First Lady from Plains

by Rosalynn Carter

F irst Lady from Plains , first published in 1984, is Rosalynn’s Carter’s autobiography, covering her life from her childhood in Plains, Georgia, through her time as First Lady. It is “a readable, lively and revealing account of the Carters and their remarkable journey from rural Georgia to the White House in a span of ten years” ( The New York Times ).

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, History, Autobiography, Memoir, Biography Memoir

420 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1984

About the author

Eleanor Rosalynn Smith Carter was the wife of former United States President Jimmy Carter and was First Lady of the United States from 1977 to 1981.

Reviews

[Brandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent most of March reading former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter’s memoir, First Lady from Plains. Originally published in 1984, overall, 40 years later, the book holds up pretty well.

Rosalynn and Jimmy both grew up and met in Plains, Georgia. Rosalynn rejected Jimmy’s first marriage proposal because she wanted to finish school. After Jimmy served in the Navy, he returned home to Plains to run his family’s peanut farm. Rosalynn did not want to return but did so, reluctantly. Jimmy then pursued his political ambitions, first as the Governor of GA then becoming President.

Before reading this, I didn’t know the Carters were one of the first families to live in the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta, or that Jimmy oversaw the legislation that enabled the building of the GA World Congress Center. I enjoyed hearing other ATL references in this book too.

During her time as FLOTUS, Rosalynn made strides to improve mental health care and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Though things have improved, we still have a ways to go but I can appreciate having to start somewhere, and that Rosalynn did. The Carters stood up for what was right, but not always popular (integration, for example)

The Carter Administration was before my time and I enjoyed learning more about Jimmy and Rosalynn, as well as some American history while reading First Lady From Plains. Even with their positions of power, they seemed down to earth and relatable, not something you can say about a lot of politicians today.

First Lady from Plains was a great read to finish out March, Women’s History Month.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Lady from Plains is a win, requiring a publisher reprint after Rosalynn Carter’s recent passing. First published three years after her husband’s term as president the United States came to an end, White House memories were still very fresh, as was the pain of an unexpected ouster and the sting of spite from the Iranians.

The first third of this book is very personal, a leisurely country stroll through Rosalynn’s childhood, followed by an intimate look at her developing relationship with her friend’s brother, and then their marriage, children, and family business.

Next she describes Jimmy’s first campaigns, his time away from home, and then their move to the Governor’s mansion. More campaigns follow, and she marvelously contrasts the challenges of life in Atlanta to their elaborate existence in Washington. She gives an insider’s look at little-known facets of life in the White House. She reveals the extent of her very active time as First Lady, while still striving to be a good mother to her children, one just a teen and living under the same roof.

Less personal is her telling of some of the major events of Jimmy’s presidency, and the long chapter on the Camp David Accords gets nearly as tedious and nerve-wracking as the conference itself must have been. Still, Rosalynn invites the reader to share her own roller-coaster of feelings during this time and others.

The Iranian hostage crisis is particularly heartbreaking and disappointing, and the campaign for reelection in 1980 clearly frustrating. Her bitterness, too, was fresh, and she was not shy about saying what she thought of the Reagan agenda. She felt the voters chose poorly, and that the country was not better off for the change of command.

And she doesn’t like to lose.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Carter wrote such an engaging, plain-spoken memoir, from growing up until they left the Oval Office. I was already a fan of the Carters, but now I have such enormous strength for the intelligence and bravery of both Rosalynn and Jimmy.

[Goose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read a few books about first ladies in general and a couple of full biographies, one of Florence Harding and one of Nellie Taft, I thought I would try an autobiography of a more contemporary first lady. I enjoyed Rosalynn Carter's memoir very much and found myself laughing and crying on more than one occasion. Mrs.Carter's candor was very refreshing on more than one page. Having been a preteen when she was first lady it was nice to read a book that filled in lots of the gaps left by stories seen on the evening news. Most enjoyable was Mrs.Carter's reporting of her historical trip to Latin America. A very hard working and kind woman who was endless help to her husband when he was president. Only quibble I have was when Mrs.Carter gets bogged down endlessly praising many individuals who helped her on certain committees. While I'm sure she wanted those individuals to know how much she appreciated their help, it really blocks the forward momentum of the book. Other than that it is well worth a read for everyone and a must read for history/first lady buffs.

[Joseph J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of several First Lady memoirs which I have read. I picked up my copy again last night after the Jimmy Carter/Chris Matthews interview on MSNBC. These pages reach from a Depression era girlhood in the South to American politics to the White House. At times painfully honest, Mrs. Carter holds back nothing (Her first encounter with a finger bowl, for instance). Her day by day detailed account of the Camp David Summit in September 1978 is personal and riveting. I really enjoy this book.

[Donna Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, wonderful book that gives a fabulous insight into the life, personality, character and determination of a strong, inspirational, courageous and fascinating woman. (Can you tell I'm a fan?!) This made me laugh, when Mrs Carter was describing some of the ways they dealt with things that went unexpectedly wrong; it made me cry, particularly when she described visiting the refugee camps in Cambodia, and my heart absolutely ached for her, when she was talking about the way that Jimmy Carter was treated and the unfairness and injustice he often experienced. It's clear that she took his defeat in 1980 much harder than he did, and the closing line "I don't like to lose," is poignant. However, in the years since she wrote her memoir, the Carters have done so much that we now know that she didn't lose, and the Carters won in a far bigger way than anyone could ever have expected. As well as providing a detailed insight into Mrs Carter, this shows what it's like behind the scenes in the White House. It really is a treasure and I feel bad that it took me so long to read it.

