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An Hour Before Daylight: Memories Of A Rural Boyhood Audio CD – Bargain Price, October 31, 2006

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 661 ratings

In An Hour Before Daylight, Jimmy Carter, bestselling author of Living Faith and Sources of Strength, recreates his Depression-era boyhood on a Georgia farm before the civil rights movement forever changed it and the country.

Carter writes about the powerful rhythms of countryside and community in a sharecropping economy, offering an unforgettable portrait of his father, a brilliant farmer and a strict segregationist who treated black workers with respect and fairness; his strong-willed and well-read mother; and the five other people who shaped his early life, three of whom were black.

Carter's clean and eloquent prose evokes a time when the cycles of life were predictable and simple and the rules were heartbreaking and complex. In his singular voice and with a novelist's gift for detail, Jimmy Carter creates a sensitive portrait of an era that shaped the nation and recounts a classic, American story of enduring importance.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B006QS5PIM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster Audio; Abridged edition (October 31, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 5.08 x 0.95 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 661 ratings

About the author

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Jimmy Carter
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James D. Carter, who is known as Jimmy to his friends, IS NOT THE FORMER PRESIDENT. Jimmy was born in Milwaukee, Wiscosin before the other one ran for office.

He lives in Wisconsin with his best friend and wife Karen. His spiritual journey to maintain sanity progresses one day at a time, it has passed through time as an art teacher, artist, and insurance agent.

The stories that dwell in his head and heart have finally started emerging. The Element is his first novel. His next book, coming out in late 2012 is entitled Dear Mr. Lincoln. It is a historic supernatural/thriller.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
661 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story interesting and poignant. They describe the book as wonderful, enjoyable, and delightful. Readers praise the writing style as beautifully written, masterful, and down-to-earth. They appreciate the detailed look into compelling childhood influences and vivid imagery. Additionally, they describe the author as amazingly honest, genuine, and true.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

51 customers mention "Story quality"49 positive2 negative

Customers find the memoir interesting, poignant, and informative. They say it provides an insight into a world they never knew. Readers also appreciate the good historical detail without being boring. Additionally, they say the book opens their eyes to the past and brings back sweet memories of time past.

"...This memoir is a poignant journey through the heart and soul of a bygone era, masterfully told by a statesman whose roots run deep in the fertile..." Read more

"...It will open their eyes to the past." Read more

"...I found a lot of it to be rather dry reading, but I still enjoyed the anecdotes and stories that Jimmy Carter wrote about his growing up years...." Read more

"I can’t recommend this book enough! A beautifully written and fascinating autobiography!..." Read more

41 customers mention "Readability"41 positive0 negative

Customers find the book wonderful, enjoyable, and delightful. They appreciate Carter's specific memories and willingness to help others.

"Why it surprised me that this book was fantastic, I'm not sure since it was recommended by so many people I trust. It's an excellent book...." Read more

"...FOR $3.66! So far I'm 60 pages in and it's a Great Read. I have paid upwards of $80.- for "Certified" signatures in his books...." Read more

"This is a fabulous book. As president, Jimmy Carter was criticized for excessive attention to detail...." Read more

"...Great book. I highly recommend it." Read more

38 customers mention "Writing style"36 positive2 negative

Customers find the writing style beautifully written, masterfully told, personal, and down-to-earth. They also say it's an easy read and a memoir of rural life. Readers also mention the author's reading style is soothing, subtle, and witty.

"...is a poignant journey through the heart and soul of a bygone era, masterfully told by a statesman whose roots run deep in the fertile soil of rural..." Read more

"...It's an excellent book. Honest and nuanced. It's well suited for and I recommend it to teen readers. It will open their eyes to the past." Read more

"I can’t recommend this book enough! A beautifully written and fascinating autobiography!..." Read more

"Very good explanation of the background which determined who and what Jimmy Carter was" Read more

13 customers mention "Look"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book detailed, informative, and rich with vivid imagery. They describe the style as relaxed, approachable, and charming. Readers also mention the delivery style is warm and genteel.

