Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
So Far from God summary
John S.D. Eisenhower
Brief summary
So Far from God by John S.D. Eisenhower is a captivating historical account that examines the complexities and challenges faced by American soldiers during World War II, offering a unique perspective on an unforgettable era.
Topics
Table of Contents
So Far from God
Summary of key ideas
Religion and Superstition Collide
In John S.D. Eisenhower's So Far from God, the turbulent era of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) unfolds right before our eyes. It begins with the inception of the conflict, taking us on a nuanced journey through a divisive episode in both countries' histories. The opening of the narrative presents the political and religious turmoil preceding the war, revealing an unsteady Mexico struggling to maintain its territories whilst grappling with issues of regionalism and centralism within its governance.
The author vividly portrays the clash between religious piety and rampant superstition that marked Mexican society, alluding to its pervading influence even within the rank-and-file soldiers on the battleground. Eisenhower also adeptly explains how such ingrained spiritual beliefs, coupled with deep-seated societal divisions, hindered Mexico's unified defense against the invading American forces.
American Expansionism and War
The story then progresses to explore the intricate details of American motivations, primarily its aims of territorial expansion guided by the belief in Manifest Destiny. Here, we get to know national figures like President James K. Polk, who spearheaded the war effort with his eye on California and New Mexico, fertile lands then under Mexican control. This part of the book also explores how a determined yet relatively inexperienced American military, set foot on Mexican territory, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in the face of unfamiliar terrain and diseases.
Eisenhower proceeds to discuss the various military campaigns, capturing the stark contrasts between the disciplined American forces and the valiant yet ill-coordinated Mexican troops. Throughout, he brings the reader face-to-face with brutal battles and strategic war maneuvers, highlighting key events like the Siege of Veracruz, Battle of Cerro Gordo, and the hard-fought Battle for Mexico City.
End of War: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
As we advance towards the end of So Far from God, we witness the culmination of the conflict with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This pivotal moment marked the end of the Mexican-American War, ceding immense territories, including modern-day California, Texas, and New Mexico, to American control.
This section effectively captures the deepening crisis within the Mexican leadership, underscored by their failure to secure a better peace deal. In this chapter, Eisenhower argues that it was Mexico's internal divisions and lack of a clear national identity, more than the sheer force of the American military, that led to its downfall.
Ramifications and Legacies
In the final part of the book, Eisenhower explores the profound long-term implications of the Mexican-American War. He highlights how it served as a training ground for American officers who would later play crucial roles in the Civil War. Similarly, he points out that for Mexico, this war laid the groundwork for eventual political and social reforms, albeit at a painful cost.
Ultimately, So Far from God provides a balanced and comprehensive view of the Mexican-American War, highlighting the socio-ethnic, political, and religious complexities at its core. Through his expert storytelling, Eisenhower demonstrates the multi-faceted nature of history where two neighboring nations, informed by different ethos, clashed in a battle of territorial dominance and national identity.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is So Far from God about?
So Far from God is a historical account of the American military involvement in the Pacific theater during World War II. Written by John S.D. Eisenhower, the book provides a detailed analysis of the strategies, battles, and key figures that shaped the outcome of the war in the Pacific. It offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on this significant chapter in history.
So Far from God Review
So Far from God (2001) is a thought-provoking book that explores the complexities of the Korean War and its impact on the lives of ordinary people. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its meticulous research and compelling storytelling, it offers a rich and detailed account of the war from multiple perspectives.
- Through personal narratives and firsthand testimonies, the book humanizes the war, shedding light on the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and families affected by the conflict.
- Its balanced approach avoids oversimplification and allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and consequences of the Korean War.
Who should read So Far from God?
- Anyone interested in historical events and World War II
- Readers who want to gain insights into the life and presidency of Dwight D. Eisenhower
- People who enjoy reading biographies and learning about influential figures in history
Categories with So Far from God
Book summaries like So Far from God
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
So Far from God FAQs
What is the main message of So Far from God?
The main message of So Far from God is...
How long does it take to read So Far from God?
The estimated reading time for So Far from God is...
Is So Far from God a good book? Is it worth reading?
So Far from God is worth reading because...
Who is the author of So Far from God?
The author of So Far from God is...
What to read after So Far from God?
If you're wondering what to read next after So Far from God, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh