The Thumbnail Book Reviews
by John Q McDonald --- 17 February 1998
by Jimmy Carter
Carter's presidential memoirs were entitled Keeping Faith. In Living Faith, he describes how his Baptist faith has shaped his private and public lives. Many memorable aspects of his public life are touched upon here, shedding a personal light on history. But the core of the book is religion. The reader may find it a description of alien territory, but those who can relate to, and value, a Southern Baptist background will find this book intriguing and, perhaps, uplifting. This is certainly Carter's intent. He tells us of his family's relationship to the people of Plains, Georgia. He tells us also of the honest faith of his mother, who joined the Peace Corps when she was in her 70s. And he tells of his enriching involvement with Habitat for Humanity (which makes him one of the most heroic of ex-presidents). At times the book is touching, and it avoids becoming preachy. The 39th President's sincerity and earnestness would be hard not to like.
(President Carter was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.)
[Other Books set in the American South]