún otro motivo que el que contar la vida de algún personaje extravagante o interesante en algún lugar paradisíaco. A Mars la trama le facilita la vida mediante artificios con un nivel mínimo de drama o peligro y todo mundo termina feliz, contento y rico de las formas más convenientes y absurdas posibles. El narrador tiene ciertas formas de expresarse que no pasan la prueba de la modernidad, y por supuesto los personajes son de un tipo cuyas prácticas están siendo muy cuestionadas últimamente.
Por un momento, ya en las postrimerías del libro, cuando la trama principal se resuelve y todavía quedaban más de cien páginas de exposición, mi ánimo comenzó a declinar y a agriarse hasta el punto de que consideré ponerle una sola estrella. Pensé en ese meme de: ‘Y la perra seguía y seguía’.
Buffett profesa adoración a ‘No paren el carnaval’, la famosísima novela de Herman Wouk que narra la vida de un agente teatral que quiere cambiar de giro y administrar un hotel en el caribe. Incluso al nivel de escribir un musical basado en la novela. Pero claramente Buffett no es Wouk, y se le queda muy muy abajo.
¿Qué esperaba yo de un libro escrito por una celebridad? Pues algo mejor, porque sus canciones son más que buenas.
April 29, 2019
Jimmy Buffett is great at writing clever and catchy songs, but this book could really do with some editing. It was far too long. It felt like every time Tully met a new character they immediately needed to tell him their entire backstory (20 pages) or write him a ridiculously long letter telling him their exploits - and the backstory of every person they met. AAaaaaaahhhhh!!! When will something actually happen to Tully besides fishing and talking and driving and talking and sailing and talking? Maybe if I was interested in sailing or fishing or wild spring break parties or lighthouses I might have enjoyed this book, but I am not so this thing sucked the life out of me. I only finished it to check off 2 boxes for my 2019 reading challenge: "a book written by a musician" and "a book with salty, sweet, bitter or sour in the title." Check. Check. Thankfully, moving on.
Content: lots of language and spring break shenanigans. Also, the title was in Comic Sans - I should have known to avoid this one...
Content: lots of language and spring break shenanigans. Also, the title was in Comic Sans - I should have known to avoid this one...
April 16, 2020
While interesting at points, this story's plot meandered unpredictably. The story failed to keep me engaged enough to desire to keep reading. I had to force myself to finish reading the book, and that is because I am stubborn- rarely have I not finished a book once I've started.
While I am a longtime fan of Jimmy Buffett's music, this book did not appeal to me.
While I am a longtime fan of Jimmy Buffett's music, this book did not appeal to me.
July 6, 2016
When Montana cowboy Tully Mars looks to run away from his problems, a boat headed for the Caribbean seems like the perfect place to start his life over. The consummate cowboy, Tully brings his horse with him to the tropical island of Cayo Loco to get lost. Instead, he not only finds himself, but a quirky gang of expatriate friends who not only have his interest, but have his back. But it is the 101-year-old Cleopatra Highbourne at the helm of her 142-foot long schooner who will change Tully’s life forever – assuming his past doesn’t catch up with him first.
In the world of music, Jimmy Buffett requires no introduction. However, A Salty Piece of Land isn’t a song, it is a novel and the standards are much different. But someone forgot mention to Jimmy that this was something different. All he does is go out and write a funny, entertaining, insightful story about one man – Tully Mars – trying to get a fresh start in life and find some peace and happiness. Buffett creates a compelling character at the center of his story, who is all too human and prone to random acts of foolishness. But at his center, he is a kind person who looks out for those around him. This is Buffett’s biggest writing strength – creating compelling, interesting characters. From the rock star to the seaplane pilot, the treasure hunter to the quirky bad guys, everyone in this story jumps off of the page as a unique personality. Nobody is dull.
That’s not to say A Salty Piece of Land is perfect. The plot doesn’t always make sense. There are several “coincidences” that leave you going “uh huh, sure.” The story really could have done with some editing, too. There are sizable chunks of the beefy 480 page novel that slow down to a crawl. If Buffett could have tightened it up by about 100 pages, it might have been a real page-turner. Instead, at times I weathered page after page of scene setting or internal monologue to get to the next amusing section.
