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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
John Adams was one seriously amazing guy. I never knew a thing about him, which is kind of surprising considering all he did. I don't remember him even coming up in school, although I'm sure he did at least a little. This book is seriously long, but extremely interesting, and gave me a whole new appreciation and understanding of the revolutionary and federalist periods. Plus, I learned about one of America's greatest women, Abigail Adams, who probably merits her own book. Highly recommended.
I'm not a fan of biography, but this was wonderful. David McCullough really brought John Adams, a president who I started out knowing very little about, to life for me. I also really enjoyed learning more about Abigail, who I found just as interesting as John, if not more so at times. And even though I obviously knew how things must turn out, I was genuinely saddened by the ending of the book.
It was another amazing painfully slow read! I hated the process, but I loved knowing the story.
John Adams was one of the best men to date. America would not be standing if it weren’t for him. He was kind, and compassionate, and fully human. He has so may hard decision, but with Abigail by his side, he did amazing thing.
After reading this book and getting to know him, John Adams was the best President we have ever had and the man is truly one of the greats. I had my full respect and I strive to be more like him.
David McCullough pulls off another amazing story that is a blend of history, fiction, and joy!
John Adams was one of the best men to date. America would not be standing if it weren’t for him. He was kind, and compassionate, and fully human. He has so may hard decision, but with Abigail by his side, he did amazing thing.
After reading this book and getting to know him, John Adams was the best President we have ever had and the man is truly one of the greats. I had my full respect and I strive to be more like him.
David McCullough pulls off another amazing story that is a blend of history, fiction, and joy!
Wow, I loved this book. It had been sitting in my to-read pile for ages, it just didn't appeal to me. But I ended up getting totally engrossed. Really loved it, and I keep thinking about it.
This was nice to read to get to know more about the second president of the United States. He seems like real good guy. I love how this story is also so much about his relationship with his wife. They seemed like they were so in love, and she helped him a lot in his career and life. They are the goal couple to look up to, in my opinion.
A well-written, detailed portrait of one of America’s core founding fathers.
While reading, I found myself wanting to sit in a leather chair, smoke a pipe, and read Plato…Lol. I was also constantly amazed and moved by Adams’ deep commitment to his wife, his family, religious beliefs, and commitment to democracy, as well as the act of loving his fellow man. Adams had a way of showing compassion to those he fundamentally disagreed with. I think everyone nowadays can take a page out of his book.
He truly believed what Jefferson merely wrote: that all men are created equal. In a time where a handful of his contemporaries (mostly Jefferson - lookin’ at you babe) seemed to be saying one thing while doing another, John Adams was honest and true to his values almost to his detriment.
During his presidency, I felt bad for his then-position in life. There were so many nuances, so many shades of grey, fear, and the shadow of war with France that seemed to loom. Which, of course, led to some controversial policies (which he later admitted to regretting).
Abigail was constantly in his corner and not only serving as his wife, but his lover, best friend, and adviser through it all. Their marriage was truly an equal one, and their letters to one another (so full of affection, wit, truth, and tenderness) made me tear up multiple times! Abigail was a tough lady. She didn’t take any shit, to put it plainly. She was a doer, and I loved her for it! Her fierce aversion to slavery and standing firm in her belief for the abolition of it (along with her husband) was so awe-inspiring.
The end of his life was sad. But just thinking about the recounts of his family life, the revolution, and his personal efforts to aid in America’s Independence makes me feel immensely proud to be a part of this “American Experiment”.
I was not expecting to love this as much as I did, but I’m not complaining. I used to be weirded out when I was a kid by people who read NONFICTION. FOR. FUN [insert gag noise here]. Here I am, however many years later. Loving a history book.
Who knew.
✍
While reading, I found myself wanting to sit in a leather chair, smoke a pipe, and read Plato…Lol. I was also constantly amazed and moved by Adams’ deep commitment to his wife, his family, religious beliefs, and commitment to democracy, as well as the act of loving his fellow man. Adams had a way of showing compassion to those he fundamentally disagreed with. I think everyone nowadays can take a page out of his book.
He truly believed what Jefferson merely wrote: that all men are created equal. In a time where a handful of his contemporaries (mostly Jefferson - lookin’ at you babe) seemed to be saying one thing while doing another, John Adams was honest and true to his values almost to his detriment.
During his presidency, I felt bad for his then-position in life. There were so many nuances, so many shades of grey, fear, and the shadow of war with France that seemed to loom. Which, of course, led to some controversial policies (which he later admitted to regretting).
Abigail was constantly in his corner and not only serving as his wife, but his lover, best friend, and adviser through it all. Their marriage was truly an equal one, and their letters to one another (so full of affection, wit, truth, and tenderness) made me tear up multiple times! Abigail was a tough lady. She didn’t take any shit, to put it plainly. She was a doer, and I loved her for it! Her fierce aversion to slavery and standing firm in her belief for the abolition of it (along with her husband) was so awe-inspiring.
