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A review by spinnerroweok
Going Home To Glory: A Memoir of Life with Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961-1969 by Julie Nixon Eisenhower, David Eisenhower
4.0
This book was an interesting look at the retirement years of President Eisenhower by his grandson David (for whom Camp David is named). Where the book is most successful is the intimate look at Eisenhower through the eyes of his grandson. Where it is less successful, but not failing, is where it takes on the tone of a history book talking about what social and political influences President Eisenhower in his post presidential years. These two approaches to the text can easily be found as David Eisenhower refers to the former president as "grand dad" in the personal moments and "Eisenhower" in the more historical sections. There is also a third reference to Eisenhower as "DDE." I think this might be the influence of Julie Nixon Eisenhower, David's wife, who worked on the book with him.
Aside from this meaningless quibble, this is the first book that I felt that I got to know Eisenhower as a person. He felt real to me in those intimate moments between him and his grandson. I love the image of the former president fiddling with the remote or painting just far enough away from his wife and guests so that he could listen in on the conversation without having to take part. Especially touching are some of the letters that Eisenhower wrote to his grandson. I especially like the letter about how nordic men do not show much affection.
When I started writing this review, I had posted 3 stars, but as I wrote it, thinking back on how David Eisenhower made human a man, who to me was like Washington, chiseled in marble, I decided to give it an extra star. I recommend for any who want to see the human side of this now more interesting president.
Aside from this meaningless quibble, this is the first book that I felt that I got to know Eisenhower as a person. He felt real to me in those intimate moments between him and his grandson. I love the image of the former president fiddling with the remote or painting just far enough away from his wife and guests so that he could listen in on the conversation without having to take part. Especially touching are some of the letters that Eisenhower wrote to his grandson. I especially like the letter about how nordic men do not show much affection.
When I started writing this review, I had posted 3 stars, but as I wrote it, thinking back on how David Eisenhower made human a man, who to me was like Washington, chiseled in marble, I decided to give it an extra star. I recommend for any who want to see the human side of this now more interesting president.