It's easy to scratch one's head in astonishment - and, let's admit it, a bit of revulsion - when someone drives hundreds of miles or waits for hours in a sleet storm to see and possibly hug a Kardashian or a pro wrestler.

On the other hand, the opportunity to meet a living U.S. president is something pretty special. On Tuesday, Madison's R.J. Julia Bookseller hosts an appearance by Jimmy Carter at the New Haven Lawn Club. Carter, who served as the 39th U.S. president and won the Nobel Peace Prize, is on a signing tour behind his latest book, "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence & Power."

Carter says that "the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge" of our time is the discrimination and abuse of women and girls. The book is based on his having traveled to over 145 countries and encountered systemic discrimination that ranged from denial of education and health care to slavery to infanticide.

During his time in the U.S. Navy, Carter served as executive officer, engineering officer and electronics repair officer aboard K-1, the country's first postwar submarine, built by General Dynamics in Groton.

Security for the signing will be tight and there's a definite protocol, so pay attention. Each ticket ($28) includes admission to the signing and one copy of the book. Seating is very limited and is available by phone or in store on a first come, first serve basis. Only ticketed customers will be permitted to join the signing line - and no memorabilia is allowed.

- RICK KOSTER

Jimmy Carter, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave., New Haven; $28, available by phone or at R.J. Julia, 768 Boston Post Road, Madison; (203) 245-3959.