Losing My Virginity

Love him or loathe him, you've got to admit it, Richard Branson has drive. And guts. And enough ambition to sink a battleship--or perhaps that should be a jumbo jet--or even a whole company of jumbos if the Virgin Atlantic/British Airways debacle (which takes up a huge chunk of this already huge tome) is anything to go by.

Branson's autobiography makes immensely fascinating reading. Whatever you think of Britain's most famous entrepreneur, the odds are that you will enjoy reading his autobiography. You may snort at descriptions of his "poor" childhood--spent eating bread and dripping while living in a house the majority of us visit on Bank Holidays and attending a "minor" public school. You may groan at memories of early initiative tests: how about being ejected from the family car and told by his mother to find his way home--at the age of four? You may flinch at accounts of his early business days as an unwashed, unshod, hippy magazine publisher living en famille with his staff in the crypt of a West London church. But, all in all, you'll get to understand where the guy's coming from--man.

And, like the man himself, there's no holds barred here. Richard bares his soul, from childhood, school days (cheating at exams), loves and losses (lost one wife when a spot of wife-swapping went drastically wrong--for him), death-defying adventures (yes, the balloons are all there), to the rise and rise of the Virgin empire. His interviews for Student magazine and the early days of Virgin Music read like a chronicle of popular music and culture in the late 20th century. Famous names bounce off every page. Prepare to be enthralled by the life and times of a walking publicity machine. --Carey Green

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Jewels of wisdom from Richard, I just craved more! - Rated
I'm glad I read this book, the chronology of it flows exceptionally and it's like finding a real gem of understanding reading his anecdotes and reactions to situations that come his way. The most interesting parts for me was understanding his business start-up and development (the first half I would say), this could sell the book on its own.

Problems: Ok, I'm not sure about everyone else's reasons, but the reasons why I chose to read this book in the first place was to understand how and why Mr Branson approaches business in the way he does and what EXACTLY his methodology and thought processes are/were. Perhaps it's curiosity, tips, self-evaluation, whatever. Anyway, all the other peripheral stuff like his ballooning trips (multiple and repetitive) and the social conscience he develops and promotes toward the end just really slow down the momentum of the book.

I guess I wanted consistent and unadulterated nitty gritty insight into the grey matter of a stupendously successful businessman but there were only snippets and cryptic clues throughout that verged on frustrating. But whatever, it's Richard: he and his philosophies are awesome and you should buy this book just to contribute to the Virgin Empire.

Highly readable personal and business reflections - Rated
This book seems to give a "warts and all" view of Branson's start in business ventures, his early escapades and narrow escapes and his subsequent successes. From one-time album importer to multi-millionaire, multi-business owner, this review touches on his feelings and beliefs as well as his ways of making personal and business success.

I picked up the book when I was working at Virgin Holidays, and actually expected little from it. But I found the style and personal history fascinating ... at least initially. The book drifts midway, going into some self-justification over BA vs Virgin, and a little too much of the ballooning adventures, but opens up fascinating accounts of helping evacuate hostages from Iraq in the first Gulf war. The clash of old bureaucratic business vs the Virgin style is exemplified! Definitely worth the investment, and 4 stars from me.

losing my virginity - Rated
absolutely fantastic what a guy! totally lost myself in his world and know now that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. love him!!

Brilliant book from a outstanding guy! - Rated
A very pleasant read with loads of funny stories and inside of the man behind Virgin. It is clear that he came from a priviledged background! not money wise but having wonderful, loving, supportive and warm parents. It's sometimes hard to believe the stories of his parents but it would account for his success in personal and business endeavors. His parents gave him unconditional love and support and that is what "gave" him a great foundation to start with. It gave me another boost to believe that anything is possible for anybody in this world, you do have to work for it! Most people are too lazy and not do what he has done to get where he is now. Again a brilliant book from a great person! very inspiring, very motivating and funny!

A Good Book, But Not The Best In It's League. - Rated
Very candid account, with a good sence of humour. However I was rather disappointed to read all the tricks of the trade, so it left somewhat unpleasant after-taste. Whatever, the guy is a billionaire! A great writer - ??