Losing and Finding My Virginity: The Full Story

by Richard Branson

This is the story of my entire life so far... It’s been a rollercoaster ride and I have no intention of getting off any time soon.

Available exclusively in audio, Losing and Finding My Virginity is both of Sir Richard Branson’s multi-million-copy bestselling autobiographies in one combined edition, fully revised and updated, and read for you by the author in full for the first time.

From living on a houseboat to a paradise island home, growing a small business into the global Virgin brand, turning a childhood dream of flying to space into a reality, and building a better world through business, this is an account of almost six decades of entrepreneurship, overcoming the odds and reaching for the stars.

With lessons in life and in business, Losing and Finding My Virginity is a must-listen memoir and an inspiring guide from the ultimate entrepreneur.

Genres: Biography, Audiobook

Audiobook

Published April 4, 2024

About the author

Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is an English business magnate, best known for his Virgin brand of over 360 companies. Branson's first successful business venture was at age 16, when he published a magazine called Student. He then set up a record mail-order business in 1970. In 1972, he opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, later known as Virgin Megastores and rebranded as zavvi in late 2007. With his flamboyant and competitive style, Branson's Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s - as he set up Virgin Atlantic Airways and expanded the Virgin Records music label. Richard Branson is the 236th richest person according to Forbes' 2008 list of billionaires as he has an estimated net worth of approximately $7.9 billion USD.

Reviews

[Arthur Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Great story telling. Great story. Lots of learnings. Not only a book for entrepreneurial spirit. Also for saying yes to life.

[Firsh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this. I wanted to give it a 4. The guy seemed interesting, as he managed to create the vision I had as a kid. Back then there was a Mac antivirus called Virex and I liked the name so much I wanted to use it as my personal brand (little did I know about trademarks and copyrights), the point is that I intended to create a mega-company that deals with everything under the sun (or at least has many interesting avenues of business). While that vision materialized in a way subtler manner as I realized one does not need to build an empire to become a sort of early retiree, I nevertheless liked the concept. He founded a family of companies that I used to see everywhere and even bought an island in tax heaven BVI (no, he did not convince me that tax reasons haven't played a part, sure maybe not the only reason, but it was definitely a reason, come on). That island seemed like a great place to connect with other wealthy entrepreneurs (after I saw it on a/the documentary). So, naturally I became interested in the story and tried to pick the most comprehensive book about it.

However, comprehensive as it may be, there were problems. First, if you are a billionaire and for some reason decide to narrate your own book, why can't you buy a microphone that streamers use? Or rent time in a proper recording studio? And save the file after proper mastering with a high enough bitrate? The end product is basically a raspy voice of an aging guy, that sounds like was recorded with a phone, without any processing (hello, AI, anyone?), saved at some ridiculously low bitrate like 64kbps. Books this long should extend beyond 1GB. And I got proper Technics earbuds so many times I was thinking this book might not be the best use for them (music just felt way superior).

The next issue is the length. This baby is like 27 hours long for no reason. I'm falling into the corporate story / biography trap, but I thought I was interested. Well, not this much. I felt a hint of the self-important Gilderoy Lockhart in this (reinforced by the annexed listing, or should I say, reiteration of his accidents over the years). Also it turns out I have hardly anything in common with him, which did not help his case. Such as ballooning, I simply don't care about it, and it generally sounds like a bad idea. Space exploration is okay but I think I'd be unwilling to go through vomit-inducing training, even if offered for free. It's kind of astonishing how different people's lives are, and what he considers adventure(ous enough to write several books about) I simply discard as "meh, not for me" :D

I wouldn't rule out an eventual cruise with Virgin Voyages (or a visit to Necker), although I don't really see the differentiating factor vs. the competition. I'd choose based on the stabilization system of the ship and the average age of travelers, neither of which seems to be in the marketing materials.

Perhaps it was said and I just don't remember but would have liked to hear about the reason behind "Sir" in his name. It could be that this info was just buried under the overwhelming amount of (arguably useless) information. If I want stories, I pick a fiction book. In non-fiction, stories and anecdotes just bore me to no end. If you specifically, and REALLY interested in him and his boquet of companies then it MAY be woth a shot, but I'd get the normal epub version and have it narrated by AI (elevenreader) instead, as it, in this form, is not a good audio experiece. I don't think my life is any better having listened to this.

[AnnaRichelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been intrigued by Richard Branson for decades and was excited to hear him tell his story. The audible book was 27 hours long so it definitely requires some commitment. After hearing him tell his life stories it makes sense that it took 27 hours! He has led quite the life of adventure along with a remarkable entrepreneurial career. He is quite the savvy and creative businessman. I first became aware of him when, decades ago, I heard about someone who bought an island and that someone was Richard Branson. I just thought that was amazing and the infatuation continued until I became a faithful frequent flyer on Virgin Airlines in the US until, sadly, they were taken over by Alaska Airlines. I miss flying in a plane with pink lights inside!

[James Steller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This long biography was surprisingly so compelling that I renewed my subscription to finish the 26 hour audiobook

I really like the leadership characteristics he lives by. I can’t believe the crazy adventures he and his family have done without dying! I like how he interspersed his adventures into the tales of his business to keep the book interesting. I like the causes he has supported. Just a very interesting person who has lived an entire life or two!

With 26 hours of content, there are some chapters that are not as compelling. But if a person is looking for an interesting biography- this is up there!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always admired Richard Branson, and Finding My Virginity has been on my reading list for a long time. Finally, I got around to it audiobook version, and it was absolutely worth the wait! Branson’s storytelling is as engaging as ever, offering an inspiring look into the past two decades of his life, from groundbreaking business ventures to personal triumphs and challenges. His passion, resilience, and fearless approach to life and business shine through every page. If you're looking for motivation, insight, and a dose of adventure, this book is a must-read. Highly recommended!

[Nico Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible. Richard Branson’s life is crazy. All his adventures, business, and his attitude towards life is truly something to look up too. I love how he leads Virgin and his business philosophy! I had so much fun listening to it; it kept me entertained for 2 weeks!!! The audio quality isn’t the best, but the story and Branson’s life makes up for it.

[Colette C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the original “Losing my Virginity” straight after it was published in ‘98, I found this version included “Finding my Virginity” the follow up, what an entertaining person Richard is. I can’t wait to see what he achieves next, his life is like a cat with nine lives! Well worth the read or listen on Audible.

[Halifax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. 3.5*

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent autobiography of an amazing man. I’m in awe of him and his achievements.

[Jonas F B Kibrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Losing my virginity: 4 stars.
Finding my virginity: 2 stars.

[Belinda Kendi]

This is a great business book- I love the experimental life

[Ferry Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

His life is interesting, but the audiobook read by Richard Branson himself was very boring. He is not an entertaining person to listen to

[Ricky Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

epic book and life story.
it is very long and might be better when they are in two books. but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Kostas Kiousis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If cats live 9 lives, then Branson is the coolest cat of all. He has already lived hundreds of lives in one. What's more: each one of them is more interesting than the others.