How Co-Writing a Book Put the Carters’ Marriage to the Test

NEW YORK — Former President Jimmy Carter, renowned for his prolific writing career, has published over two dozen books across various genres, distinguishing him as a unique figure among ex-presidents. His works encompass nonfiction, poetry, fiction, religious meditations, and children’s literature.

Carter’s 2002 memoir, “An Hour Before Daylight,” was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, while his controversial 2006 book, “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,” sparked significant debate by comparing Israeli policies to South Africa’s apartheid system. Recently, he was awarded a lifetime achievement honor by the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation, recognizing his impact in promoting peace and social justice through literature.

Reflecting on his writing journey in “A Full Life,” Carter mentioned the joy it brought him and its essential role as a source of income. However, not all projects were smooth sailing. His collaboration with wife Rosalynn, “Everything to Gain,” turned into a challenge that nearly strained their marriage. Carter described it as “the worst threat we ever experienced.”

The couple’s differing perspectives led to conflicts but ultimately resulted in a creative solution. They divided contentious passages in the book, marking them with “J” for Jimmy and “R” for Rosalynn. Carter humorously noted that this strategy preserved both their marriage and the integrity of the project.

Among Carter’s notable works are:

• “Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President”
• “The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East”
• (With Rosalynn Carter) “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life”
• “An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections”
• “Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age”
• “Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems”
• (With daughter Amy Carter) “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer”
• “The Virtues of Aging”
• “An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood”
• “Christmas in Plains: Memories”
• “The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War”
• “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis”
• “Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World”
• “A Remarkable Mother”
• “Beyond the White House”
• “We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work”
• “NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter”
• “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power”
• “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”

Carter’s literary contributions continue to resonate, as he remains an influential voice in contemporary discussions surrounding peace and justice.