Jonathan Alter’s important, fair-minded, highly readable contribution to this literature provides not just an authoritative introduction to Carter’s feats and failures but also insight into why a man of such intelligence, drive and noble intentions floundered in the White House as haplessly as he did.

... [a] splendid new biography.

Alter makes his case convincingly.

Alter’s scrupulously researched and judicious book...provides a fascinating account of Carter’s formative years.

It’s somewhat surprising that there has not been, until now, a thorough and authoritative biography of the 39th president. Alter makes up that deficit, in style and substance. His Very Best is a deeply researched, carefully evenhanded and engagingly written journey through the life of a highly complex man. Although it’s clear Alter admires his subject, he doesn’t hesitate to address Carter’s faults and failures as well as his successes, to give us a fully developed portrait of the man in his historical context.

... compelling.

Alter demonstrates [Carter's strengths], meticulously unfolding proof of Carter’s many accomplishments while just as carefully showing his missteps.

... a sweeping, meticulously-researched biography.