“This book has been selected as a group-read for July 2009 by the Chronological Read of American History group at http://www.shelfari.com/groups/34700/about.We'd welcome your joining the group and the discussions,DL”
“This is one of my Father's favorite books and I am looking for Christmas present Ideas. Is there anything else out there like this. It doesn't have to be on John Adams. My father just really likes historical books. He has read 1776 and some other things. Any ideas?”
“My admiration for John Adams started when I came in 2nd place (irony) in an district wide essay contest in the 4th grade. I remember be recognized for writing what must have been a good essay on my subject--John Adams. Anyways, I read Mr. McCullough's book and enjoyed its throughness; as well as, the detail of Abigail's journalistic insights. I was also pleased to know that Mr. Adams was a voracious reader, and made an impact far beyond most Americans will ever realize!”
“You should read the Alexander Hamilton biography by Ron Chernow, it'll provide you a little balance in evaluating everyone involved. Hamilton was as much a doer as Adams, but Adams had, although understandabler, a little bit of an arrogance with regard to his family having been so long established on the colonies. Likewise Hamilton had pride because of his ability, and because Adams and Jefferson had simplistic understandings of the capitalist system.Outside of authoring the Declaration along with Adams, and contributing the Bill of Rights along with Madison, Jefferson did not accomplish nearly as much as Adams and Hamilton did. Unfortunately Madison and Jefferson were teammates, and Adams and Hamilton rivals. There's a good possibility that had the northeast based Federalists dominated the first 100 years of the U.S. rather than the plantation based Anti Federalists from Virginia, slavery would likely have been done away with, rather than have expanded. Those extra 3/5's votes were just too good politically for Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe to surrender.”
“Read what David Nudo has to say about David McCullough: http://shelfari.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/03/what-is-a-natio.html”
“I agree that John Adams has been overlooked as a Founding Father. He has been overshadowed by Jefferson and Washington. He was probably much more instrumental in the early phase of the American Revolution then either Jefferson or Washington. However, his "failed" one term presidency is probably what led to his lack of acclaim. He was not a good manager as president and neither was he a good leader of the Federalists. ”
“An absolutely fascinating account of one of the least known Founding Fathers of the US. Of particular interest was the account of the relationship between Adams and Thomas Jefferson, whose relationship endured a roller-coaster of sorts and whose lives eventually ended on the same day. I highly recommend this book to any student of history.”