The quality of the writing isn’t Tolstoy. There is a pedestrian sameness to it – at least until you get to the dialog. That is where Buffett hits his stride and each character finds their individual voices. A Salty Piece of Land isn’t great writing, but it is good, fun storytelling. I have to make a confession that my enjoyment of this novel may have been fueled by it being the antidote to the bleakness of the previous novel I read, The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. Whether because of this or in spite of this, I have to admit that I had fun reading a book that didn’t take itself too seriously. It’s not writing that will have me begging for more of the same, but it was a nice diversion.
In the world of music, Jimmy Buffett requires no introduction. However, A Salty Piece of Land isn’t a song, it is a novel and the standards are much different. But someone forgot mention to Jimmy that this was something different. All he does is go out and write a funny, entertaining, insightful story about one man – Tully Mars – trying to get a fresh start in life and find some peace and happiness. Buffett creates a compelling character at the center of his story, who is all too human and prone to random acts of foolishness. But at his center, he is a kind person who looks out for those around him. This is Buffett’s biggest writing strength – creating compelling, interesting characters. From the rock star to the seaplane pilot, the treasure hunter to the quirky bad guys, everyone in this story jumps off of the page as a unique personality. Nobody is dull.
That’s not to say A Salty Piece of Land is perfect. The plot doesn’t always make sense. There are several “coincidences” that leave you going “uh huh, sure.” The story really could have done with some editing, too. There are sizable chunks of the beefy 480 page novel that slow down to a crawl. If Buffett could have tightened it up by about 100 pages, it might have been a real page-turner. Instead, at times I weathered page after page of scene setting or internal monologue to get to the next amusing section.
The quality of the writing isn’t Tolstoy. There is a pedestrian sameness to it – at least until you get to the dialog. That is where Buffett hits his stride and each character finds their individual voices. A Salty Piece of Land isn’t great writing, but it is good, fun storytelling. I have to make a confession that my enjoyment of this novel may have been fueled by it being the antidote to the bleakness of the previous novel I read, The Road, by Cormac McCarthy. Whether because of this or in spite of this, I have to admit that I had fun reading a book that didn’t take itself too seriously. It’s not writing that will have me begging for more of the same, but it was a nice diversion.
July 3, 2020
This book of 2004 shows its age. Buffett tries to explain the world he wants to live in.
Probably that world still exists for lots of people. Today we might see the book as an unbelievable world.
But, there’s some fun stuff in the book. We meet “Bonefish Bob” and “Jetfuel Joe” and visit the :Lost boys Fishing Lodge.” We get hear about Jack London’s book The Cruise of the Shark. We learn that “Beliese City was “…no trip to the Grand Canyon.”
It’s clear that he loves the sea and being on the sea. The book is all about living individually, far away from the everyday world most of us find ourselves in. The core of the book is a good one. But we don’t need 450+ pages to see the point.
Note: As a 70-something male living in a retirement program, at a time when we have to stay inside (in the summer) I may not be the best person to review this book.
Probably that world still exists for lots of people. Today we might see the book as an unbelievable world.
But, there’s some fun stuff in the book. We meet “Bonefish Bob” and “Jetfuel Joe” and visit the :Lost boys Fishing Lodge.” We get hear about Jack London’s book The Cruise of the Shark. We learn that “Beliese City was “…no trip to the Grand Canyon.”
It’s clear that he loves the sea and being on the sea. The book is all about living individually, far away from the everyday world most of us find ourselves in. The core of the book is a good one. But we don’t need 450+ pages to see the point.
Note: As a 70-something male living in a retirement program, at a time when we have to stay inside (in the summer) I may not be the best person to review this book.
October 3, 2010
In "Power of the Myth", Joseph Campbell said, "People say that what we're all seeking is a meaning for life."
Jimmy Buffett's characters share that trait. They are everyday people who walk their own path in spite of themselves, make friends along the way and eventually accomplish worthy goals - maybe not GREAT ones, but worthy ones. Fictionally, they are rewarded, but it wasn't what they were looking for when they began their journey.
In this book Buffett has explained to us how to live life. As my friend Katrinia puts down as a signature on her emails: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
He succeeds with this book.
Jimmy Buffett's characters share that trait. They are everyday people who walk their own path in spite of themselves, make friends along the way and eventually accomplish worthy goals - maybe not GREAT ones, but worthy ones. Fictionally, they are rewarded, but it wasn't what they were looking for when they began their journey.
In this book Buffett has explained to us how to live life. As my friend Katrinia puts down as a signature on her emails: Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"
He succeeds with this book.
