Readers who appreciate An Hour Before Daylight by Jimmy Carter are typically drawn to memoirs about rural American life, historical narratives, and personal growth. Fans of The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls or Educated by Tara Westover will enjoy the vivid storytelling and reflection on social change.

In An Hour Before Daylight, Jimmy Carter shares his experiences growing up in rural Georgia during the Great Depression. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Carter offers insights into the struggles and values of his family and community, capturing the essence of Southern life while exploring themes of poverty, race, and resilience.

Nostalgic / Informative / Contemplative / Heartwarming / Emotional

An Hour Before Daylight by Jimmy Carter offers a nostalgic look at rural Southern life, celebrated for its vivid storytelling and historical insight. Readers appreciate the intimate glimpse into Carter's formative years, but some criticize the book for its slow pace and lack of critical analysis. Overall, it's a heartfelt memoir with a rich sense of place.

**Jimmy Carter**  
A boy growing up on his father's farm, who respects and learns from his Black friends including Jack and Rachel Clark, ultimately aspiring to attend and succeeding in gaining entry to the Naval Academy.

**Earl Carter**  
Jimmy Carter's father, a successful farmer who was serious in business but also enjoyed sports and the outdoors, and was known for thriftiness and teaching survival skills.

**Lillian Carter**  
Jimmy Carter's mother, a nurse to both Black and white neighbors, who was the disciplinarian at home and later engaged in humanitarian work, including serving in the Peace Corps.

**Jack Clark**  
The farm's supervisor and a significant figure in Jimmy Carter's life, with whom Jimmy spent much time and shared milking duties.

**Rachel Clark**  
The farm's most impactful person on Jimmy, teaching him fishing, moral values, and the care of nature.

**A.D. (Alonzo Davis)**  
Jimmy Carter’s best childhood friend, with whom he shared numerous activities and adventures, both feeling at home in each other's families until societal changes affected their friendship.

Jimmy Carter

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

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An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood

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