"...Carter's recollections are rich with vivid imagery, capturing the essence of a time when community, hard work, and simple pleasures were the..." Read more

"This memoir from Jimmy Carter was a very deep and intimate look at how our past president was shaped into the man he became later in life...." Read more

"...His delivery style is warm and genteel. I enjoyed reading about his boyhood relationships and how they influenced his character and presidency." Read more

"...The stories are charming, vivid, and interesting. I have read a few other books by Jimmy Carter, but this is by far is best." Read more

12 customers mention "Honesty"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book amazingly honest, genuine, and true. They appreciate the author's compassion, integrity, and sensitivity. Readers also describe the prose as immaculate and charming. Overall, they say the book is well-written and enjoyable.

"...give it five stars and recommend it to anyone seeking a beautifully crafted journey through the heartland of America." Read more

"...It's an excellent book. Honest and nuanced. It's well suited for and I recommend it to teen readers. It will open their eyes to the past." Read more

"Easy read. Authentic. Really enjoyed it!!" Read more

"...His honesty, integrity and peace-loving nature has made him a light to the world...." Read more

5 customers mention "Humor"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book filled with humor. They say it moves quickly and has spots of sorrow throughout.

"...There were spots of sorrow and spots of humor throughout." Read more

"...life of a farm boy was so refreshing, his pros immaculate, and his humor charming...." Read more

"...It moves quickly, is filled with humor and allows the reader to step back into the boyhood of a "leader of the free world." EXCELLENT!!" Read more

"...and now I know what made this intelligent, unassuming, hardworking, humorous, and compassionate public figure the man he is...." Read more

$3.66 for a SIGNED, good condition book.
5 out of 5 stars
$3.66 for a SIGNED, good condition book.
This $3.66 book was very well packaged. However, I don't believe it was a new book. It has a significant warp to it and one corner is scuffed on the cover. Both things I can live with for a 4 dollar book. However, when I opened up the front cover and saw his signature(yes it's his I have other books he's signed), I was Blown away and overjoyed. To know that I have something that a U.S. President has taken the time to sign, makes it a piece of history. FOR $3.66! So far I'm 60 pages in and it's a Great Read. I have paid upwards of $80.- for "Certified" signatures in his books. This book starts at the beginning of his life and the beginning of my collection of his books. This one is Special. It shows that even something that is flawed can still have GREAT value.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2023
"An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood" by Jimmy Carter deserves every one of its five stars and more. This memoir is a poignant journey through the heart and soul of a bygone era, masterfully told by a statesman whose roots run deep in the fertile soil of rural America.

Carter's storytelling is nothing short of extraordinary. With eloquence and a keen eye for detail, he transports readers to the enchanting landscapes of his rural boyhood. From the red clay of Plains, Georgia, to the rustic simplicity of life on the farm, every page is imbued with the nostalgia and warmth of a bygone era.

The narrative unfolds with a gentle rhythm, much like the slow and steady pace of life in rural Georgia. Carter's recollections are rich with vivid imagery, capturing the essence of a time when community, hard work, and simple pleasures were the cornerstones of existence.

What sets this memoir apart is its universal appeal. While rooted in Carter's personal experiences, the themes of family, community, and the indomitable human spirit resonate with readers from all walks of life. It's a testament to the author's ability to distill universal truths from his own unique upbringing.

Carter's portrayal of the characters who shaped his boyhood is deeply moving. His love and respect for his family, friends, and neighbors permeate the narrative, creating a tapestry of humanity that is both heartwarming and profoundly genuine.

Moreover, the memoir offers a glimpse into the formative years of a man who would later become the President of the United States. The seeds of leadership, empathy, and a commitment to justice are sown in the fertile grounds of Plains, providing readers with valuable insights into the origins of a remarkable statesman.