July 2, 2008
I learned that Jimmy Buffett is a much better singer/songwriter than he is an author. Oh, my. I wonder if Homer Hickam knows that Buffett sort of "borrowed" some of his stuff from The Ambassador's Son? I wonder if he cares? I wonder if it matters, because I doubt they have many overlapping readers.... I wasn't going to put anything into goodreads about this book, but then I saw that the average rating for the book was 3.54, and I decided that couldn't be allowed to stand without my putting in my 2 cents, so here they are: poor book, poorly written, and not worth your time. Woof. Sorry, Mr. Buffett.
January 18, 2008
"Grief is like the wake behind a boat. It starts out as a huge wave that follows close behind you and is big enough to swamp and drown you if you suddenly stop moving forward. But if you do keep moving, the big wake will eventually dissipate. And after a long enough time, the waters of your life get calm again, and that is when the memories of those who have left begin to shine as bright and enduring as the stars above."
Jimmy Buffet can be so profound sometimes, for a big goofy old parrot head!
Jimmy Buffet can be so profound sometimes, for a big goofy old parrot head!
January 31, 2008
I absolutely loved this story. I am a traveller as well and I would love to have the experiences that Tully has in this book. It was an amazing read and I hope everyone takes the time out to check it out.
Up next on Reading Rainbow...
Up next on Reading Rainbow...
January 26, 2009
The same airy feel as any Buffett book. There is always a good long get to know ya with the charactors, but they are generally charactors you like so no harm in that.
July 16, 2014
I think all the positive reviews are from parrot heads that “want” to like this book. It is an adventure to nowhere.
The book is an array of characters with strange names that always have incredible back stories (which bog down the book with useless information). Characters like Cleopatra Highbourne (a 101 year old schooner sailor), Thelma Barson (a poodle ranch owner) and Sammy Raye Coconuts (a gay millionaire that rides in a hot pink airplane).
You realize that Jimmy Buffet has lost touch with reality because the main character is rancher that wanders off and never worries about money, food or shelter. Everything falls into his lap courtesy of all the wealthy friends he meets. The ridiculous reason for this cowboy to be on the run makes you think that Jimmy must think you’re an idiot.
There is a 50 page chapter near the end of the book which is uninteresting and could have been summed up in ten pages.
If I can say one nice thing about the book, it would be the following passage:
“Grief is like the wake behind a boat. It starts out as a huge wave that follows close behind you and is big enough to swamp and drown you if you suddenly stop moving forward. But if you do keep moving, the big wake will eventually dissipate. And after a long time, the waters of your life get calm again, and that is when the memories of those who have left begin to shine as bright and as enduring as the stars above.”
Jimmy ~ stick to music. That’s your gift.
The book is an array of characters with strange names that always have incredible back stories (which bog down the book with useless information). Characters like Cleopatra Highbourne (a 101 year old schooner sailor), Thelma Barson (a poodle ranch owner) and Sammy Raye Coconuts (a gay millionaire that rides in a hot pink airplane).
You realize that Jimmy Buffet has lost touch with reality because the main character is rancher that wanders off and never worries about money, food or shelter. Everything falls into his lap courtesy of all the wealthy friends he meets. The ridiculous reason for this cowboy to be on the run makes you think that Jimmy must think you’re an idiot.
There is a 50 page chapter near the end of the book which is uninteresting and could have been summed up in ten pages.
If I can say one nice thing about the book, it would be the following passage:
“Grief is like the wake behind a boat. It starts out as a huge wave that follows close behind you and is big enough to swamp and drown you if you suddenly stop moving forward. But if you do keep moving, the big wake will eventually dissipate. And after a long time, the waters of your life get calm again, and that is when the memories of those who have left begin to shine as bright and as enduring as the stars above.”
Jimmy ~ stick to music. That’s your gift.
April 21, 2024
3.75 stars
Jimmy Buffet is by no means the greatest writer of all time, but “A Salty Piece of Land” is a really fun story that you can’t help but love. There were a few holes in the story and it was certainly not very realistic, but it was a fun read nonetheless. It was so nice to read such a cute story from someone who was a really big part of my childhood. RIP Jimmy
Jimmy Buffet is by no means the greatest writer of all time, but “A Salty Piece of Land” is a really fun story that you can’t help but love. There were a few holes in the story and it was certainly not very realistic, but it was a fun read nonetheless. It was so nice to read such a cute story from someone who was a really big part of my childhood. RIP Jimmy
July 11, 2023
Such a light hearted, cheeky, and enjoyable read! Jimmy Buffett knows not only how to wow with a guitar but also with words. Definitely would recommend if you want an easy read that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
August 25, 2024
Pleasantly surprised! Who knew musician Jimmy Buffett was such an amazing story teller?!
