Book Buzz Book Club

A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter

In the wake of the recent passing of President Carter, we are taking a look at his life through his memoir.

Jimmy Carter reflects on his public and private life with a frankness that is disarming.  He adds detail and emotion about his youth in rural Georgia that he described in his magnificent An Hour Before Daylight.  He writes about racism and the isolation of the Carters.  He describes the brutality of the hazing regimen at Annapolis, how he nearly lost his life twice serving on submarines, and his amazing interview with Admiral Rickover.  He describes the profound influence his mother had on him, and how he admired his father even though he didn’t emulate him.  He admits that he decided to quit the Navy and later enter politics without consulting his wife, Rosalynn, and how appalled he is in retrospect.

In this warm and detailed memoir, Carter tells what he is proud of and what he might do differently.  He discusses his regret at losing his re-election, but how he and Rosalynn pushed on and made a new life and second and third rewarding careers.  He is frank about the presidents who have succeeded him, world leaders, and his passions for the causes he cares most about, particularly the condition of women and the deprived people of the developing world.

Join us as we celebrate President Carter's life.