In conclusion, "An Hour Before Daylight" is a literary masterpiece that transports readers to a simpler time and place. Jimmy Carter's memoir is not just a personal account; it's an invitation to share in the universal experiences of childhood, family, and the timeless values that shape the human spirit. I wholeheartedly give it five stars and recommend it to anyone seeking a beautifully crafted journey through the heartland of America.
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
Why it surprised me that this book was fantastic, I'm not sure since it was recommended by so many people I trust. It's an excellent book. Honest and nuanced. It's well suited for and I recommend it to teen readers. It will open their eyes to the past.
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2007
AN HOUR BEFORE DAYLIGHT by Jimmy Carter
October 29, 2007

Rating: 4/5 Stars

I've now read several books written by President Jimmy Carter and I've enjoyed them all. What I love about his books is his personal touch he lends to them. AN HOUR BEFORE DAYLIGHT however is the first full memoir that I've read by Jimmy Carter (the other books were books on Faith), and seeing the world of his childhood, depression era Georgia, has been insightful. This childhood he had is what shaped him into the giving person he is today.

Living in the South during this time meant that blacks were separate from whites, and whites were superior to blacks. And while some of these attitudes may have prevailed even in the Carter household, he was also taught to treat blacks with respect, and most of his childhood friends were the black children of the hired hands they had on their farm. The Carters, compared to many of their neighbors at the time, did well in farming and were very resourceful in all they endeavored. Hard work was the ethic they lived by, but Jimmy Carter also had stories to tell about childhood antics and enjoying life on the farm. Carter also talks about his siblings, mostly referring to his sisters Ruth and Gloria (Billy came along much later, but he is mentioned in the book, in particular in regards to his tragic early death). He looked up to his father, and greatly admired his mother, a woman who did so much in her later years and became famous in her own right (some of the stories Jimmy relates are quite humorous, including her love of the Brooklyn Dodgers, later the LA dodgers and her friendship with the team).

AN HOUR BEFORE DAYLIGHT is not the perfect book. I found a lot of it to be rather dry reading, but I still enjoyed the anecdotes and stories that Jimmy Carter wrote about his growing up years. He's seen a lot in his life and has used what he learned to enrich others and help those who need it. I am slowly going through Carter's library of books and look forward to the next one.
9 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2024
I can’t recommend this book enough! A beautifully written and fascinating autobiography! I especially enjoyed reading about President Carter’s childhood.
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024
Great story for anyone who grew up on a farm or anyone who wants to learn about the character of a former president.
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2022
This $3.66 book was very well packaged. However, I don't believe it was a new book. It has a significant warp to it and one corner is scuffed on the cover. Both things I can live with for a 4 dollar book. However, when I opened up the front cover and saw his signature(yes it's his I have other books he's signed), I was Blown away and overjoyed. To know that I have something that a U.S. President has taken the time to sign, makes it a piece of history. FOR $3.66! So far I'm 60 pages in and it's a Great Read. I have paid upwards of $80.- for "Certified" signatures in his books. This book starts at the beginning of his life and the beginning of my collection of his books. This one is Special. It shows that even something that is flawed can still have GREAT value.
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars $3.66 for a SIGNED, good condition book.
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2022
This $3.66 book was very well packaged. However, I don't believe it was a new book. It has a significant warp to it and one corner is scuffed on the cover. Both things I can live with for a 4 dollar book. However, when I opened up the front cover and saw his signature(yes it's his I have other books he's signed), I was Blown away and overjoyed. To know that I have something that a U.S. President has taken the time to sign, makes it a piece of history. FOR $3.66! So far I'm 60 pages in and it's a Great Read. I have paid upwards of $80.- for "Certified" signatures in his books. This book starts at the beginning of his life and the beginning of my collection of his books. This one is Special. It shows that even something that is flawed can still have GREAT value.
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11 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2024
Very good explanation of the background which determined who and what Jimmy Carter was

