Losing My Virginity: How I Survived, Had Fun, and Made a Fortune Doing Business My Way

This is a great read and very inspirational. I read it in one sitting (I was on holiday mind) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Richard Branson was, to me, a man of relative mystery: he graces our tv screens, magazines, advertising campaigns but do you really know much about him? about his childhood, family life, morals and values, charity work, aims and what drives him/has driven him to success. This book successfully delivers on a lot of that mystique whilst simultaneously not divulging too much personal detail (unlike other "shock" autobiographies which I could mention). This book does not need to rely on revelations as the man has had such a fascinating life: that alone will provide hours of entertainment and things to think about. On the downside (!) I purchased this book whilst deliberating the future of my own career and options for entrepreneurship, but Richard Branson strikes me as such a unique, one of a kind breed, that it did leave me a little downhearted. I can't see that there are many people in the world who would pursue life and business paths in such a positive, risk-averse, determined way. That will be why he is now a multi-millionaire and I'm still treading the path most followed! maybe one day. Also, the book made me feel as if I knew Richard Branson as a friend and left me with a lot of questions - I wanted to call him up to go out for a beer. It was very disappointing to snap back to reality and have to talk to my boyfriend instead :-) Buy, read, learn, enjoy. A fantastic read.

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.

Informative and interesting!

I found this book very interesting. It really gives you the motivation to take charge of your own life and power through your goals. Richard Branson has created his life and life experiences. He doesn't blame or lay guilt on any person or past event...he just gets on with it. Looking at the world through his eyes is truly an inspiration and full of adventure!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. A great insight into the life of a man that I admire. I'm not sure went to full detail as there are some things I've heard about Sir R Branson's life that were not in the book and perhaps should have been.

I have wanted to read this book for some time, and having finally done so I can say that it is indeed an interesting and enjoyable read. However I for one bought the book looking to get more of an insight into the man rather than an overly exaustive review of the whole BA dirty tricks affair. I would like to have known more about how he felt making the money he was making, how he felt when he realised for the first time he had made a million etc. At one point he reflects on the fact that he has just been valued at 1.5bn - but does not comment any further. Whilst I'm sure this is partly attributable to his sense of modesty, I for one would love to be that wealthy and would like to know how it feels!

Great

I learnt a lot from this book!