10 essential books about Jimmy Carter : NPR

During his life, Jimmy Carter held many titles: 39th President of the United States, Winner of the Nobel Peace Prizephilanthropist, humanitarianartist – and writer.

In his role as a writer, Carter wrote mostly non-fiction, about everything from war and peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to religion, personal reflections on his childhood and aging – and even fishing. But he also dealt with fiction – with a book for children, Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer, illustrated by his daughter, Amy, and the novel, The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the War of Independence.

Carter published his first book, a campaign autobiography titled Why not the best? 1975. Since then, he has written more than 30 works. “Of all our modern presidents, Jimmy Carter was the most protean American author,” said his publisher Jonathan Karp, chairman and CEO of Simon & Schuster, in a statement released in late February 2023. “In all of his books, he maintained a voice of great integrity and intellectual honesty.”

Carter wrote books about his life and his beliefs. But writers and historians alike have been fascinated by examining and questioning Carter as president, his influence beyond the Oval Office, and his legacy. Here we take a look at the 10 most famous headlines by or about Jimmy Carter.

5 of Carter’s most read books

The Hour Before Day: Memoirs of a Country Boyhood (2002)

Carter’s memoir details his childhood in segregated rural Georgia during the Great Depression. He reflects on life in the sharing economy, while painting a portrait of his community and family.

Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis (2006)

Published 2005, Carter offers a defense separation of church and state, as well as his views on contemporary issues such as women’s rights, abortion, terrorism and the death penalty.

Palestine: Peace, not apartheid (2007)

Written after the White House, Carter presents his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict – sharing his knowledge of the history of the Middle East and offering an assessment of solutions for future peace.

Full life: Reflections in the 90s (2015)

Even at the age of 90, Carter did not stop writing. IN Full life: Reflections in the 90sCarter looks back on his long life—from growing up in rural Georgia to discovering the things he’s most passionate about—and shares the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Faith: A Journey for All (2018)

As a devout Baptist, religion has always been a key pillar in Carter’s life. But his book Faith: A Journey for All it’s about much more than that. In it, Carter explores the broader meanings of faith, the different ways it sustains our lives, and how to find faith even in the darkest of times.

The 5 most read Carter biographies

An unfinished presidency author: Douglas Brinkley (1998)

Brinkley’s An unfinished presidency focuses on Carter’s resurgence after his defeat by Ronald Reagan in 1980. Brinkley provides observations of Carter’s complex relationships with international figures, as well as his lifelong commitment to world peace.

Jimmy Carter Julian Zelizer (2010)

Princeton history professor Julian Zelizer examines Carter’s strategy as an independent politician who was successful in communicating and rallying disaffected voters, but who faced challenges in building a strong political coalition after taking office. After becoming president, Carter changed his image as a key voice for diplomacy and negotiations.

President Carter: The White House Years by Stuart Eizenstat (2018)

By Carter’s Chief Domestic Policy Adviser, President Carter: The White House Years provides detailed insight into the Carter administration. The account draws on more than 5,000 pages of meeting notes, as well as 350 interviews with major players of the time.

His best: Jimmy Carter, The Life by Jonathan Alter (2020)

IN His best: Jimmy Carter, The Lifejournalist Jonathan Alter traces the evolution of Carter’s life—from growing up on a farm to working as a naval nuclear engineer to his presidency and its aftermath—painting a portrait of a president who was flawed but committed to uplifting and serving the American people.

The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter author: Kai Bird (2021)

Drawing from interviews with Jimmy Carter, his administration, and relevant documents, Bird’s The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter aims to redefine the legacy of the Carter administration, arguing that the 39th president is largely misunderstood.