The operative concept in Buffett's career is "entertainment." In his writing, as in his music, his primary goal is to bring enjoyment to his audience. A forum for discussing Buffett's work might attempt to capture the Maragritaville ambience. Hosting it in a relaxed setting, preferably with a congenial group on a porch, serving plenty of refreshments, and playing Buffett's music would create the proper setting for delving into Buffett's books and music.

1. Buffett's fiction is riddled with characters that were first introduced to his audience through his music. First listen to selections from Buffett's musical repertoire, then review the characters in Tales from Margaritaville and Where Is Joe Merchant? Note which characters were first created in his songs. What characters appear to be revisions of characters from his music?

2. Do the characters work as well in written form? How do they compare with characters that appear...