A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety

Written by Jimmy Carter

Narrated by Jimmy Carter

GRAMMY AWARD–WINNER FOR BEST SPOKEN WORD ALBUM!

In his major New York Times bestseller, Jimmy Carter looks back from ninety years of age and “reveals private thoughts and recollections over a fascinating career as businessman, politician, evangelist, and humanitarian” (Booklist).

At ninety, Jimmy Carter reflects on his public and private life with a frankness that is disarming. He adds detail and emotion about his youth in rural Georgia that he described in his magnificent An Hour Before Daylight. He writes about racism and the isolation of the Carters. He describes the brutality of the hazing regimen at Annapolis, and how he nearly lost his life twice serving on submarines and his amazing interview with Admiral Rickover. He describes the profound influence his mother had on him, and how he admired his father even though he didn’t emulate him. He admits that he decided to quit the Navy and later enter politics without consulting his wife, Rosalynn, and how appalled he is in retrospect.

In his “warm and detailed memoir” (Los Angeles Times), Carter tells what he is proud of and what he might do differently. He discusses his regret at losing his re-election, but how he and Rosalynn pushed on and made a new life and second and third rewarding careers. He is frank about the presidents who have succeeded him, world leaders, and his passions for the causes he cares most about, particularly the condition of women and the deprived people of the developing world.

“Always warm and human…even inspirational” (Buffalo News), A Full Life is a wise and moving look back from this remarkable man. Jimmy Carter has lived one of our great American lives—from rural obscurity to world fame, universal respect, and contentment. A Full Life is an extraordinary read from a “force to be reckoned with” (Christian Science Monitor).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Jul 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781442391062

Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) was the 39th president of the United States, serving from 1977 until 1981. After his presidency, Carter continued to serve on the national and international stage, receiving a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his advocacy on behalf of human rights. President Carter was also the author of several books, including Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis, A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety, Faith - A Journey for All, and Last Sundays in Plains, all of which received Grammys for Best Spoken Word Recording. Carter received six additional Grammy nominations, including one for The Virtues of Aging.

Reviews for A Full Life

[deldevries · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well written, honest perspective of his life and times. Gives a real perspective to the president that made a difference in the world by speaking honestly and working faithfully toward his goals. His actions continue to reveal the man even today. Impressive and thoughtful book.

I'm particularly impressed by his ability to keep a focus on his most important issues.

[Grant Rafferty · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think some people would find the coverage of his early life a turn off. However the coverage of his later life is a must listen

[Ron Brewington · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was a very young man the first time I heard of this man. I read about a farmer running for President. There was a picture of him using a wooden Coca-Cola crate as a seat inside his brother's gas station. He had a plate on his lap as he ate lunch. I felt that I could relate to him . My family also owned a country store and a soda crate was a seat for everyone. I've read several of his books. This book shows who he his, a man with absolutely impeccable character.

[Stephen Revere · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Greatest president ever. Terrific reflections and lessons to learn in this book.

[r · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I would recommend a different title, here is my suggestion: “This Book is a Snore and a Cautionary Tale” - by the most naive president in the history of mankind

[scottjpearson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jimmy Carter, America’s 39th president, has been much maligned for being a weak president. Certainly, there are things he wishes that he could redo. Nonetheless, it is interesting to see in this memoir what positive things he did accomplish and how honest he is about the unresolved problems of our world.

Carter has been called the most-successful ex-president our country has ever had. He founded the Carter Center at Emory University and has spend a lot of time coordinating efforts for peace, safe and fair elections, and global health. He has also spent a lot of time writing books. He writes with a great deal of clarity and precision of thought.

In this presentation, he is honest about his weaknesses and fair to those who have helped him – most notably his wife Rosalynn. Their marriage spans an era of change vis-a-vis our national view of women. Jimmy has successfully adjusted from being an authoritarian husband with a dependent wife into a more egalitarian co-leader. He details several big instances in his presidency where Rosalynn not only took the lead but also succeeded in ways that Jimmy himself could not.

Although a memoir written at ninety by a global leader is, de facto, interesting, this account seems to lack a great deal of depth. Perhaps it is because he is exploring the past instead of blazing a path for the future. Still, in order to have a greater appreciation for how the son a farmer in the deep South could become an American president, this book deserves attention and an audience.

[justantolin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Now, to understand my biases upon entering this book, I was not a fan of what the Carter administration accomplished. I thought his presidency was unfulfilled and vastly uneventful. However, this autobiography swayed my opinion of Carter, as I was introduced to him not as a president but as a farm-boy who came to be president of the United States. As I learned his intrinsic motivations and constant desire to be an honest and morally grounded politician in a hugely corrupt system, I gained much respect for the man and the president. I highly recommend this for someone who wants to be informed of a truly honest man's life, or for someone quick to pass judgment, like myself.

[jms001 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At age ninety, Jimmy Carter still has lots to share as he reflects on his life, his accomplishments, and his unresolved business.

Having never read any of Carter's previous books, I was surprised to see an extensive list of his previous works. I thought, "For a guy who has written so much about his life, what else could he offer in this book?" Whereas his other works are focused on particular points in his life, such as his time as a boy working on a farm, or his personal accounts of his years as president, this one reads as a traditional biography. He talks a little about his family's history in the beginning, his life growing up on the farm, and his roles in the world of politics. He is especially reflective of each moment of his life, and shares his thoughts in a down to earth manner that is neither condescending nor unengaging. He is quite clear, and is easy to follow along. You'll have no trouble reflecting on his life right alongside with him.

It's an interesting memoir, and it feels fully fleshed out. If you're interested in specific moments of his life, there is probably a book just for that!

[hemlokgang · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed Carter's artwork & poetry. It was a nice, simple recounting of the pathway of Carter's life. Very straightforward and probably most useful as a general overview of the life of a good man.

[brangwinn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Just what I needed! A wonderful memoir by a folksy caring Christian who lives his live following his beliefs. Not my favorite of Carter’s books, but I’m very glad I read it. I learned so much.

[writermala · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Many, if not all former US presidents have written their autobiographies, so in that sense there is nothing unusual about this Bio written by President Jimmy Carter. What is different though is the fact that this book is written as Jimmy Carter turns ninety and has indeed led, as the title indicates, a full life. I would say the life has not only been very full but also most interesting in its variety. As the author himself says, "in retrospect, ...all phases of my life have been challenging, but successful and enjoyable."The book is informative, enjoyable, and above all, educational. It may not be a very easy read but it is definitely a book to be read and savored.