David Eisenhower

This was a unique story of the life of Dwight D. Eisenhower after he left the Presidency, as told by his grandson, David Eisenhower. Oftentimes we do not know how Presidents spend their time after leaving the White House. Do they stay involved in politics? Do they live a life of leisure? Do they find other employment? In Eisenhower's case, it was a little of each.

Both Kennedy and Johnson consulted Eisenhower on questions of foreign and military affairs. He also stayed involved with his political party and the nomination and election of Richard Nixon. In addition, Eisenhower owned a farm near Gettysburg, PA where he raised cattle. He spent his free time playing golf and socializing with friends and family. Eisenhower led an active life after the Presidency despite his poor health after having suffered a heart attack.

What is unique about this book is that it is written from the perspective of his grandson. David saw his grandfather not just as the former President, but as an ordinary man going about his daily business, and he describes his familiar relationship with him. As in any family relationship, they did not always see eye to eye on everything, and through David's descriptions of their discussions and disagreements, we are able to understand what Dwight D. Eisenhower valued in life. For instance, he felt that David should finish school and have a stable career before he settled down to marry. Health was another major concern of his and David often includes information about how Eisenhower tried to maintain healthy eating habits as well as being aware of the limits of stress and exercise which he could safely tolerate. Friends and family were also of major importance to Eisenhower and he kept his best friends close to him until the end.

I enjoyed seeing this perspective of a former President. It is nice to know that people of great fame live their lives similarly to how ordinary people do. They still go about their daily business. They learn how to drive a car. They sit in a chair with a remote control watching television, and they discuss life with their grandsons.… (meer)