Helpful Score: 1
Before reading this book, the few things I knew about John Adams were what I learned in middle school/ high school history class such as the XYZ Affair and the Alien and Sedition Acts, the portrayal of him by William Daniels in the movie 1776, and that he had a lot of love and respect for his wife Abigail. Beyond that, I knew hopelessly little about Adams. McCullough's book gives us a rather detailed and interesting look at a man who isn't typically given the credit he deserved for helping to make our country what it is today. Adams was one of the most ardent supporters of American independence and would continue to be a stalwart patriot by doing what he felt was right, even when it went against public opinion. Adams was a driving force behind the Declaration of Independence, served valiantly as America's ambassador to both France and Britain, and unfortunately was "thrown under the bus" by members of his own party and even his closest friends (Thomas Jefferson being a notable example) in order to advance their own agendas. Adams is a great example of the "everyman politician" as he was not as well off as other Founding Fathers such as Washington, Jefferson, and even Franklin. Adams had to carefully watch his spending, even as President, to ensure that his family would not go under financially. McCullough draws upon the fact that Adams was a prolific writer (essays, letters, his diary) and notes how the entire Adams family has arguably the large collection of writing for any American family, which is why such a clear, detailed picture of events can be portrayed. I really enjoyed reading about his relationship with his wife Abigail and how for a man of that time period, he really valued and trusted her opinion on everything. I found it interesting that other political figures, Jefferson included, also corresponded with Abigail to get her opinion on various things. She probably could have been a good politician in her own right had it been allowed at the time. The first 100 or so pages dragged a bit for me, I think because the events jumped around in "flashback mode" rather than following a linear pattern. However, once the events were told in a more linear fashion, I found myself enjoying this book very much. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the early days of America as a new nation or for anyone interested in reading a good biography! :-)
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