John Adams by David McCullough
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Book Reviews of John Adams
Book Review: A Requiem for American Leaders?
Summary: 5 Stars
Might as well! With incredible stories about men with integrity, candor and valor, like the ones in this book, contemporary leaders who are oftentimes venal and corrupt don't stand a chance! It's a shame such leaders are a rare commodity these days!
Unlike our current leaders, John Adams was an incredible man and a patriotic maverick that helped bring America into the marvel it is today. His undeniable acumen and astute sense of logic made him a likely person to work on drafting the most important and currently under attack document in American history: The Constitution.
The book is rife with countless stories that are incredible on their own merit, that's why it's hard to pick and choose what to spotlight. However, I have to say that the most endearing and at times heartbreaking element in this biography was the correspondence between John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams. So much of John Adams' soft and tender self was exposed in these letters and that definitely added a greater depth to an already great man.
Adams' integrity is also something very evident throughout the book. You see it in his practice as a lawyer, his relationship with his wife and family, his defiant stance in the face of the British being well aware that hanging was the punishment for treason, his unwavering desire to declare independence and write the Bill of Rights document. He was a visionary with a goal in mind and the right tools to get the job done. He never balked at hardship or challenge. He put his very life on the line protecting an idea he believed in. Alas, that's something I can't say about any of our current leaders.
John Adams is a great role model for all Americans and non-Americans alike. The story of his very accomplished and amazingly interesting life should be cherished and experienced and what a better medium to deliver that experience than a David McCullough book! Read it to get a glimpse of what real men and leaders are all about and maybe then you can make a prayer that one like John Adams comes along in the not very far future.
Book Review: Reads like a story...
Summary: 5 Stars
McCullough writes another wonderful book. John Adams seemed to have been the "forgotten founder" for a long while. Recently he has been revealed to be one of the most important founders.
McCullough goes into great detail of all the great accomplishments of John Adams. McCullough also informs the reader when Adams made a decision that was not for the best, although those were few and far between with all of Adams great accomplishments.
The relationship between Abagail and John is one that needs to be remembered by all historians and students of history. Their love for one another and their near constant letters to one another helped them get through the very difficult times.
McCullough also investigates the relationship between two great founders in Adams and Jefferson. He details their friendship when they were abroad (and during the Declaration of Independence) and their split when they ran against each other for President. The relationship came full circle with the men writing letters back and forth as they aged. Perhaps a coincidence or fate both men died on the 50th anniversery of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1826).
This is a must read and is most likely THE biography on Adams.
McCullough's writing style allows the reader to breeze through the lengthy book and understand the achievements of John Adams life. Must read for Revolutionary fans, and fans of American History.
Book Review: A Greater Appreciation
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me begin by saying that I am no historical scholar, just like most people today. I also admit having very little prior knowledge about John Adams before picking up David McCullough's book. Now after humbly making thiese things known, I must tell you that I truly enjoyed reading this book and gaining a better understanding about who John Adams was and what he did for our nation. His involvement in our independence should be told more than it is. Students today go through school having little understanding about and appreciation for many of the great leaders of our history. I love the way that McCullough ties together the lives of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. These two giants of American history had a relationship that was not without it's weaknesses, but still they managed to hold on to the friendship right up to the unusual end. Intermingled throughout the text was Adam's personal family issues as well. A strong wife stood behind him. A glimpse of the child, youth, and young man who became John Quincy Adams is also found throughout the book. This too is intriguing. I feel most people who choose to read this book will come away with a stronger knowledge and a greater appreciation for our second president and his family.Book Review: One of the Finest Biographical Novels I've Read
Summary: 5 Stars
McCullough's skills are well documented (fascinating fact: none of his books have ever been out of print!) but they are appreciated to the utmost degree in this wonderful biography of John Adams. The writing is personal enough to give you a real sense of the emotions of John, Abigail and many of the other actors who John encounters in his momentous life. The history lesson is indeed educational -- even if you consider yourself well educated, there are aspects of the struggle for independence, the Revolutionary War, his travels to Europe and his presidency that will enlighten you. Most significantly for me was the depth of the struggle for independence and the role that John Adams played. It is very clear, after reading McCullough's account, that many players contributed to the breakaway from England, but none contributed more than John Adams. When rattling off the "founding fathers", I would typically get through quite a few names before getting to his...no more. John Adams' contributions were in the same gravity as Washington and Jefferson. The paperback version of this book is over 800 pages, but McCullough's writing hurtles you over that obstacle quickly. It is a wonderful read!Book Review: Should be mandatory High School reading
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't like to just run with the crowd, but for this book I have to agree with all the 5 stars. I'm a slow reader, and it took me all last summer to finish it, but picking up that book for a few hours everyday was the sweetest part of my day. I hated for it to end! All the real sacrifice and hard work to cobble together a new country and government, all the blood, sweat, tears, terror, joys, and hopes for the future just drench every page. When I went to see the Portrait Gallery in Philadelphia and stood in the room where all the real live characters in the book argued and debated as to how to make it all work as best as humans could make a government, I nearly wept. John Adams and the rest of the country worried about almost exactly the same things as we do today...terrorists, free trade, federal debt, race relations, etc, etc. They worried about future generations...yes, they worried about us! David Mccullough and his staff bring everything together so beautifully. And, by the way, the HBO series is also absolutely suberb!!