There were a few poems a really enjoyed but for the most part felt like a diary of a retired hobby poet (which Carter is). Like Bush’s paintings, not particularly notable in a good or bad way, but probably only lauded because of the author’s previous career.

The only poetry book written by President Jimmy Carter. I purchased a signed copy online after he passed away in December 2024, when I learned that he loved to write poetry. I was unaware that this book even existed. This collection is divided into four parts: People, Places, Politics, and Private Lives.

Favorite poems: A Committee of Scholars Describe the Future Without Me; The Ballad of Tom Gordy; Plains; Peanuts; Itinerant Songsters Visit Our Village; and Rosalynn

This is a delightful little book of poems penned by former President Carter. Although he is no master of poetic technique, several of his poems brought tears to my eyes.

Just when I thought I couldn’t love Jimmy Carter any more I find his poetry and now I love him even more!! His poems were all so endearing and kind and I loved the insight it gave me into his mind!

With the 2025 inauguration looming, I am loving Always a Reckoning by the humanist former (and forever, in my heart) president Jimmy Carter. These poems express love and respect for, and a willingness to learn from, others that is rare and precious.

Although the poetry won't win awards, the honesty and humanity of a life well lived shine through with touching warmth.

A poetic lens into the life and youth of Jimmy Carter without getting too far into the details. Certainly worth the little bit of time it takes to appreciate a few simple stories.

I have read two other books by Jimmy Carter, "LIVING FAITH" and "SHARING GOOD TIMES" and I really enjoyed them. My brother in law knowing this gave me a book of poems by Jimmy Carter entitled "Always A Reckoning". This book is divided into four sections,PEOPLE,PLACES,POLITICS,and PRIVATE LIVES. I have to admit even though I don't read a lot of poetry I really enjoyed this book. If read from front cover to back cover you can actually learn a lot about MR. Carter's life.

If I were a bigger fan of reading poetry I might like this book more. I think I just really like Jimmy Carter. The poem about being with the girl with leprosy is awesome.

The entire book was interesting, however the last chapter containing poems of his personal thoughts and feelings actually made me tear up. Highly respectable man.

This book is poetry and politics and a few other subjects.

Our former president, Jimmy Carter, is an amazing man. (He is 99 years old) Before I read this first published book of his poetry, I didn't know of his beginning life or that he is such an accomplished author.

He writes of his simple beginnings as put together, gathering cotton, weeding, and digging peanuts. Without naming him, the love for his father was evident.

Youthful work and fun with all the people in his small world taught Jimmy to respect people for who they were, not the color of their skin.

Always a Reckoning is a short collection of thoughts, events, and memories. My favorite poem is "With Words We Learn to Hate.""

I look forward to reading some more of President Carter's writings. He has written over 60 published works.