The name “Jimmy Buffett” is synonymous with a certain type of lifestyle: relaxed, easygoing, adventurous, fun and, most likely, somewhere not far from the water. Buffett’s lyrics and musical stylings reflect this lifestyle, and the Caribbean Cowboy sold it so well, he left a lasting legacy. While living vicariously through Buffett’s music is guaranteed to be a good time, there’s another way to escape to a tropical paradise, go on a grand adventure or simply kick back and relax: reading.
Books can take readers anywhere in the world, no matter the time, circumstance or place. Buffett himself was an avid reader, and one could build an extensive reading list from the many authors referenced in his songs, including Oscar Wilde, John D. MacDonald and others. When he wasn’t reading or drawing inspiration from literature to write lyrics, Buffett was wielding the pen to write books. Throughout his life, he authored eight novels, and he credits authors like Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain among his favorites.
As a child, Buffett eagerly soaked up stories of his seafaring grandfather’s escapades, and he often found himself getting lost in literary tales such as “Treasure Island.” He cites the pirate Jean Lafitte as one of his early heroes, so it’s no surprise that this love of colorful characters, words, adventure and storytelling ultimately led Buffett to putting pen to page himself.
“I wanted to be a writer before I ever got into music,” Buffett said in a 1992 interview with Charlie Rose while discussing Buffett’s novel, “Where is Joe Merchant?” “I really wanted to write because I came from a long line of storytellers and it came very naturally to me at an early age, and I love to read. Reading was my way of letting my imagination go, which is the greatest thing about reading.” In college, Buffett studied history and journalism, both of which would serve him well once he started creating characters and stories.
Buffett wrote a collection of short stories, but he also delved into longer works. He loved fully immersing himself in his characters and their lives, committing himself to the research and to getting to know the fictional people in his stories. Throughout his life, Buffett authored both fiction and nonfiction, with five of his works ranking on the New York Times bestseller list, and three of those even took the top spot.
Jimmy Buffett’s Novels
“Tales from Margaritaville” (1989)
This short story collection incorporates some of Buffett’s beloved characters with autobiographical tidbits.
“Where is Joe Merchant?” (1992)
A motley cast of characters search the Caribbean for a rockstar who supposedly died but might still be alive.
“A Pirate Looks at Fifty” (1998)
This nonfiction catalogue from a trip to the Caribbean celebrates Jimmy’s 50th birthday and looks back over his amazing life.
“A Salty Piece of Land” (2004)
A cowboy embarks on a wild adventure and escapes to a tropical island to repair a lighthouse.
“Swine Not?” (2008)
In this humorous tale, a Southern family tries to hide a pet pig inside of a luxury New York hotel.
Inspired by Buffett, his life and his love of literature, this curated list of eight book recommendations in eight different genres has something for everyone. From settings in the places Buffett frequented like Cuba and the seaside to fun page-turners that reflect his relaxed attitude, these novels represent what it means to live the Buffett lifestyle. So, Parrotheads, raise a glass to the Mayor of Margaritaville, grab a book and turn the page — ideally, while sitting on the beach.
8 Buffett-Inspired Book Recommendations
Literature inspired Buffett’s life and his work, and a novel has the power to give readers the same experience and place them exactly where he always wanted to be: toes in the sand, lounging in the sun, escaping life’s troubles and sipping something cold. It’s five o’clock somewhere!
Historical Fiction
“Hemingway’s Girl” by Erika Robuck
Set in Depression-era Key West, this historical novel follows a Cuban-American woman, Mariella, who is hired as Hemingway’s maid and swept into a lavish world, where she finds herself drawn to the author himself. As she struggles to support her family and navigates the complicated facets of life in the Hemingway household, a hurricane looms, threatening the loss of everything Mariella loves.
This book is Hemingway through an entirely new lens, that of a fictional young woman working in his household. It is perfect for readers interested in well-researched novels bringing familiar places and people to life through a powerful, moving tale. As an admirer of Hemingway’s works, Buffett would certainly approve.
