Sharing Good Times

by Jimmy Carter

Following his New York Times bestselling classics comes this sparkling account of the joys of sharing the simple pleasures of life from Jimmy Carter.

In this wonderfully evocative volume, Jimmy Carter writes about the things that matter most, the simple relaxed days and nights that he has enjoyed with family and friends through the years and across the generations.

Here are lively, witty accounts of exploring the outdoors with his father and with black playmates; making furniture; painting; pursuing new adventures and going places with children, grandchildren, and friends; and sharing life with his wife, Rosalynn.

Sharing Good Times is an inspirational guide for anyone desiring to stretch mind and heart and to combine work and pleasure.

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

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

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

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book President Carter recounts the happiest moments in his life - traveling the world with his family, spending time in nature, and volunteering in the community. The reoccurring theme is that the best experiences are those you share with others. My biggest takeaway from the book is how important it is to have hobbies that keep you physically, mentally, and socially engaged.

[Ken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably the most inconsequential of Carter’s “mini-memoirs”, having little of the timeless insight of, say, “An Hour Before Daylight” and covering some of the same ground. This one looks across Carter’s entire life, though, and recounts some particularly memorable occasions he spent, well, sharing good times with friends.

I have to admit, though, that as a fan and admirer of Carter I did find it interesting to learn that he is an avid outdoorsman and hiker well into his later years. He has climbed to Everest base camp in his 60′s and climbed Mount Fuji in his 70′s. He’s not above using the perks of his reputation to get a private tour of a world-famous museum that’s closed for renovations, or to get a private nature tour in between overseeing third-world elections. In fact, the man requires that he get a tour from a licensed naturalist every place his visits while doing business for the Carter Center.

You might see the man as egocentric and maybe a bit daffy; I know many folks do. But I found myself dreaming that I was part of his inner circle, and hoping to imitate him in my own later years. I give it an objective three star rating, but add a star if you are a fellow Carter admirer.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another marvelous book by my favorite president. I'm happy that he takes time to explain the Carter Center. A place where antagonistic leaders can utilize their services as mediators. They still fulfill this role whenever opportunities arise and constantly monitor world conflicts. About 120 are on the current list, about 70 erupt into violence each year. 30 are considered major wars where at least 1000 soldiers have died in combat. In modern wars, nine civilians perish for each soldier killed. They study every facet of these conflicts and attempt to resolve them directly or through surrogates.

"Rosalynn is usually at my side when I am mediating, taking detailed notes, writing down every sentence on which there is agreement, and joining in the discussion or passing me written suggestions. Between negotiation sessions, we assess our progress and make plans for the next steps."

Each year they monitor 4 or 5 of the most troubled elections in the world. Usually, when a totalitarian regime is ready, for the first time, to have a democratic election or when an established democracy has an unanticipated challenge to its continued existence. (pg. 101 details how this works).

Each year the Carter Center treats over 10 million people for trachoma, river blindness, guinea worm, schistosomiasis, and elephantiasis.

They also assist small farmers in Africa (2 acres) to double or triple their production of staple food grains.

[Stephen Terrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed views of this book, which details many of President Carter's travels and adventures in his post presidential years, including both he and Rosalynn learning downhill skiing and mountain climbing after he turned 60.

The book exposes President Carter's nearly unlimited ambition and hubris, which is something not always seen by the "aw shucks" way he speaks. It also has a bit of the quality of "look what I did that you can't do" approach -- like being hosted at a Shah's elaborate ski lodge, or being able to go fly fishing at special places with some of the world's best anglers.

But also on display is Jimmy Carter as a link between the old south and the modern world, Jimmy Carter as a humanitarian impacting tens of thousands of lives across the globe, and Jimmy Carter, loving patriarch of his family. And there is Jimmy Carter, who admits how his ambition made him a less than desireable husband for years, before building a life-long loving partnership with Rosalynn.

This isn't a great book with great messages. It's a personal book from the former President that includes some honest glimpses into his shortcomings and foibles, as well as his greatness as a leader and a person.