The end of his life was sad. But just thinking about the recounts of his family life, the revolution, and his personal efforts to aid in America’s Independence makes me feel immensely proud to be a part of this “American Experiment”.
I was not expecting to love this as much as I did, but I’m not complaining. I used to be weirded out when I was a kid by people who read NONFICTION. FOR. FUN [insert gag noise here]. Here I am, however many years later. Loving a history book.
Who knew.
✍
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
David McCullough’s John Adams is a masterful work of historical biography that brings one of America’s most pivotal founding fathers to life in vivid detail. McCullough’s storytelling ability is unparalleled—he weaves together extensive research, personal letters, and historical context into a compelling narrative that captures not only the public achievements of John Adams but also the private struggles and complex character of the man himself.
What sets John Adams apart from many other historical biographies is McCullough’s deep empathy for his subject. Through his insightful portrayal, Adams emerges as both a brilliant statesman and an imperfect, often conflicted individual. The book’s strength lies in its ability to humanize Adams, showing his tireless commitment to the revolution and the nation, while also revealing his insecurities, personal doubts, and the toll that his intense devotion to duty took on his family and himself.
McCullough does a remarkable job of placing Adams within the larger tapestry of American history, capturing the revolutionary fervor of the late 18th century and the complicated relationships between the Founding Fathers. His depiction of Adams’ partnership with Thomas Jefferson, both as allies and later as rivals, is especially poignant and gives the reader a deeper understanding of the personal and political dynamics that shaped the early Republic.
The book’s pacing is steady and engaging, keeping the reader absorbed throughout Adams’ long and eventful life. McCullough’s writing is eloquent yet accessible, and his thorough research lends the biography an air of authenticity and authority. John Adams is not just a biography; it’s a rich, immersive look at the birth of the United States through the eyes of one of its most consequential leaders.
Ultimately, John Adams is an exemplary work of historical fiction that transcends the genre, offering readers both a profound education and an unforgettable portrait of a man whose ideals, determination, and vision were integral to the founding of the American republic. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, leadership, or the complexities of the American Revolution.
I went into this book knowing virtually nothing about the man John Adams and emerged a more enlightened citizen. McCullough is a master of the biography, covering the lives of the characters in considerable depth, yet keeping the pacing of events moving along briskly enough that it never seems to get bogged down in too many details.
John Adams and his wife, Abigail, are two of the most industrious and honorable people to ever toil on the face of this continent. Never before have I heard of anyone who sacrificed so much and received so little in return for the improvement and advancement of their country. Adams labored diligently in every assignment that he was ever given; even when every person seemed to be against him, he put his nose to the grindstone and got the job done. If only there were so many more hard working, selfless, honest and capable people working in our government today, the world would be a vastly superior place. I feel bad that I was so unaware of the man who helped shape our country and freedoms that I enjoy today. This book was quite a eyeopener and should be required reading for high school students, as it teaches the value of work, morals, dedication, and unselfish labor. It is highly recommended to anyone who cares at all about how our country came to be and the efforts and suffering that people passed through to make our nation so great.
An interesting fact I learned: The two men that are probably most responsible for our Declaration of Independence, Jefferson and Adams (often referred to as the "Pen" and the "Voice" respectively) both died on the 4th of July in 1826, which so happened to be the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.
John Adams and his wife, Abigail, are two of the most industrious and honorable people to ever toil on the face of this continent. Never before have I heard of anyone who sacrificed so much and received so little in return for the improvement and advancement of their country. Adams labored diligently in every assignment that he was ever given; even when every person seemed to be against him, he put his nose to the grindstone and got the job done. If only there were so many more hard working, selfless, honest and capable people working in our government today, the world would be a vastly superior place. I feel bad that I was so unaware of the man who helped shape our country and freedoms that I enjoy today. This book was quite a eyeopener and should be required reading for high school students, as it teaches the value of work, morals, dedication, and unselfish labor. It is highly recommended to anyone who cares at all about how our country came to be and the efforts and suffering that people passed through to make our nation so great.
An interesting fact I learned: The two men that are probably most responsible for our Declaration of Independence, Jefferson and Adams (often referred to as the "Pen" and the "Voice" respectively) both died on the 4th of July in 1826, which so happened to be the 50th anniversary of the Declaration.
Fantastic! McCullough is a captivating writer and relies heavily on journals and letters of Adams and his family/friends. A truly inspiring story of an American President that I knew little about prior to reading the book. McCullough is prone to making broad statements of Adams' character based on little, but for the sake of the story it works. Also provides an intriguing look into the life of Jefferson and his eccentric spending habits (which I also knew little to nothing about). This book has inspired me to learn more about past presidents and brush up on my American history. Looking forward to seeing how the book translates to the screen in the HBO special.