Mystery/Thriller
“One Perfect Couple” by Ruth Ware
This twisty, addictive thriller follows six couples filming a reality TV show on a private island when a storm hits, cutting them off from the outside world as they fight for survival — which becomes even more difficult when they realize there’s a killer in their midst.
The suspense and intrigue at the heart of this novel coupled with the tropical vibes make this book ideal for readers seeking a fast-paced, escapist read that will keep them on the edge of their seat. Parrotheads will love the beach setting and have so much fun getting lost in the messy, complicated lives of these characters as they try to unravel the mystery.
Romance
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry
Two authors — one of fluffy romances, the other of literary fiction. Neighboring beach houses. Former rivals with total opposite personalities. When they make a deal to switch genres and teach one another the tricks of their trade, hoping that a genre change will shake them out of writer’s block, what could go wrong?
Opposites attract, as the saying goes, and the same is true for the two leads in this contemporary romance that has it all: complicated relationships, pasts with emotional weight and, most of all, fun banter and budding attractions. This beachy, swoon-worthy romance is one Buffett could croon about, and the book is being adapted into a movie, so pick it up before it hits the silver screen.
Literary Suspense
“Wild Dark Shore” by Charlotte McConaghy
Only the Salt family remains on a remote island at risk of being swept away by rising sea levels. When a storm brings a stranger ashore, the family nurses the woman, Rowan, back to health. But they sense Rowan is not being entirely honest about who she is and what she seeks, and Rowan, too, believes the Salts are shielding a secret, setting off a genre-bending tale that is part literary, part suspense and entirely engaging.
Set on the fictional subantarctic island of Shearwater, inspired by Macquarie Island between Tasmania and Antarctica, the sea and the island become their own characters in this unique, sweeping tale about the lengths people take to protect those they love. Readers will be enraptured as the environment and characters come to vibrant life in this novel that echoes Buffett’s passion for adventure and the sea.
Literary Fiction
“Ninety-Two in the Shade” by Thomas McGuane
Set in beautiful Key West, this novel tells the story of a man who moves to the island to become a skiff guide only to encounter a rival who threatens to kill him if he enters the profession. The story blends thriller elements with dark humor for a memorable and entertaining tale.
Thomas McGuane, brother-in-law of Jimmy Buffett, has set many of his novels in the American West, but some of his earlier works take readers to more tropical climates. This story about fishing and Florida is one that will transport Buffett fans to the places and activities he so often sang about.
Nonfiction
“Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba: The Biography of a Cause” by Tom Gjelten
NPR correspondent Tom Gjelten tells the story of the Bacardi family and their rum business over the last 150 years. Dating back to the fight for Cuban independence in the 1860s, the Bacardis championed their Cuban identity above all else in this account of the intersections of family, entrepreneurship, politics and more.
The rum business is a large part of Cuban identity and culture, and this nonfiction work is as entertaining as fiction. It is the perfect read for those wanting a well-documented account of an influential family and their ties to their home and one another, and of the country that shaped so much of Buffett’s life.
Mythic Fantasy
“Circe” by Madeline Miller
This magical novel retells classic Greek myths from the perspective of Circe, the minor goddess and sorceress in “The Odyssey.” After being banished to a desert island, Circle hones her powers, fighting to protect herself and those she loves from both gods and mortals.
Those who enjoy the way Buffett wove myths and mythology into his work will love this fantastical tale.
Classic Literature
“Our Man in Havana” by Graham Greene
Published in 1959, this is part satirical spy novel, part black comedy, all entertainment. Set in Cuba during the Cold War and right before the Cuban Missile Crisis, Wormold is a vacuum salesman who is recruited — reluctantly — as a secret agent. When MI6 stations him in Havana, he fabricates his spy reports only to have them start coming true.
This book is full of humor, political satire and espionage elements, weaving through well-known history in an entertaining way with the most unlikely of heroes. It is perfect for classic literature lovers and anyone who enjoys an amusing, adventurous romp, as Buffett certainly did.