[Joe Spoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me with a bag of other books. I picked it up one day when I had left my other book in the car & I found it very interesting. Regardless of how one feels about Carter's politics, he is an extraordinary person and lived a very fulfilled life. It is a quick read but I only picked it up here and there so it took me a while to finish.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While most of the stories are delightful and inspirational, there are some asides, (like his son throwing a rock in the water and pretending it was his son, and his wife being so scared for her child she nearly fainted, told as a humorous story at the mother's expense) that give me a little pause. Still, climbing Kilimanjaro at 70 is goals.

[John Mitchell Dees, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Advice from President Carter

Having read several of President Carter's other books, you will find some overlapping stories in this book. What I truly enjoyed was how he looked at these stories from a new perspective, sharing his feelings on spending good times with his wife, his family, and his friends in adventures around the world. He teaches people to make the most of the times that they share with each other, whether in business, pleasure, or a combination of these times. You will see how many things that President Carter enjoys doing. This is a good book and a pretty fast read. He is a good writer.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

No wonder he was President Malaise. This is just excruciating. Unfortunately, I had to live through his presidency, but at least I was a kid so it wasn't as excruciating as it could have been.

Who publishes this moronitude?

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew almost nothing about Jimmy Carter's personal life before listening to him read this memoir. While a lot of the memoir feels a touch like name-dropping (and then, the head of the parks department who used to work for me when I was Governor of Georgia took me bird watching...and then we were invited to stay at the ski lodge owned by Prince so-and-so...), I enjoyed the book. Carter describes with remarkable honesty what lousy husband he was during his early years of marriage (when he made major decisions without even telling his wife, much less considering her opinion) and talks about his process of becoming a partner with his wife and a more full participant in his family life.

The book also focuses on Carter's many hobbies and activities -- woodworking, bird watching, fishing, hunting, mountain climbing, skiing, travel, family vacations, etc. I think he's correct that pursuing, with some seriousness, these sorts of non-work activities leads to a more fulfilling life and also helps maintain interest and growth during retirement.

[Coleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jimmy Carter was president back in the years when I really didn't take much interest in who was leading our country. I was in elementary school and honestly don't think I cared much for him, mostly because I thought he had a funny southern accent, which seems very superficial of me, even as a kid. Nowadays, I wish I'd paid more attention. I think he was one of the good guys and it's a shame we can't say that about most of our political leaders these days.

I've not read any of Carter's other memoirs, although he has apparently written quite a few. I didn't really know much about his personal life, other than the peanut farming business, so it was nice to get some background and learn some personal information. But as a memoir, and as a book in general, the only word that really comes to mind when reading this, was that it was very "dry." Perhaps it was because Jimmy himself read the audio & maybe another reader could've given it a little more life. Or maybe not. I'm not sure. Overall, a fairly interesting and informative memoir, but definitely not the best I've read.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

July 11, 2011: I enjoyed this book for what it was - Jimmy Carter sharing good times that he experienced with his wife, his family and his friends and professional associations over the years. Jimmy Carter has had an amazing life; definitely cannot call it dull. this is yet another memoir-type book of his life, where he reminisces over his past accomplishments, hobbies and "issues" he's had and at times will reflect on how he perceives these actions today.

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I have been enjoying the books by Jimmy Carter for quite a while now - this one appears to be strictly a memoir of his life, focusing on family and friends.

[Billie Hufford · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is really an enjoyable read. the book centers on family, charity, and the hobbies of the former President and his family.

I loved all of the stories of travels to climb mountains, fish, bird watch, etc. The Carters love of nature is evident in this book.

The relationship between Jimmy and Rosalyn is to be admired. Both having their separate lives, yet still being very much a couple and enjoying great experiences together along with working to change the world.

The book can jump around a little, but the personal accounts are enjoyable.

Jimmy Carter is truly inspirational in many ways and I am eager to read more of his writings.

[Helene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about all of Jimmy and Rosslyn's adventures. They jogged and hiked before it became so popular. I was surprised to hear about their climbs on Everest and Fuji and Kilimanjaro during their 60s. Reading about their other hobbies and interests like woodworking and birding was interesting. They are good role models for social, intellectual, spiritual and physical fitness! I also like hearing about Jimmy's struggles with not being self-centered and calling all the shots. He achieved a lot by setting lofty goals for himself, but also keeps learning about how to keep connected with others and not just use them or leave them in the dust.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jimmy Carter writes about the things that matter most, the simple relaxed days and nights that he has enjoyed with family and friends through the years. Lively and witty accounts of exploring the outdoors with his father and with black playmates, making furniture, painting, pursuing new adventures with children, grandchildren and friends. He learned how to share life with his wife, Rosalynn and to grant each other personal space and to compete on the tennis court, high mountains, trout streams and ski slopes.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, not only because I've always been a Jimmy Carter fan, but because I was amazed to hear in his own words what an extraodinary life he has led. I admire him even more if that's possible! I never knew any of his personal exploits so it was quite interesting to hear about the adventures he has taken with his family -- every generation to date. We should all lead such full and purposeful lives!

