Going Home To Glory: A Memoir of Life with Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961-1969
Eisenhower wrote a previous book about his grandfather, the Pulitzer Prize–winning Eisenhower at War (1987). The quality of that book carries over to his new one (which is coauthored by his wife, the younger daughter of Richard Nixon), which offers an admirably professional view of grandfather Ike’s post-presidential life. The author, expectedly close to his subject in physical and emotional proximity, is not swayed by bias as he writes about the public and private man. History buffs who have in mind a picture of Dwight Eisenhower as a hands-off president, too willing to delegate and not willing to get too involved in issues and crises, will be pleasantly surprised, if not startled, to read about Ike’s heavy involvement in the politics of his post-administration years. He often found himself in significant communication with his successors in the White House. From the Vietnam War to the loosening of social strictures in the 1960s to Barry Goldwater’s defeat in the 1964 presidential election and more, Ike had unequivocal opinions and was wise in how and when to share them. This special view of a president from a grandson’s perspective reveals a man greatly respected by family members but at the same time remote from them.      HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: David Eisenhower will be embarking on a nine-city tour, with Julie Nixon Eisenhower making select appearances with him, which will generate buzz on talk shows and beyond. --Brad Hooper