The First Billion was the subject of an extensive review in Lexington Business this week. Columnist Paul Sanders went through the bestselling memoir of T. Boone Pickens with a fine-toothed comb, and he describes the work as “several books in one:”
It tells the remarkable story of how a child of the depression from Oklahoma grew up to be a famed oilman and daring entrepreneur. Pickens credits learning risk-taking from his father and the value of hard work from his mother. He used both to create strategies that took him in a meteoric rise from rags to riches. His determination, grit and ability to exceed expectations are all admirable. Â
Sanders also gives special attention to Chapter 13, which is titled “The Big Idea: An Energy Plan for America.”
This is the basis for what has come to be known as The Pickens Plan, a campaign to convince America to reduce its dependence on foreign oil and develop its own energy plan. Â
Starting in July 2008, Pickens has spent $58 million in national advertising to promote the plan. He believes we need to develop multiple sources, including solar, nuclear, shale oil, liquefied coal and particularly wind. Â
If this seems audacious for an oilman, it is. After reading his book and developing an understanding of this outstanding individual, it comes as less of a surprise. Pickens shows his characteristic perseverance in the closing lines:Â
“This country deserves an energy plan, and by God I’m going to stay in there until we get one.” Â
Knowing his history and his character, it would be difficult to doubt him.Â
 Read the entire review HERE.