December 17, 2025
I prefer his music 🫶
April 12, 2023
Have to admit...I wasn't expecting much from this, but I was pleasantly surprised at how charming it was! A light and breezy tale, well told about restoring a lighthouse. great many interesting, and delightful side stories lead to an endearing and touching ending. A perfect beach read!
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May 13, 2021Delightfully Pynchon-esque!
December 19, 2020
As I sit on my couch, legs propped up, coffee in hand; reading 'A Salty Piece of Land' simultaneously staring out the window at the icicles forming on my neighbors porch as the temperature drops to 21 degrees, I can't help but appreciate how Jimmy Buffet transports me to a place of warmth and comfort. Mr. Buffet has always managed to convey that feeling in his music, but I did not know the extent of his story telling prowess until I read a couple of his books. Is he Twain? No, Buffet doesn't write with the same sophistication as the famed river boat pilot - turned wordsmith, but the adventures that our protagonist, Tully Mars, often finds himself a very willing participant, is much more relatable to a forty-eight year old dude that lives in a humble abode near the river. Often his music has compelled me to sit on the beach near the water with a cheese burger and an ice cold beer, but this book elicits, at least the idea, of getting up from that beach chair, walking to the pier and casting a line while dreaming of sailing somewhere amidst paradise. Come Monday, it's back to work, but at least for today I can dream of waves, banana pancakes and margaritas.
February 3, 2008
I hate giving up on a book once I've started reading it, but this is one I just have to stop reading. I should have known better than to even try after having read Where In The World Is Joe Merchant? about five years ago. I had tired of that book about half-way through but slogged through to the end. That one was a waste of time, too, but I just wouldn't give it up.
This book is more of the same. As a fiction writer, Jimmy Buffett is a huge yawn. He's good at storytelling via his wonderful songs, but that skill doesn't translate well to novel writing. Buffett's fiction plods along slowly, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery he creates on the written page, but after awhile, you have to wonder if the trip is worth the price. In this case, as with Merchant, the answer is "No."
So, here's a first for me: Joy gave up on a book! I am giving myself, from this time forward, permission to stop reading a book I'm not enjoying... for whatever reason... Life is too short to waste my precious reading time on something that doesn't engage me.
This book is more of the same. As a fiction writer, Jimmy Buffett is a huge yawn. He's good at storytelling via his wonderful songs, but that skill doesn't translate well to novel writing. Buffett's fiction plods along slowly, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery he creates on the written page, but after awhile, you have to wonder if the trip is worth the price. In this case, as with Merchant, the answer is "No."
So, here's a first for me: Joy gave up on a book! I am giving myself, from this time forward, permission to stop reading a book I'm not enjoying... for whatever reason... Life is too short to waste my precious reading time on something that doesn't engage me.
May 30, 2020
I didn't know that Jimmy Buffett was also a novelist! While never a huge fan of his music—I like it okay—I thought this was cool and wanted to give the book a shot. I don't like giving low star ratings to books, because, as I've said before, this person took time out of his/her life to provide something entertaining for the rest of us, and who am I to criticize? But here are my pros and cons.
Pro: He actually is a pretty decent writer! His research and descriptions are great. It was enjoyable to read a book that takes place in a fun part of the country and deals with things that are not big parts of my life (sailboats, lighthouses). I would say this is a good Beach Read.
Cons: The simple plot was made complicated by about 15 sub-stories that, frankly, weren't that compelling to me. I'm also sort of done with the pot, cheap sex, and swearing culture that threaded its way through the story.
It's not a riveting read, but if you want something you don't have to think about too much while working on your tan then you might enjoy it.
Pro: He actually is a pretty decent writer! His research and descriptions are great. It was enjoyable to read a book that takes place in a fun part of the country and deals with things that are not big parts of my life (sailboats, lighthouses). I would say this is a good Beach Read.
Cons: The simple plot was made complicated by about 15 sub-stories that, frankly, weren't that compelling to me. I'm also sort of done with the pot, cheap sex, and swearing culture that threaded its way through the story.