Top reviews from other countries

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Fernando João Montenegro de Sales
5.0 out of 5 stars Os livros de Jimmy Carter, atualmente 33, encerram valiosos ensinamentos à humanidade.
Reviewed in Brazil on October 19, 2020
Gostei da linguagem simples e direta do texto, a descrição dos lazeres e obrigações infanto-juvenis da época, muito semelhantes às vivenciadas no Brasil, as históricas fotos, a perfeita organização estrutural da obra e um valioso índice remissivo.
viktor.hof@vtxmail.ch
5.0 out of 5 stars Memories of My Rural Boyhood
Reviewed in Germany on December 23, 2020
Es ist ein wunderbares Buch und ich geniesse jede Seite dieser aussergewöhnlichen Geschichte eines sehr intelligenten Farmerboys in den Jahren der Depression. Sätze wie: "Wir gingen immer barfuss bis zum 12. Lebensjahr, als wir beim sonntäglichen Kirchenbesuch Schuhe anziehen mussten." Das weckt starke Jugenderinnerungen und macht deutlich, warum es bis heute nicht nur für US-BürgerInnen sondern auch für die meisten EuropäerInnen schwierig ist zu begreifen welch aussergewöhnlicher US-Präsident Jimmy Carter war und welch grossartige First Lady Roslynn Carter. Vielleicht hilft ein Zitat von Madleine Albright, das ich heute in der Zeitung gelesen habe das zu verstehen. Von ihrem Aufenthalt in einer Schweizer Schule in den Nach-Kriegsjahren sagt sie: "Was mir kaum jemand glauben will ist, wenn ich ihnen erzählen, dass ich damals zum Skifahren und zum Schlittschuhfahren die gleichen Schuhe anzog!" In diesem wunderbaren Buch lesen heisst für mich in einer bezaubernden Schatzgrube wühlen. Viktor Hofstetter, Zürich
MICHELE
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully told, what an amazing book!
Reviewed in France on August 27, 2017
What a delightful book about growing up in the Deep South during the Great Depression. I did enjoy the splendid voyage into a world that is unknown to many young § middle aged people. I imagined Jimmy sitting in front of me, and talking to me. Highly recommended!
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MICHELE
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully told, what an amazing book!
Reviewed in France on August 27, 2017
What a delightful book about growing up in the Deep South during the Great Depression. I did enjoy the splendid voyage into a world that is unknown to many young § middle aged people. I imagined Jimmy sitting in front of me, and talking to me. Highly recommended!
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George Irvine
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great and Humble Man
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2016
Wonderful piece of Social History and great insight into the personality of a very great man.
M. Yakiwchuk
5.0 out of 5 stars Don't judge a book by its cover
Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2011
If you were to judge An Hour Before Daylight by its cover, you might not read it. It's black and white and paints its author in a less than flattering light. Fortunately, the book is considerably better than the book cover. An Hour Before Daylight chronicles Jimmy Carter's upbringing in Plains, Georgia (near Archery) as well as the lives of his family members, relatives, acquaintances and friends. Most of the book (about 80%) covers day to day live on the farm. Planing crops, harvesting, the sharecropping system and more are covered in detail. For this city kid, this had the potential to be tedious reading, or worse, unrelatable. Fortunately, it is neither. Thanks to Mr. Carter's engaging and non-judgmental writing style, we are taken along on a journey of discovery. Above all, Mr. Carter comes across as honest in his book. I was surprised to find that he's a normal person, just like you and me (though he does have an exceptionally peculiar family!)

An Hour Before Daylight is part memoir, part biography, and part autobiography. What it isn't is dull. No matter what subject he's writing about, Mr. Carter never fails to be both informative and entertaining, and I very much enjoyed his account of the stories in this book. Whether or not you have an interest in learning about Jimmy Carter's life, I recommend you read this book. It's more a wealth of information about rural life in Southern Georgia than it is a traditional biography. And while we do learn a fair bit about the man who would be America's 39th President, what surprised me is just how interesting the people Mr. Carter knew growing up are. I recommend this book to men, women, and children of all ages. A very enjoyable experience to read. Recommended. 5/5