Rating: 
Summary: More Adams
Review: I am quite impressed with this work. So impressed that I would like to see more work of this high calibre about the other Adams since John. It was a comparatively easy read although not as gripping as the recent "Theodore Rex". Roosevelt seemed a "real" person whereas John Adams seems "other worldly". "John Adams" is a good read anyway.
Rating: 
Summary: Fitting tribute to a man who left his imprint on our nation
Review: Though daunting in size (600+ pages) David McCullough's Adams has proved to be most enjoyable. If you are able to work past the first few pages where, for completeness, the author recounts the details of young John Adams's boyhood, you will be rewarded with an excellent read. Like all good history writers, McCollough is able to get in all of the facts and figures while not losing track of the story. And what a story he has to tell.
From his work in cobbling together the political unity and resolve needed to unify the colonies behind the quest for Independence through his work in Europe securing a place for the newborn country and then his terms as Vice President and President, Adams continuously shows himself to be a man of character. A bit vain, perhaps, but aware of that vanity nonetheless.
As the second President of the United States, John Adams was the first to take up the role after the universally esteemed George Washington. While Washington was in many ways untouchable in the political arena, Adams was the first President to be considered fair game. Adams does not prove to be much of a politician but what he lacked in political skills he more than compensated for with his wisdom and clarity of thought, especially in dealing with such matters as negotiations with a bellicose France.
Kudos to McCullough in doing such a fine job of presenting a full portrait of a man who left an enduring imprint on our country.
On a personal note, while reading about all the hardships that had to be endured in Adam's life - from the ravages of disease to the risks inherent in traveling - it makes one wonder how he got anything accomplished. It also makes the reader feel somewhat guilty for having accomplished so little though able to benefit tremendously in this age of modern conveniences.
Rating:
Summary: Best Historical Book I have Read in a Long Time
Review: As a history teacher I appreciate a good book of facts and interest. This book has hit the mark. The author provides the reader with a realistic look at both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. There are also interesting notes on Mr. Franklin. The author does not attempt to create heros of these great gentelmen of the past but rather to present them in all of their humanistic character, flaws and all. If you never had an interest in John Adams befor now, read this masterpeace and you discover a new found interest in history of a third kind. The book also caused me to have an interest in Abigail Adams as well and Iam awaiting my copy of Dearest friend to continue my introduction to these extrodinary people of days gone by.
Rating:
Summary: Wish history had been this interesting in school
Review: McCullough does a wonderful job of bringing personality to the name of John Adams. The description of historic moments such as the signing of the Treaty of Paris, brought chillbumps to my arms. Adams is shown as a man passionate about his country, as well as his wife and children. The excerpts from letters between John and Abigail Adams add to the reader's knowledge of this great man.
Rating:
Summary: A long deserved biography of a forgotten patriot
Review: This book pays tribute to an overlooked but important patriot of the American Revolution. Adams' contribution to the revolution was absolutely key for our success. McCullough does a great job in giving us background on Adams' development into the decisive leader he became. A minor drawback--McCullough does not cover adequately some of Adams' faults (such as his growing elitist views and the troubles with his children), and seems to have a particular dislike for Jefferson (the villian in his opinion). Overall, though, a great book.
Rating:
Summary: AS GOOD AN INTRODUCTION TO US HISTORY AS YOU WILL FIND
Review: Once you realize John Adams lived for 90 years and he and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day, July 4th, of the same year, you begin to appreciate the scope of the history involved, and the focus on politics which seems "the more things change, the more they remain the same." Because of his devotion to the life of John Adams Mr. McCollough allows the reader to read between the lines and confirm his suspicions by reading other histories that tie the whole together. Because so much of the material is primary source (mostly letters) our perception of the people involved is broadened to the point where we really get to know them. Adam's son, John Quincy, was the sixth president of the US, but did you know that Jefferson was the third and Madison and Monroe the 4th and 5th, and that John Quincy was followed by Jackson? Things begin to fall into place as one reads this book, and suspicions are aroused by what is learned. It is not the sort of book you read and forget, but the sort that leads you on toward a better understanding of why, for example, Burr killed Hamilton at the "INTERVIEW AT WEEHAWKEN." JOHN ADAMS is not a book with all the answers, but it surely points readers in the direction of them, by other authors. It is a book about a decent man married to a wonderful woman, Abagail, during difficult times. I would not hesistate to recommend it to all.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Interesting Biography...Overrated Account
Review: This biography of John Adams was certainly needed in that Adams has influenced America in a multitude of ways that many Americans today never knew. Certainly overshadowed by the more famous George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, I found the character profile of Adams as an ordinary, yet well educated citizen to be a reluctant politician. The author depicts Adams as a simple farmer and loving husband...yet he spends most of his life away from the farm and away from his wife. The love affair and marriage are built up in a way that is hard to imagine the couple maintaining while being generally years and oceans apart from each other.I was very impressed with Adams the man. He has been described here as a man of high integrity, moral principles, strong believer in God, a statesman, a patriot and a visionary in the formation of democracy and our education system. Certainly a man with a love for books, lots of books. He instilled that love for reading in his son, John Quincy which no doubt significantly influenced his educational and character development. With so few biographies on John Adams with adequate research and references, I would still highly recommend the book for all those interested in revolutionary era history and biography. However, I would not characterize the style and flow of the biography as a fast-paced, enjoyable book as the author has over used his research to make his points. Certainly David McCullough is a extremely talented author, but not a 5-star level here.
