Jimmy Carter

I've been looking for a book about the Middle East, one that goes back far enough to help understand the bloody mess of the place. [[Jimmy Carter]]'s book was perfect, going back to biblical history, as a foundation, and traveling through all of modern history. Honestly, I could have stopped after reading the acknowledgements, as Carter says of the strife there, "The most unremitting conflicts of the Middle East are not on the battlefields but in the minds of the people there." He comes back to this concept again and again, detailing his visits with the leaders in power when he was President in efforts to establish some kind of peace in the region. The keen understanding of the human condition he brings to the accounts of these meetings is so necessary in understanding how we got to this place. He is somewhat forgiving of the Reagan years, but lays much of the blame for the broken peace in quick-draw Ronnie's Beirut policies. So many missed opportunities, so many leaders ooking for individual victories and to maintain political power.

There is only one other review here on LT, and it is quite dismissive. Sure, you could read this book to see what things looked like during the Carter years. Or, you could read this book because Jimmy Carter is the only American President to broker any form of peace in about 100 years. Seems like that's a good reason to start here if you want to understand this part of the world.

Highly Recommended!!!!!
5 bones!!!!!… (altro)

Jimmy Carter recounts his boyhood growing up on a Georgia farm.

The only reason I picked it up was because it fit a book challenge I'm working through this year, and I'm really glad it prompted me to read this. Carter grew up in Archery and Plains, Georgia, working on the farm with his dad and alongside black sharecropping families. The style is somewhat meandering and conversational, but I went along for the ride and especially appreciated his reflection on segregation and his experiences and influences as a child. An enjoyable memoir from the 39th president of the United States.… (altro)