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Book Review of General Ike : A Personal Reminiscence

General Ike : A Personal Reminiscence
hardtack avatar reviewed on + 2701 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


Since I am fascinated by the history of World War II, and have widely read in that area, I have read many books about Dwight Eisenhower, even some of his own. I wasn't sure if a book about him by his son would reveal anything new. Boy, was I wrong! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and picked up new insights on Ike.

Granted, the author does not make many critical remarks on any of his father's actions of decisions, but he does reveal many of the reasons why Ike did what he did. I knew John was on his father's staff beginning in June 1944 (after the author's graduation from West Point), but I was not aware that he traveled with his father extensively and often stood or sat in the background while his father had conversations and meetings with many of the war's other famous personages. In fact, the book is divided into chapters that concentrate on Ike's relationship with some of the major players.

The book is also a easy read for those who do not want to get too involved in military history. In fact, I was surprised how quickly I went through it. The military campaigns only served as a background to the discussion of Ike's relationship with the people he worked with.

If you like this book by John Eisenhower, then plan on reading his "The Bitter Woods," a great history of the Battle of the Bulge, fought during December 1944 and January 1945.