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.