Rating:
Summary: Well-rounded and superb
Review: I have heard it said that this book was a creampuff biography (Slate) that painted a fine portrait of an undeserving man. This political portrait could then be easily twisted and mis-quoted to serve any ends the reviewer desired. Reading the book, you will understand that it is not the biography that demagogues the man but the Slate reviewer who demagogues the biography. Aspersions aside, McCullough has created a very readable and formidable portrait of John Adams. Quoting extensively from letters, journals, and notes, he takes us on a chronological journey of Adams' life. Most interesting (and perhaps least understood) is the time Adams spent away from America as ambassador to Holland, France, and Britain. What makes this book more than a recounting is the extensive work McCullough has done by researching tangential works and letters. It is well known that Thomas Jefferson and Adams forged an enduring friendship. But the depth and scope of that complex relationship is brought to life in McCullough's scholarship of Jefferson's notes and letters. Also, Abigail Adams, an inpsiring figure in any light, is done credit in this story as a supporter, companion, and great thinker in her own right. It is clear from their near-constant correspondence that Adams relied on her in many ways on many days. McCullough draws from many and varied sources to describe events clearly, and more, to describe that part played by John Adams. Vivid descriptions are given of the officers, courtiers, politicians, and kings around which JA orbited, and it is in these relationships that the story takes on an original quality and a clarity. His demeanors and attitudes are understood in the light of world events, and a careful reader will get the sense that in many cases, it was yankee stubborness that carried the day, though it ruffled some feathers. From the beginning, JA is a clear thinker, a family man, a lawyer, a politician, and a farmer. He is never reducible to a single facet, though his motivations are crystal clear. JA was a principled man, willingly so, and he was never more abashed than when those same principles caused him grief and trouble, and that was often. When he insisted out of New England thrift that re-payment of outstanding American debt to Britain be included in the Paris treaty, it was a decision that would be a diplomatic stumbling block for years. Any man such as Adams was bound to make some enemies, and JA made more than his share. It is illuminating to read the criticisms and concerns of members of Congress and even his dear friend Jefferson when Adams is at the political fore. And it is good that McCullough includes these darker passages. His is not a portrait without flaws, nor is it an apology. It is a well-researched, well-presented work that is worth the time to read and digest. As it must be, it is also a portrait of the times. But one thing that McCullough's work is not is reducible to a single facet or a one-dimensional reading.
Rating:
Summary: By Far, The BEST Book I have Ever Read
Review: The title of my review tells you exactly how I feel about this book. No need for a long review about the writing style or content. It is just the best book I have ever read. Well, the Bible may make a close race.... Anyway, this book has the most engaging story I've encountered. At first, I wondered "what's so interesting about John Adams?" Just a few weeks short of a year on the NY Times best seller list must mean something. So I broke down and read it. Here's what I think now: 1) How can any two people sacrifice and suffer so much for their country?? 2) The way that Mr. McCullough tells me about John and Abigale, they have become my friends. I enjoyed visiting with them, sharing their adventures, trials, pain and happiness. They are so real as people, that I felt like they came to my house to visit and tell their stories, having tea, sitting by the fireplace. 3) I have never experienced a historical biography that I couldn't put down, that kept me wide awake during night time reading, and that has now made me re-evaluate all that I know about Politics and the Founding Fathers' use of it as a weapon. I am stunned by the greatness of this book!!! Read it, don't be the least bit reluctant, just read it. You'll love it. I became so attached to John and Abigale that I wept at their passsings. I have NEVER cried from reading a book. Thank you so VERY, VERY much Mr. McCullough. (What's Next???)
Rating:
Summary: Superb! Fascinating! Wonderful! Stupendous! Read it!
Review: I was curiuos about the influence of Samuel Adams on his cousin John Adams. Reading other accounts, it seems to me that Sam had a lot to do with John getting into "politics." In this book I didn't get the feeling that Sam was instrumental in getting John started in to American revolution and politics. Are there differing opinions on this? Can Mr. McCullogh or some reader expound on this? Thanks.
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