Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life

The former President and First Lady alternate first-person reminiscences with sections written jointly to tell the story of their lives after leaving the White House in 1980. Frankly acknowledging the trauma of the lost election, the Carters record their efforts to overcome the difficulties of making a fresh start while deeply in debt, adjusting to life in a small house in Plains, Ga., and other challenges. They describe in helpful and heartening detail the stages they went through on their way to building a new life and making the most of their abilities. There is practical advice from both husband and wife about exercise, good health habits and hard, useful work. Although they despair over the ills besetting society, the Carters do their best to make a difference. Volunteers in Habitat for Humanity, they help construct shelters for the homeless in the U.S. The inspiring husband-and-wife team also pursues their goal of contributing to a better world at the Carter Center of Emory University. Major ad/promo; author tour. (June 8)