Not as good as his childhood memoir, but interesting.

This is the only book I've read by Jimmy Carter and I really didn't know much about him before reading it. I didn't think this book was an exciting page turner but it was fairly interesting as I love learning about people's lives.

I admire Jimmy Carter for many reasons, but I can't get excited about his memoir writing. Too often, he gives just the bare bones of a story, with little emotion and too few details to make it personal ... which is what I need from a memoir to really learn anything about that individual.

I'm keeping "Hornet's Nest" on my to-read list but might not read any more autobio stuff for a while, if ever.

President Carter shares many of his adventures in the relationship with his wife. B+

I knew almost nothing about Jimmy Carter's personal life before listening to him read this memoir. While a lot of the memoir feels a touch like name-dropping (and then, the head of the parks department who used to work for me when I was Governor of Georgia took me bird watching...and then we were invited to stay at the ski lodge owned by Prince so-and-so...), I enjoyed the book. Carter describes with remarkable honesty what lousy husband he was during his early years of marriage (when he made major decisions without even telling his wife, much less considering her opinion) and talks about his process of becoming a partner with his wife and a more full participant in his family life.

The book also focuses on Carter's many hobbies and activities -- woodworking, bird watching, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing, skiing, travel, family vacations, etc. I think he's correct that pursuing, with some seriousness, these sorts of non-work activities leads to a more fulfilling life and also helps maintain interest and growth during retirement.