It's not a riveting read, but if you want something you don't have to think about too much while working on your tan then you might enjoy it.
June 25, 2023
First off, I would give this book a 3.6 star if it was available. I liked that the book took me to different parts of the world, but my gosh the amount of characters and the delivery of how they the character cross with Tully is bizarre to say the least. Many times during the book I was tempted to quit, but I really don’t like to invest in a book to not finish it. And the book does take you on a journey, which is what you want a book to do. But the ramblings of this book is just the reason I kept lowering my rating. And, I’m a pretty tough critic. All in all the story is perfect, but the amount of characters and they why it presents each characters backstory is just ‘over the top’ and caused me to be this critical. Good read, and I think I’ll read his other books in time, but today I’m moving on to a different type of read.
January 31, 2023
Interesting book by the gulf and western musician, Jimmy Buffett. Buffett seems to be someone people either love or hate. His music has grown on me over time and I thought I'd give this novel a try. It's a rambling adventure story full of fishing, lighthouses, sail boats, baseball, a foam party and finding one's self. It's a story full of easter eggs to the names and lyrics in his music. A bit confusing at times but all in all a fairly decent yarn. I recommend it...
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January 2, 2024
Nebraska Library Commission Book Club Spotlight- January 2nd, 2024
This December 25th, we celebrated the birth of the late great legend, Mr. Jimmy Buffett. The Margaritaville singer-songwriter known for his island lifestyle and escapism passed away this last year on September 1st. So, to celebrate a true icon, we are spotlighting one of his many fiction books: A Salty Piece of Land. Which picks up from Buffett’s short story “Take Another Road” featured in the Tales From Margaritaville collection. A Salty Piece of Land even has its own single to accompany your island-time reading relaxation.
When we meet up with cowboy Tully Mars and his trusty steed, Mr. Twain, as they are on the run from a vindictive poodle ranch owner. The pair hightail it out of the mainland and end up on a shrimp boat headed for the Caribbean. Driftless, and surrounded by the cool, pink sands of Cayo Loco, Tully meets old sea captain Cleopatra Highbourne, who has quite the proposal for him: Fix up the abandoned lighthouse and escape everything he is running from.
Interspersed with beautiful Caribbean vistas and colorful characters, A Salty Piece of Landis as chill as Buffett’s music. The characters Tully encounters are as varied and strange as their names but are just as heartfelt and dear. Sprinkled with Buffett’s knowledge of the sea, navigation, and lighthouses, A Salty Piece of Land is escapist literature at its finest. Adult Book Clubs and Parrotheads will enjoy the familiar vibes of Buffett’s prose and that never-ending chase for freedom, eternal youth, and sunshine.
Fins up!
This December 25th, we celebrated the birth of the late great legend, Mr. Jimmy Buffett. The Margaritaville singer-songwriter known for his island lifestyle and escapism passed away this last year on September 1st. So, to celebrate a true icon, we are spotlighting one of his many fiction books: A Salty Piece of Land. Which picks up from Buffett’s short story “Take Another Road” featured in the Tales From Margaritaville collection. A Salty Piece of Land even has its own single to accompany your island-time reading relaxation.
When we meet up with cowboy Tully Mars and his trusty steed, Mr. Twain, as they are on the run from a vindictive poodle ranch owner. The pair hightail it out of the mainland and end up on a shrimp boat headed for the Caribbean. Driftless, and surrounded by the cool, pink sands of Cayo Loco, Tully meets old sea captain Cleopatra Highbourne, who has quite the proposal for him: Fix up the abandoned lighthouse and escape everything he is running from.
“Life is unpredictable, but there is a lot out there to do and see if you just tune in to the radio.”
- JIMMY BUFFET
Interspersed with beautiful Caribbean vistas and colorful characters, A Salty Piece of Landis as chill as Buffett’s music. The characters Tully encounters are as varied and strange as their names but are just as heartfelt and dear. Sprinkled with Buffett’s knowledge of the sea, navigation, and lighthouses, A Salty Piece of Land is escapist literature at its finest. Adult Book Clubs and Parrotheads will enjoy the familiar vibes of Buffett’s prose and that never-ending chase for freedom, eternal youth, and sunshine.
Fins up!
February 6, 2021
A salty piece of land. Jimmy Buffet.
God love Jimmy Buffet. He brings us all sand and sun and cold beer under the palm trees. Thanks for that.
