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About the Author

Jonathan Alter is a contributing correspondent and political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. He is the author of three New York Times bestsellers: The Center Holds: Obama and His Enemies (2013), The Promise: President Obama, Year One (2010), and The Defining Moment: FDR's Hundred Days and the show more Triumph of Hope (2006). show less
Image credit: Photograph by Damien Donck

Works by Jonathan Alter

Associated Works

Japan: True Stories of Life on the Road (1998) — Contributor — 126 copies, 1 review
The Hunting of the President [2004 film] (2004) — Narrator — 4 copies

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Common Knowledge

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Reviews

This book provides a bit of biographical information on the author, a respected political journalist, but its focus is on Trump's NYC hush money criminal trial. Alter attended the trial each and every day and has collected the observations he made during the trial in this book.
It is not a particularly important book, or one that reports new or previously unknown facts.There is not a great deal of analysis, and for the most part it consists of random observations--like seeing Trump's pink baby bottom scalp under his comb-over, or observing how many times Trump appeared to nod off during the trial. He does point out when either the prosecution or the defense makes a particularly good point, or makes a miscalculation. And it was interesting to read about some of Alter's conversations with other journalists attending the trial. However, out of the universe of books about Trump's malfeasance and crimes, I don't think that this one is a must-read. I didn't mind reading it, and I'm not sorry I did, but if you are only going to read one book, this is not the one.
This book was published before the election, and it was sad to read some of the "what if" comparisons of what might happen if Trump were to win the election as compared to a Harris win. Alter's take is that "If Trump wins, he will be emboldened and empowered to run roughshod over everybody." I guess we will soon find out, but I'm not optimistic.
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½
 
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arubabookwoman | Dec 31, 2024 |
Carter’s early family history reads like it’s from the beginning of “The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois” by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers.
 
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MichaelWichita | 7 other reviews | Nov 19, 2024 |
I'm quite conversant in FDR's life and administrations but still learned a few new things reading this. A good primer for the newcomer to that world and well worth the read.
½
 
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heggiep | 18 other reviews | Mar 10, 2024 |
Johnathan Alter’s His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life is a fascinating account of the 39th President of the United States. As a boy he grew up in Georgia in a home without electricity or running water. Carter lived on a farm with his family where he worked doing basic chores. As a young man he became a Christian in the Baptist church, and later joined the navy where he became a nuclear engineer.
In retirement after his father’s death, he moved back to Plains, Georgia, with his wife Rosalynn, and ran the peanut business. Carter entered politics, became governor of the state, and eventually won the national election against Gerald Ford to be President. As a former Southern governor, he had to deal with the politics of race. At first, he was lukewarm, tried to stay out of the fray, but eventually came to champion human rights.
Carter was known for his strong Christian faith. His administration was progressive, and was instrumental in brokering an Israel-Palestine peace, environmental achievements, and improved relations with China. His downfall came with his handling of the Iranian crisis. Rosalynn made her mark as a presidential advisor, ambassador to Latin America, and work on mental health. He was eventually defeated in the national election by Ronald Reagan.
In retirement Carter continued to work on the national and international scene. He would teach Sunday school classes. Habitat for Humanity has been a glowing success. The Carter Center has monitored elections in several countries around the world. It has received philanthropical support for humanitarian projects in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Thousands of lives were saved with the eradication of water-borne diseases in countries of Africa.
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erwinkennythomas | 7 other reviews | Feb 16, 2024 |

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