Well-researched and well-written, Jonathan Alter’s biography offers a balanced account of former President Jimmy Carter. Alter highlights Carter’s positive attributes—his hard work, determination, and innate decency—while also addressing his flaws. The book celebrates Carter’s many successes, such as his brilliant humanitarian efforts, the establishment of the Carter Center, and his dedication to peace and the plight of the Palestinian people in the Middle East. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from moments where Carter fell short, like when he chose to sit out the civil rights movement during the 1960s, and goes on to explore how he sought to make amends for this later in life. 

As someone born long after Carter’s presidency, this book gave me valuable insight into his life and administration. It helped contextualise everything I’ve heard about him in recent weeks since his passing and provided a deeper understanding of his legacy.