Rating: 
Summary: An engaging and enjoyable read
Review: Overall, a thoroughly ejoyable, and easily readable, biography of our second president. Mr. McCullough's work should go a rather long way in providing John Adams with the historical significance and recognition the partriot has long been deserving. As always, Mr. McCullough provides a true sense of identity and personality to his subject, demonstrating that he has become one of the more preeminent biographers of our time. Granted,the author has been accused of at times becoming too enamored with his subject, resulting in a lack of objectivity. This holds true with John Adams -- McCullough clearly admires and respects the former president, and the work does at times loose objectivity. In the end however, this really doesn't harm the overall work. Two complaints. I would have preferred a little more information about Adams' pre-revolutionary days, particularly his education. (John Ferling does a much better effort in his earlier biography of Adams). Second, McCullough oversimplifies Abigail and John's marriage, seeming to consider that their relationship was utopian in nature. The relationship was much more complicated, and evidence exists that the relationship was very strained at times, particularly during Adams prolonged absences. Again, Ferling provides a much more objective discussion of their marriage.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, certainly not great
Review: Okay...I feel that I should preface by saying that I liked the book, I feel that I learned from this book. That having been said, I think it should be said that this is not a great book about Adams, although it is about as readable and enjoyable book as you will encounter in the realm of American history.Rather than talk about all the strengths of this book, which ever reviewer seems to do, let me point out that this book is so sympathetic towards the plight of Adams that McCullough at times comes across as the biggest Adams flag waver since Adams himself. To be sure, Adams was a great American who did his country a great service. He was not, however, perfect, and at times it seems that it is MuCullough's goal to deify him. After putting this book down, you will think, as did Adams himself, that the vast majority of the world was out to get him. Perhaps the world was, but that does not change Adams status as a vain near-premadonna. I certainly think this book is worth a read, although I confess that I would wait for the paperback edition. Another text on Adams, albeit less sympathetic is "Passionage Sage" by Joseph J. Ellis. Significantly shorter, although just as indepth. Have a great day!
Rating: 
Summary: History At Its Best
Review: Though I enjoyed the book "Truman", I found "John Adams" to be even better. My understanding of the history of the Colonial Period was refreshed and supplemented. Not only did I learn of the character of John Adams but found a better understanding of others such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. The book was easy to read and provided new insight to the trials of this period and our debt to these patriots, not the least of which was Abigail Adams. I would recommend this book to anyone with even a small interest in American History.
Rating:
Summary: Most Enthralling Book I Ever Read!
Review: I am just beginning to enjoy reading about the many famous people that helped our country become what it is today. John Adams was a very misunderstood man and was responsible for many things in the fight for independence including the formation of the Navy. The sacrifices he made for our country are hard to fathom......10 years away from his wife among others sacrifices. Mr. McCullough makes this book very easy to read and although it is a very large book, I finished it in two weeks. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting an in depth review of President John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Quincy Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. I can only hope that the author will continue in his great tradition and do a book on George Washington.
Rating:
Summary: Another Pulitzer for McCullough: an education for us all
Review: John Adams will ensure David McCullough another Pulitzer Prize, and is equally as enjoyable and informative as Truman. The weight of this tome is equalled by its substance, but don't be discouraged by the size. The journey of Adams' political career parallels his lifelong romance with wife Abigail. His love for family equals his devotion to his country. Homebodies, John and Abigail venture far from their farm in Quincy out of duty, but return whenever possible. The fervent pursuit of liberty and independence gives John Adams the feeling of a great suspense novel.
Rating:
Summary: "Your Pulitzer, Mr. McCullough..."?
Review: "If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing."
--Benjamin Franklin In an effort to ensure posterity, as well as to answer the call of his conscience, John Adams both wrote and did a great many things truly worthy of remembrance, not just by the people of our nation, but by anyone anywhere that has ever cared about freedom; for a very, very long while, though, it appeared that his efforts would be given less than their due, that he would be relegated to the dusty second-tier of history. Fortunately, Pulitzer-Prize winning historian David McCullough has come through with a biography that seeks to right this wrong. Exceptionally well written and researched, McCullough's portrait of America's second President and Founding Father gives an expansive and honest glimpse into Adams' character, intellect, passions, victories and failings; McCullough shows the importance of Adams' family, especially of his wife Abigail; and, most interesting to me, we're presented with a devastating comparison between Adams and fellow revolutionary Thomas Jefferson, a brilliant but extremely flawed man. McCullough also does a fine job of showing not only the big picture items (the war against England, diplomatic efforts in Europe, etc), but minutiae like Adams and Ben Franklin sharing a hotel room and debating whether or not to leave the window up during the night. Although I didn't enjoy "John Adams" as much as I did McCullough's bio on Harry Truman, I can still whole-heartedly recommend this fine book.
Rating:
Summary: A superb biography of John Adams
Review: This book really paints a vivid picture of the life of John Adams- as the President, as the statesmen, as the lawyer and as the citizen. Moreover, McCullough does a good job of adding perspective and illustrating the life of Adams behind his political career. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Today, it seems most biographies on the founders are more apt to be distortive, revisionist and controversial works just to sell copies. This is not the case with this book. McCullough has created a wonderful piece of scholarship...
Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING!!
Review: McCullough does his research. Throughout the book, which covers John Adams life, McCullough deftly paints the background and then liberally quotes from Adams' correspondence. By the time I was complete with the book, I had an increased respect and admiration for both John and Abigail Adams. McCullough also studies the fascinating relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Both expert and novice will have an increased appreciation and knowledge for both Adams and the time in which he lived - the birth, infancy and, in some ways, the coming of age of the United States.
Rating:
Summary: totally absorbing
Review: I can't say that it is the best history I have ever read, in terms of accuracy, but the letters alone are well worth it, as are the comparisons between Adams and the more glamorous Jefferson.
I admit i picked up the book and devoured the first 150 pages in one sitting!
Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ
Review: I am a lover of history and have read many books on this time period. David McCullough's book is one of the BEST I've read. It is an easy read and not bogged down by technical writing. It brought to life John Adams and the people who were in his world. I found myself reading it during any spare moment and reading far into the night. You will cry with appreciation for all he and others went through for our nation. You will be touched by the wonderful marriage John and Abigail had. They are examples to us all of integrity, thrift, industry and endurance. I rank John & Abigail Adams right up with George & Martha Washington. I think every American should read and reread this book. It is wonderful and will inspire patriotism.
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