[Tripp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whereas President Carter's memoirs are serious and rigid in a practical sense, Rosalynn allows you to draw back the curtain and see things from a more relateable perspective. She draws you in and makes you care because it is so obvious that SHE cares so much. RC isn't a good sport about losing. But few left the White House doing as much for so many. She wasn't alone in mental health advocacy. But she literally picked that cause up and made the media pay attention ..... and still does today. I love her friendship with Betty Ford.

[Terry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, interesting

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalynn Carter was such a remarkable woman. I miss her already. She wrote this lovely memoir not long after they left the White House (1984), so I wish there could've been an updated edition with highlights of their accomplishments since then. It would be interesting to know, for example, what she thinks of Reagan in hindsight. So many chilling parallels between Carter, Obama, and their successors. Just as we continue to feel the effects of the Reagan years even today, so it will be with 45 (aka He Who Shall Not Be Named).

All of that being said... I enjoyed the book. It's organized mostly chronologically, but further divided into topics such as the peace summit at Camp David and the Iran hostage crisis. Rosalynn mentions early on in the book that someone encouraged her to keep a diary, and I'm so glad she did. She truly had a unique viewpoint of this time in our country's history.

I love the partnership of Jimmy and Rosalynn. They are #couplegoals for sure. I hope he can be reunited with her soon. 💔

[Holly Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this memoir. Rosalynn was candid and I found it refreshing in this book. She truly was a partner to Jimmy and that became very clear when he sent her on the South American tour in 1977 to discuss serious policy with each of the countries she visited. She was an avid campaigner that helped catapult Jimmy into the Georgia Governor’s mansion as well as the White House. She gave her thoughts on adjusting to life in the public eye as Georgia First Lady and American First Lady. I loved her explanations of the protocols of the Georgia Governors mansion as well as the White House.

I was shocked that she openly criticized President Reagan as I’ve never seen a former First Lady be so critical of a President.

Definitely worth the read.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book, First Lady from Plains by Rosalynn Carter, in the neighborhood book exchange box. First published in 1984, Rosalynn’s Carter’s autobiography covers her life from her childhood in Plains, Georgia, through her time as First Lady. The book is well written, informative, and persuasive. What I liked most was the fact that the President and his wife, were really just normal people, who wanted and did do what was best for the country. They had to decide to do what was right or what was popular. They chose to do what was right. And they made a positive impact on our country. This is a good read.

[Leslie Hasty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very descriptive and chock full of history. 👍 Rosalyn Carter gave a nice interpretation and timeline of her life as a girl growing up in Plains, Georgia, a Navy wife, help on the Carter peanut farm, 1st lady of the United States, to name a few aspects/titles in her life. 😊 A remarkably, kind woman. She generously volunteered for many causes.Even campaigning for her husband, Jimmy, whenever he desired to run for office. But, from reading this book, so she became famous; however, she was a down-to-earth people person. 💗

[Christina D’Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this at a thrift shop and it’s one of my greatest finds! Her fly-on-the-wall account of the Camp David Accords is riveting and a little gossipy in a good way! I loooove Rosalyn Carter — so forthright and honest and her care for the mentally challenged is truly admirable. For a followup read try something totally different and totally related: the Shabnu of Iran’s memoir (Farah Diba Pahlavi)

[Sarah Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rosalynn Carter wrote this autobiography in 1984. I read it for an OLLI study group that I am attending on 20th century first ladies. It was interesting because I didn't know much about Mrs. Carter. You can read what I presume are quotes from the book all over the internet so if you just want a quick review of her life, go there first.

[Marian Nanney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book even though, similar to An Hour Before Daylight, there's very little dialogue, which makes the story seem slow-moving and a bit underwhelming at times. Also like An Hour Before Daylight, it has the same kind of appeal as listening to older relatives tell their life stories: no self-editing, just the truth as they saw it at the time with some reflection afforded by hindsight.

[Tarryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalynn Carter has been my favourite First Lady for as long as I have known first ladies. Her story in her own words tugged at my heart, made me mad with her and made me grateful that I live in the time of Rosalynn Carter. I only wish she had written another updated version closer to the end of her long, extraordinary life.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminded me of Barbara Bush’s memoir: honest and a little sassy. I’m glad these ladies were willing to share their experiences especially about the hostages. I am appreciative that I live in a country that allows them the freedom to express their opinions.

[Kathy Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly timely read with details about election ballot tampering and both ends of a peaceful transition of power.

[Lana Hasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and interesting.

[Sylvia Kirkwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book needed either a better author or better editor.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

#114 of 120 books during 2022

[Angela Vhd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we know that he was doing his best Mr.Jimmy Carter
It was great to know you .

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never realized how much Rosalynn Carter had to do with decision making .
She goes into great detail about their political life. Great people.

[Claudia Haag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

[Mary Stoetzel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing, in-depth look at the life of a first lady. I did not realize the responsibilities expected of them. Mrs. Carter also writes of her early life and marriage. Very interesting.

[Andrew Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalynn's excellent autobiography from 1984, just years after returning home to Plains from the White House.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Carter's own account of her life before and since Jimmy Carter. Although at times I felt like she was just reading her diary and then writing an account of it, I really enjoyed the book and underlined a lot of lines.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mrs. Carter is lovely. I feel I know her better from reading her book. She is very intelligent, compassionate, earnest, creative, and hard-working. The book was rather dull, but picked up a bit when Jimmy, and she, went into politics. I skimmed in the end, but I am glad I finished.

[Ardy Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This woman was an idiot and the book turned into a Comedy because she was a hillybilly thinking she could run the Country.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! Lots of details so one really gets a good idea of who the Carters are and of their years at the White House.