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Jimmy Carter, our greatest presidential author
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jimmy Carter turned 83 yesterday, so happy belated birthday to our former president.
He celebrated by publishing his 17th book (by my count on Amazon), “Beyond the White House: Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope.” It’s a history of what he’s done in the 25 years since he left the White House, concentrating on his work with the Carter Center, as well as his work with Habitat for Humanity.
I know that Carter as president is still controversial, as is Carter as globe-trotting do-gooder. But his track record as Presidential author is peerless. He’s written poetry, a historical novel about the Revolutionary War, a children’s book (with daughter Amy), several memoirs, and books on his Christian faith.
His two most famous (maybe infamous) books have been:
“Everything to Gain,” the book on how to enjoy retirement that he co-wrote with Rosalynn. They had such different styles (she agonized over every word, he wrote his parts quickly and easily) that the Carters now say it’s the worst period they had in their marriage.
“Palestine Peace Not Apartheid,” his last book and by far his most controversial. It outraged many because of its criticism of Israel, and led to the resignations of some Carter Center advisory board members in protest.
John F. Kennedy wrote “Profiles in Courage.” Nixon had his “Six Crises.” Bill Clinton is back on the best-seller list with “Giving.” Put them all together, though, and they can’t match Carter’s publishing output.
Politics aside, if that’s possible, what do you think of Jimmy Carter as an author?
Permalink | Comments (12) | Categories: News and Reviews
Comments
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By Eddie
October 2, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this
He’s senile.
By Jeff
October 2, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
I live about 20 miles away from where the guy grew up (and still frequents, evidently). Is it sad that I have never read any of his books, nor do I intend to?
As far as presidents in general, I don’t recall ever reading a book written by a current or former President. Though I have read one on an election - the 1912 - and saw a book recently about the election of either 1812 or 1800 that sounds interesting.
So Phil, sorry, but I think I’m gonna sit this one out for the rest of the day, or at least attempt to. (I know, there are hundreds cheering at that comment. Oh well. I tend to be that way - you either love me or hate me, not too much middle ground!)
By Phil Kloer
October 2, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Jeff: You always have something to say here, and I don’t have a problem with that.
By sylvia
October 2, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
Eddie you are an idiot. Jimmy Carter is a great humanitarian and a wonderful human being. He may not have been the best president, but after Dubya he most certainly isn’t the worst.
By Freddy K.
October 2, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
For someone who didn’t do poop and president, he has a lot to say now. He was even worst than Geroge W. Bush, might have been better to have Billy as President that Jimmy.
By gtt
October 2, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Having grown up in rural South Georgia and being a generation younger than the author, I loved “An Hour Before Daylight.” It was very well written and took me back to things I remember and remember hearing the “old folks,” talking about.
My first election to be old enough to vote in was the 1980 race and I voted for Reagan. I never much cared for Carter the politician (other than the Camp David accords), but do believe his work as a private citizen has been commendable. I admire his willingness to speak his mind on unpopular topics. If only our elected officials were so honest.
By beege
October 2, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Jimmy Carter has done more than he ever did in the White House & I kind of thought he was a good person till I heard & read his comments about Israel. And believe it or not Jimmy….there was a Hallacaust. I know some people whose folks went thru it.
By Eddie
October 2, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Sylvia, you are a s**.
By Phil Kloer
October 2, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Eddie and Sylvia: are you guys one of those cute couples I see on sitcoms who battle with each other and call one another names, but only to mask the deep but unrealized sexual chemistry between the two of you? Like Sam and Diane on “Cheers?”
Yeah, ewwww is right. So knock off the middle school name calling.
By margaret
October 2, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
I confess I haven’t read any of his books, but I really admire his humanitarian work. I guess I should read the Palestine book… I remember the fuss about it, but I didn’t pay that much attention to it…
One thing about it, he makes the rest of the former presidents look like slackers…
I’m glad to know it’s his birthday. I think I’ll raise a glass to him.
By Beth
October 3, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
I have read most of Jimmy Carter’s books and I have both enjoyed them and learned from them. Each President of the United States can be picked apart for what you think went well during their admininstration and what didn’t go so well. What I can’t understand today is all the Carter bashing. The guy has gone out into the world and made a positive difference and that is moe than most people will ever do. Focus on the positive people!
By Jweaver
October 3, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Leaving aside his presidency, Carter has Written more books than any other ex-president, but who cares? Presidents are not elected to write. Carter has many books published that are simply unreadable. He can get them published because he is famous. His style is tedious and dull and to call the books plodding would be too kind. His Palestine book was simply a rehash of his long affinity for terrorists and anti-American tyrants like Arafat, Chavez and Castro. His books will sell simply because their are people who buy them and put them on a shelf, but they are hardly ever read.