Boone

This autobiography of T. Boone Pickens drew my interest partly because of the recent publicity of Mr. Pickens with his energy plan. This book is very readable and entertaining. Mr. Pickens comes across as a common country boy rather than an extremely wealthy oilman/financier. Part of his success appears to be rooted in his using new ideas and procedures that are now commonly known and used. I have read a few other books that touched on the Business Roundtable, Mr. Pickens has a scathing view of that organization. He explains that the energy "crisis" of 1979 was manipulated by withholding supply rather than an actual shortage. The author also elaborates on some of the corporate take-overs he was involved in. That offers an insider view that shares not only the part he and his company played but also the affected CEOs as well as the outside counsel and investment bankers. He also shares some of his business philosophy. Some of the quotes that I enjoyed the most were these; "Looking back, it seems as though I have spent my whole life raising money for a deal. One thing that you learn fast; you may not find money, but you're sure to meet some interesting people." "A CEO shouldn't leave until quitting time, just like everybody else. If he makes the biggest bucks, he ought to put in the longest hours." "The biggest hurdle in American corporations is the CEO's ego. Nowadays we talk about restructuring and "downsizing" companies, but what we really need is a way to downsize the egos." This may be a 22 year old book, but it was an enjoyable read and Pickens shares some common sense and wisdom throughout the book that applies to today.

I thought this was a great book with lots of stories of corporate raiding. T. Boone Pickens is an amazing man with lots of what I would call street smarts and then some. It is an autobiography with a little family history but mostly dwells on the later business years with Mesa Petroleum. He tells of the ups and the downs of the numerous businesses he was in including the cattle business and commodity trading. Lots of good stuff that will keep you interested in what is going to happen next. Pickens also is quick to tell his point of view on how a Corporation should be run in order to give the stock holders, those who actually own the business, some profit. I think you will enjoy it.

Despite Pickens constantly patting himself on the back thisturned out to be a very good book. You are able to get a good history of Picken's very own company,Mesa Petroleum.You also getan insight into Picken's marriages and life. Most of the bookwas taken up with the various corporate raids that Picken's hada hand in initiating on some of the bigger companies in America.It is a very interesting look at the actions of a corporate raider.Pickens also gives you his insight on the management of some of the big companies that he was raiding. All in all a veryinteresting book.