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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
Ummm, no I'm sorry, but this book, isn't for me, despite me being a solid life long Democrat, even if I'm one with a bit of a Libertarian streak.
You know how when you read academic documents, they often start with an abstract, that acts as a synopsis for the article that follows? That's probably the best way to describe this book. It acts as a synopsis of Carter's life, but doesn't have the following article that follows. For that, you'd need to hunt through the other books Carter has written, and that's my biggest problem with this book. I shouldn't have to hunt this hard to have the follow-up. Don't get me wrong, it covers his life, it's just a bit of a breezy overview.
An other grumble relates to the old Garrison Keillor's description of Lake Wobegon (all the women are strong, men good looking, and children above average). That could almost be used to describe Carter's life. Given the work he's done ending conflicts, I have difficulty squaring his rose tinted spectacles with what he must have seen in his life, and that lessens the book for me.
My other grumble is how he sees other people. He sort of sets himself up as the "Great I Am", but derides other people. Being English by birth, the one that stands out is his description of the British in Zimbabwe/Rhodesia, where he makes out the final resolution of the independence issue was pretty much down to him, which felt weird, as I have no recollection of the Americans being involved.
So all in all, my instinct is "Ummm, no", but if you want a brief and breezy overview of Carter's life, you might like it.
You know how when you read academic documents, they often start with an abstract, that acts as a synopsis for the article that follows? That's probably the best way to describe this book. It acts as a synopsis of Carter's life, but doesn't have the following article that follows. For that, you'd need to hunt through the other books Carter has written, and that's my biggest problem with this book. I shouldn't have to hunt this hard to have the follow-up. Don't get me wrong, it covers his life, it's just a bit of a breezy overview.
An other grumble relates to the old Garrison Keillor's description of Lake Wobegon (all the women are strong, men good looking, and children above average). That could almost be used to describe Carter's life. Given the work he's done ending conflicts, I have difficulty squaring his rose tinted spectacles with what he must have seen in his life, and that lessens the book for me.
My other grumble is how he sees other people. He sort of sets himself up as the "Great I Am", but derides other people. Being English by birth, the one that stands out is his description of the British in Zimbabwe/Rhodesia, where he makes out the final resolution of the independence issue was pretty much down to him, which felt weird, as I have no recollection of the Americans being involved.
So all in all, my instinct is "Ummm, no", but if you want a brief and breezy overview of Carter's life, you might like it.
I think that Jimmy Carter is probably one of the most erroneously underrated presidents. From his humble beginnings in rural Georgia, he became an American Renaissance man, pursuing and excelling in many, diverse areas. A Full Life is a candid, seemingly honest and fair, reminiscence of a life lived to its fullest. In nearly every chapter is an "oh wow" moment describing a new endeavor, adventure, or accomplishment. And in keeping with the honor and values of Jimmy Carter, he also shares his failures, disappointments, and wrong turnings. This is a must read for anyone interested in the life of a true statesman, gentleman, and servant of others. We desperately need more Jimmy Carters, in our nation and in our world.
Interesting anecdotes, but Jimmy's prose style is a bit what-I-did-on-my-summer-vacation.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Nice overview of Carter's life and accomplishments. I like that he clearly is using this as an Executive Summary of many of his books. He noted a few times that he goes into more detail in other books, both his and as a subject of other author's books.
The interactions with others are interesting too. His dismissiveness towards his wife as an equal early in their marriage is opposite his embracing people of color, during the same period. It's also interesting to consider the gumption to leave a proper Navy career as a nuclear expert to become a farmer living in public housing.
The interactions with others are interesting too. His dismissiveness towards his wife as an equal early in their marriage is opposite his embracing people of color, during the same period. It's also interesting to consider the gumption to leave a proper Navy career as a nuclear expert to become a farmer living in public housing.
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Short Review: I like this more and more as I think about. Although I don't want to over play it too much. Carter can get a bit pedantic when he is talking about policy. And some of those parts really show his weaknesses. But the majority of the book really is interesting. He talks about politics but it is in context of his broader life. And he has had an interesting life. He is of a generation that has had an incredible cultural changes. When Carter was born, electricity, cars and a variety of other modern conveniences were either not present or not widespread. So we get a sense of his childhood and the rest of his life. This is a good overview of his life if you have not read other memoirs or biographies.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/a-full-life/
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/a-full-life/
JIMMY CARTER! I knew 3 things about my man JC before reading this book.
1) He was a peanut farmer
2) He was a 1 term Democrat President
3) He gets a lot of memes made about being 96 and a badass Habitat for Humanity volunteer
WELL JIMMY CARTER IS AMAZING. He is honestly a good man and that's why he only lasted one term in office. He's uncharismatic, but his heart has always been in the right place. He has spent his entire life fighting for human rights, fair elections and eradicating terrible diseases.
I highly recommend this book if you know nothing about JC. Also the audiobook is narrated by him, so you can get to know his voice too!
Also I am definitely calling him JC like Jesus Christ from here on out.
1) He was a peanut farmer
2) He was a 1 term Democrat President
3) He gets a lot of memes made about being 96 and a badass Habitat for Humanity volunteer
WELL JIMMY CARTER IS AMAZING. He is honestly a good man and that's why he only lasted one term in office. He's uncharismatic, but his heart has always been in the right place. He has spent his entire life fighting for human rights, fair elections and eradicating terrible diseases.
I highly recommend this book if you know nothing about JC. Also the audiobook is narrated by him, so you can get to know his voice too!
Also I am definitely calling him JC like Jesus Christ from here on out.