Talking Peace: A Vision for the Next Generation

by Jimmy Carter

From a global leader and human rights advocate whose commitment to public service has reached from Georgia to the White House to developing countries around the world comes a remarkable discussion of the foremost issue of our time: peace.

This book is the first by a former United States president to address younger readers. Part personal narrative and part thoughtful exposition of current history, the vivid text examines the causes and effects of conflict and explains the urgent call for nonviolent conflict resolution in the world today. The author introduces readers to the peacemaking techniques that he developed in the Oval Office and has continued to use at the Carter Center, in Atlanta, Georgia, a nonpartisan public-policy organization that he and his wife, Rosalynn, founded in 1982. Among other projects, the Carter Center has monitored elections in Latin America and Africa, conducted mediation talks between parties in conflict, brought improved cultivation methods to thousands of African farmers, and spearheaded the global attack against several deadly diseases.

The fearless idealism and practical approach that have long characterized the public work of the architect of the Camp David Accords shine through the pages here. Readers will discover the implied power and responsibility behind the author's message that all people - regardless of age, race, gender, and nationality - share common needs, common rights, a common dignity, and a common quest: the pursuit of peace.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.

Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.

He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.

Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.

Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.

Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figured in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalized on the Palestinian conflict.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jimmyc...

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little nervous when I saw that Talking Peace was in the Juvenile section of my library. "Oh no," I thought. "Is this going to be some picture book for kids?" There are pictures (and maps and other sidebars) but this is no children's book. It's a well-written book geared toward high schoolers that gives some background into our country's war history and what's happening in other countries. This would also be good reading for adults who need a refresher or who aren't familiar with this content. Carter explains his views on war and peaceful negotiation and how war affects people in the war-torn regions. He gives examples of ways The Carter Center is helping people of these countries continue to access food, water, and housing even during times of war. The Carter Center also provides assistance to countries in holding fair elections and finding compromises instead of automatically resorting to war. The Carter Center also does a lot right here in the U.S.

This book was written in 1993 so it's nine years behind. I think it would be great if there could be an updated version. It would be very beneficial to today's young people.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize on picking up this book that it was aimed at a teen audience. It's a bit simplistic for an adult reader, but still provides some basic background information on mediating and conflict.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read (I don't think Carter has written anything other than those type books) textbook for mid- to late-teens.

[kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a book that every adult who truly loves a child should share with them

[Maryann]

What a prolific writer!

[Jim Standridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Jimmy Carter book I've read. (Our Endangered Values-most excellent.) I do like his style. I was a few pages in before I realized this was intended for a juvenile audience. Regardless, I found it very enjoyable and interesting. I think most Americans of any age could learn from it. A lot of good information and history of political conflict and it's cost to peoples around the world and here, explained well and in simple terms. He demonstrates how too often the political turns into military conflict, with the all too familiar results. I recommend this one to everyone.

[Kirk Bower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy read.

[Nelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for adolescents, Carter's book gives a simple overview of the complexities of getting two parties to negotiate peace instead of engaging in war. His first chapter describing the difficulties of the Camp David Accords gave background information that many Americans had no clue about at the time. Likely, the aftermath of the talks at Camp David is as close as we've ever come to any kind of peace in the Middle East. As I recall, his presidency was made up of long gas lines and inflation that makes today's inflation look inconsequential. Much of the failures of his presidency were, however, outside his control. Still, he's not known as an effective president. After reading this book, I am now aware that this is probably the most moral and biggest hearted President we've ever had.

Talking Peace goes behind the scenes about what causes wars, including conflicts over the environment, resources, ethnic and religious differences, etc. Also, discussed are the horrible consequences. The final chapter gives young people and adults suggestions for making our world and communities better places to live. I highly recommend this book even though it is a bit simplistic for knowledgeable adult readers.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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