This book is flawed. It needed to spend another few months with a competent editor. Maybe, with the success of his previous books they were trying to rush this one to market. Maybe with the implosion of the publishing industry around the time this was published there were no editors to be found.
I remember really liking “Joe Merchant”. It was the kind of breezy novel that you could curl up in the hammock with, during a 4th of July vacation at the Cape. Not too challenging and fun. There were flashes of that here, but not enough.
It read like 3, maybe more, novels were smashed together. Each complex and preposterous character plot piling on until your head hurt. And I understand that the joy of Jimmy’s writing is preposterous character plots, but he kept shoehorning them in to fit the narrative up until the final chapters.
Felt like the novel didn’t know where it was going, got lost and then had to quickly create a bunch of plot points to find its way back.
It wasn’t awful but it was too long by half. Its intended to be about a lighthouse, I guess, but that got a bit lost in the meandering. Or maybe it was a love story? Or maybe it was a ‘finding-yourself-on-the-road’? Or maybe it was about fishing. Not quite sure.
Thank you for letting me lay in the hammock and dip my toes in the warm Caribbean water, but I’m going to get off the boat.
God love Jimmy Buffet. He brings us all sand and sun and cold beer under the palm trees. Thanks for that.
This book is flawed. It needed to spend another few months with a competent editor. Maybe, with the success of his previous books they were trying to rush this one to market. Maybe with the implosion of the publishing industry around the time this was published there were no editors to be found.
I remember really liking “Joe Merchant”. It was the kind of breezy novel that you could curl up in the hammock with, during a 4th of July vacation at the Cape. Not too challenging and fun. There were flashes of that here, but not enough.
It read like 3, maybe more, novels were smashed together. Each complex and preposterous character plot piling on until your head hurt. And I understand that the joy of Jimmy’s writing is preposterous character plots, but he kept shoehorning them in to fit the narrative up until the final chapters.
Felt like the novel didn’t know where it was going, got lost and then had to quickly create a bunch of plot points to find its way back.
It wasn’t awful but it was too long by half. Its intended to be about a lighthouse, I guess, but that got a bit lost in the meandering. Or maybe it was a love story? Or maybe it was a ‘finding-yourself-on-the-road’? Or maybe it was about fishing. Not quite sure.
Thank you for letting me lay in the hammock and dip my toes in the warm Caribbean water, but I’m going to get off the boat.
January 1, 2025
Phew! I wanted to finish this to end the year...a book by my favorite story-teller Mr. Jimmy Buffett, who I have loved as a singer since I was a teenager. Keep in mind, this is most of my life now.
I fell in love with Jimmy when I was 17 years old, the first time I heard Son of Sailor, and I've never looked back. I was lucky enough to see him and the Coral Reefers in concert 13 months to the day before he left this world to sail other harbors. But I'd never read any of his books...not for any particular reason, I guess the music had always been enough for me.
I'm not sure how a Salty Piece of Land would read to non-Parrotheads, but for me, it was like listening to Jimmy talk and spin stories, just without the music (although throughout the reading, I noticed that at different points in the story, I had different Jimmy songs playing in my head).
Whimsical, fantistical, outlandish and fun. This story embodies the adventurous spirit of Jimmy, and makes me sad all over again that he is no longer with us. This story made me laugh a lot, and cry a few tears. Thanks Jimmy, we're still holding down this salty rock, and all the pirates and the parrots sing...adios my friend. Will now definitely be ordering the rest of Jimmy's books.
I fell in love with Jimmy when I was 17 years old, the first time I heard Son of Sailor, and I've never looked back. I was lucky enough to see him and the Coral Reefers in concert 13 months to the day before he left this world to sail other harbors. But I'd never read any of his books...not for any particular reason, I guess the music had always been enough for me.
I'm not sure how a Salty Piece of Land would read to non-Parrotheads, but for me, it was like listening to Jimmy talk and spin stories, just without the music (although throughout the reading, I noticed that at different points in the story, I had different Jimmy songs playing in my head).
Whimsical, fantistical, outlandish and fun. This story embodies the adventurous spirit of Jimmy, and makes me sad all over again that he is no longer with us. This story made me laugh a lot, and cry a few tears. Thanks Jimmy, we're still holding down this salty rock, and all the pirates and the parrots sing...adios my friend. Will now definitely be ordering the rest of Jimmy's books.
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