Customer Rating: 
Summary: Read it Solely for the Energy Plan
Comment: This book is almost two books in one. First, there is Pickens's retelling of the exciting moments and big deals from his life and the money he's made. For anyone interested in his prior deals at Mesa or BP Capital, this is the book for you. For someone more interested in his energy policy or ideas for a more energy-independent U.S., the last few chapters are what you're looking for (perhaps you've seen his recent commercials and want to learn more). While I found some chapters of the book to be lacking in substance and a bit cheesy at times, I agree completely with his energy ideas and respect him for spending his money, time and energy to try to improve the energy situation of this country. I could care less about which Texas county has the best quail hunting or the details of the Oklahoma Statue University football program, some of his hobbies mentioned throughout the book. But all in all, this is an mediocre, quick read and one gets the feeling that the author gained more from writing it than the reader will from finishing it.
Customer Rating: Summary: Heavy on the Biography. Light on "America's Energy Future".
Comment: The title, "The First Billion is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America's Energy Future", is misleading.
"The First Billion is the Hardest" suggests a discussion of making money, but it doesn't build upon this theme at all.
If you're looking for a detailed biography of Pickens' oil career, this is your book. All but one chapter are dedicated to the high-risk career T. Boone Pickens has lived - with all of the triumph and agony that came with it.
If you're looking for details on America's energy future or the Pickens Plan, this is not your book. You're better off going to his website www.pickensplan.com. Only one chapter mentions this.
Yet another misleading feature are his "Booneisms". These are inserted throughout the book like Donald Trump with his leading lines, except Trump's are actual tidbits of great information or motivation. You could flip through Trump's books reading only his quotes and really come away with something. Boone's, on the other hand, are meaningless. Booneism #19, for example, is "We're catching 'em faster than we can string 'em". It may be a Texan saying or something, but doesn't stand on its own as anything worthy of highlighting.
In summary, the book offers a mildly interesting read but certainly no take-aways on business, billions, oil, and very very little on "America's Energy Future". I commend the man for taking a high-risk leap into wind power but, again, it's better stated on his website than in his book.
Customer Rating: Summary: the truth behind gas prices
Comment: A great book! T. Boone Pickens is a true Patriot. One who loves this country and mankind before the love of money. I enjoyed knowing more about the man and his direction for America's energy future; even though I did not agree with everything he says. For example, as the author of The Truth Behind Gas Prices, a former gas dealer and someone who has studied this industry for 12 years, I believe oil companies are manipulating supply to raise prices. Nevertheless, this book and his life is an inspiration to me.
Richard Clough
www.thetruthbehindgasprices.com
Customer Rating: Summary: A Good Quick Read, one part inspiration and one good plan
Comment: As of this writing, Boone has probably lost a billion since the oil/gas markets have crashed and his BP Capital hedge fund has dropped some 60% this year. This is a man who bets big, levers up and generates spectacular results when he's right and awful results when wrong. However, the fact that he's lost so much this year shouldn't be a reason to gloat or a reason to dismiss this book.
His is an inspirational story in that his most dramatic success and probably his most daring plans have come at an age where most people are content retiring and sliding downhill. His description of physical exercise as crucial to his spirit, energy and mental health should inspire seniors that it's never too late to go for it.
The reviewers who criticze his ego are off the mark in my opinion. He is constantly crediting others with helping him be successful, but in the end, if an 80 year old man can still accomplish what he has in the past decade, that man has the right to boast a bit in my book even I don't see much of that here anyway.
Finally, perhaps the most important part of the book is the end where he presents the Pickens Plan. Many have criticized the plan as self-serving or pure self-enrichment. While there may be some truth to it, I feel the benefits of adopting the plan far outweigh the negatives and if an octogenarian who is extremely philanthropic benefits in the process, so what! He admits in the book that he likely won't be around when his plan would yield real economic benefits for him, but the benefits to the country in terms of diminishing our dependence on oil purchased from countries that do their best to undermine us every chance they get will last far into the future. Boone will be long gone by then, but what a legacy he would leave the country. Is your envy so all consuming that you'd rather see the country bankrupted than seeing a man make another billion or so which will probably all go to charity?
I for one hope that Boone lives to see his plan adopted in full.
Customer Rating: Summary: Worth a look at T. Boone
Comment: I decided to take a look at this book after I heard how much he lost recently in the market. I decided to buy the book because it's pitched as a life filled with challenges and comebacks, which I think is what most entrepreneurs and investors faced. T. Boone Pickens did not disappoint. He takes us along on a fascinating journey, filled with obstacles and triumphs. I learned a lot and was thoroughly entertained.
I also noticed a review here for The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book and decided to buy that book as well. I really enjoyed it and would like to pass that recommendation on to you!
