a bizarre rant. My advice as a fellow reader and consumer is to ignore BOTH five-star reviews as well as those with a negative agenda and pay special attention to those in between. I often find excellent feedback there; the result of fair and vigorous assessment. Kudos are given where due and appropriately backed. Similarly, weaknesses are addressed without sentimentality or reservation. Here's what I like about Carter's writing: 1) It's simple, concise, and nicely crafted. Only meaningful details and descriptions make their way into the author's prose. He's not flowery. He's not sparse. It's the right balance which makes for an accessible and engaging read. 2) The subject matter itself, with its broad scope of well-known figures and behind-the-scenes details, makes this the kind of insightful "tell all" that an adult won't be ashamed to read. :) Indeed, there is much to be culled about human nature, leadership, and negotiating from Carter's experiences. 3) The author is bold and frank enough to highlight his mistakes, shortcomings, and painful lessons. In this way, there is no pretense or vanity which might isolate the reader from the protagonist's journey. In fact, one feels like they are "in the thick of it" with the president; sharing the same experience and learning the same lessons. 4) This is a book that could have been dry and self-important. Instead, it reads like an elegant adventure through the halls of Washington power and over the world stage of public opinion. Engrossing. No book is perfect