His Very Best

In 'His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life,' Jonathan Alter provides an intimate and surprising portrait of Jimmy Carter.

The book depicts Carter as a complex figure with a first-class intelligence and a second-class temperament, who was prescient on issues like climate change and human rights but struggled with the economy and the Iran hostage crisis.

Alter's narrative is based on dozens of interviews and offers a balanced and complete portrait of Carter, treating him as a real person with flaws rather than a saint.

The book is praised for its wonderful pacing and thrilling accounts of dramatic events in Carter's presidency, making it a fascinating read for anyone interested in American history.