[David Corleto-Bales · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty fun book by President Carter that tells about his childhood in rural Georgia, his love of fishing and hunting and nature, his family, and numerous adventurous holidays that he's taken over the last 60 years in Africa, the Himalayas and elsewhere, almost always with his wife Rosalynn or the children and grandchildren. Carter not only is an accomplished fisherman, but is a pretty good runner and mountain climber, too.

[Dan Bartholomew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple selection of memories from the past, of experiences with family and friends. Carter gives the reader insight into his values and how relationships have shaped his life. A bit surface at times, and he can be forgetful of the every man/reader when describing his worldly trips with family and friends to exotic destinations as the guest of heads of state and corporate leaders. An extremely quick read though...I finished in a day. All in all it was worth the time.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presidential memoirs, autobographies, biographies, and other books written by and about presidents have held a high and favored position on my reading lists since I read Jimmy Carter's presidential memoir, Keeping Faith, in the early 80's. Carter is an excellent writer, an activity perhaps far better suited for his intellect and personality than was being president. His collection of short vinettes about activities he's shared with family and friends is engaging and fascinating.

[Dan Gobble · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd time listening to President Carter read this book. What a delight! One of my favorite presidents sharing intimately about his family life and career. He's not afraid to look critically at himself especially when looking at his relationship with his wife. He was able to set aside pride and point out ways in which he grew in seeing his life with his wife as a partnership where they shared power and in decision making.

[Mary Lynn HR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former President Carter tells stories of fun times with family, friends and leaders from around the world. All pleasant stories of hiking, fishing, mountain climbing . . . . nothing too dramatic. Overall an enjoyable book. It was like sitting down with Grandpa and having him tell stories, like remember that time Roselyn & I were climbing up . . . . . Overall an enjoyable and short book of pleasant memories.

[Kristina Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars for this lovely little book chronicling President Carter's shared life experiences with those people lucky enough to be in his inner circle. He is a remarkable man who still, in his early 90's, is living an extraordinary life of service, intellectual stimulation, and love and companionship with his family and friends. I don't know if there is anyone I admire more.

[Bob Helm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guy has had an amazing life. Kilimanjaro at 64? GET OUT OF HERE! It was inspiring and just made me feel good reading it. I think it helps if you hear that Georgian southern drawl of his as you read.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found this book very powerful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has been touched by Pancreatic Cancer because it will give you hope, love, strength, courage, faith, love to yourself, and to everyone else. To find this book, go to http://www.simonsays.com

[JennLynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jimmy Carter describes some of the pastimes and experiences, both simple and exotic, that he has shared with his family and used as a way to draw closer to them. Though every chapter was a unique experience, the tone stayed the same and after awhile I found myself enjoying it less.

[Christina Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written by former US President Jimmy Carter, is about his and his wife, Rosalynn's, travels. It is a quick read taking me around the world with this loving couple. My favorite chapter was their mountain climb in Nepal.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first exposure to Jimmy Carter, other than memorizing his presidential years in grade school.
I enjoyed reading about his life. It felt like I was listening to stories from my Grandma. I'm encouraged to live an active life and to continue learning.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the only book I've read by Jimmy Carter and I really didn't know much about him before reading it. I didn't think this book was an exciting page turner but it was fairly interesting as I love learning about people's lives.

[Allen Steele · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very dry, lots of facts. It looks as if Mr. Carter went through his journal & just copied it down. Not a lot of it made me feel like this , or I was thinking this way. Maybe I was just expecting more from a charismatic Christian president.

[Jen Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, may not be interesting to most, about JC's excursions that most people would not have the same experience given his internationl reknown, but interesting to read all the same.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book President Carter talks of the importance of sharing good times. I is I guess a memoir of the good times he has shared with family and friends.