17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Former President and His Many Good Works, February 22, 2008
This review is from: Beyond the White House: Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope (Signed) (Hardcover)
Beyond the White House is a book written by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and it covers his political, social, and humanitarian activities since he left the White House early in 1981. Carter has achieved much in his days since leaving Washington D.C. and he seems anxious to share his accomplishments with the reader. Through his Carter Center, the former president, his wife Rosalynn, and their team of associates at the center have labored long hours, traveled around the world, and met with dozens of foreign leaders to work out agreements, wipe out disease, and improve political freedom.
Most people already know about Jimmy Carter's humanitarian works and his efforts to improve the world around him. But some may not be aware of the actual events that have transpired while working toward these goals. Carter explains some of them in detail, and in some instances, he takes the details a bit too far. This is especially true in the book's opening chapters when Carter is discussing his meetings with government leaders of different countries. When I started to read this part of the book, I was expecting something written in a manner similar to a personal memoir. Instead, these opening chapters read like a play- by- play excerpt from a diary. I was expecting a quick overview of the meetings and what was achieved, but Carter felt the need to give the rundown on what happened each day and at different times throughout the day. A quick summary would have been sufficient.
In the second half of the book, however, Carter settles down and starts to talk about some of his important humanitarian achievements. I particularly liked the chapter on fighting disease. I was fully aware of Carter's work with Habitat for Humanity and I knew that he and his wife Rosalynn Carter were active in working toward a disease- free world. But I did not know exactly what diseases were high on their list and what level of success they had achieved. This chapter explains it all, and it includes some graphic photographs of individuals inflicted with certain preventable diseases. Carter explains in this chapter how he and his associates at the Carter Center have worked with the native people of different African nations and have helped them eliminate many diseases simply by encouraging cleanliness and by advocating filtering water before drinking.
The chapter titled "Building Hope" is another good chapter because it includes some of Carter's work on human rights. I would have preferred that this chapter be a little longer, but it still gets the point across. Carter is very concerned about political freedom and he has worked long and hard to spread democracy and basic human rights around the world. I also liked that he included a section on his work in his home state of Georgia; specifically, in the city of Atlanta, to improve living conditions among the city's poor.
Beyond the White House isn't a political book in the usual sense. Carter voices a few concerns about the human rights violations that have taken place under George W. Bush's watch and he points out the positive working relationship he has enjoyed with Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, and others. But other than that, he steers clear of political criticisms and differences in this book. He wanted this to be a book about the accomplishments of the Carter Center and he wanted to inspire everyone to work toward change for the betterment of humans around the world. For the most part, this book generally succeeds in these endeavors.
Overall, Beyond the White House is a good book about Jimmy Carter's work as an ex- president and it details the many accomplishments of the Carter Center in its efforts to spread democracy, eliminate disease, and encouraging improvements in human rights. The first part of the book is a little more detailed than it needed to be, and some of the other chapters could use a little more length. But the book is still good overall and it presents a nice summary of what a person can achieve to improve the world around them. Carter had his share of difficulties as president, but his days since leaving the White House have been filled with achievement, and his life is a good example of the good that people can do in the later stages of their lives.
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring words make for a great audiobook, October 7, 2007
Jimmy Carter seems to have had more impact on the world - for the better - after his presidency than before. He is an inspiration to all compassionate audiobook listeners, and his book is both entertaining and inspiring. If only more world leaders were this compassionate! Beyond the White House makes for a great non fiction audiobook. With plenty of public speaking experience, Jimmy Carter is a suburb narrator. His wife Rosalynn contributes, and her words of wisdom - especially about mental health issues- are equally engaging. Both of their hearts come through on this production, and you feel like you get to know not only their work, but to know them as individuals with caring souls. Listeners will learn about world health issues they have never heard of before, and see that individuals do have the power to make a difference. Carter's welcoming, personal style will be an inspiration to young and old listeners alike.
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13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Carter is a skilled narrator and writer, October 7, 2007
Beyond the White House details the inspiring work that The Carter Center has accomplished across the globe. The audiobook is narrated by Jimmy Carter, and you don't get to be president of the United States without some vocal charisma. He is delightful as both narrator and author, and his work is an inspiration to all. From battling diseases written off as insignificant by larger NGO's, to monitoring the honesty of elections in third world countries, Carter has his hand in making the world a better place. His book will educate and inspire, while keeping the listener truly engaged from chapter to chapter. Jimmy Carter's wife Rosalynn also contributes - both to their foundation and to this audiobook production. She details her war against mental illness, and the way it has been swept under the rug by health officials. Their actions are infused by faith, and will inspire even the most cynical listeners.
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