Line winding along the side of Tempe’s Changing Hands bookstore and around the corner, hundreds gathered Friday to catch a glimpse of the 39th President of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Jimmy Carter.
Promoting his book, “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety,” Carter, a longstanding marketing partner with Changing Hands, hosted a up-close-and-personal book signing with hundreds of Arizona residents.
The book, first and foremost, was a reflection on Carter’s life after 90 years. The widely renowned humanitarian contemplated the highlights of his life, before, during and after his presidency.
He highlighted on the lessons he’s learned throughout the process of his life and the evolution of himself and many of the issues he addressed during his time in office.
He especially held a focus on civil rights and his perception of them, looking back years later.
#JimmyCarter out and signing away! @statepress pic.twitter.com/Q9oZ0SA487
— Megan Janetsky (@meganjanetsky) August 1, 2015
“One of the lessons I’ve learned was treating my wife as an completely equal, you know, a completely equal partner to me. When I was first married I didn’t do that and I made a serious mistake,” Carter said.
His wife, Eleanor Rosalynn Carter was heavily active during her years as First Lady, a leading advocate for a variety of causes, most significantly mental health. Both continue to be active in humanitarian and social rights efforts.
Carter’s held a strong business relationship with the bookstore, building it and collaborating on events while promoting his work.
“We’ve hosted President Carter twice before so this is his third visit. Last time was in 2009, we just got the call that he wanted to visit on his most recent tour … so we’re happy to have him back,” said Brandon Stout, Changing Hands marketing director.
Stout said that while he hasn’t worked heavily with Carter, he has built up a relationship with his secret service team to compile heavily detailed security. Stout said he was actually shocked at the though-ness of the security, even taking last minute precautions like prohibiting handbags to ensure Carter’s safety.
However, Stout held a great deal of enthusiasm and a brand of admiration toward Carter’s tour.
“I think the most interesting thing about this tour is that he’s 90-91 years old and he’s doing a grueling, high-intensity tour. Book tours are not easy and we get a lot of authors— much younger authors— who aren’t even willing to do this kind of tour,” he said.
Reach the reporter at megan.janetsky@asu.edu or follow @meganjanetsky on Twitter.
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