“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.”
“I beg to differ zonkey face. Hamilton! what a criminal. Franklin yes I admire Jefferson a deep character hard to get to know but Adams was a doer, why when he went off to France the first time with his son , both he and his wife were doing this for the good of his Country, he was broke amost all the money he made from his law practise gone to feed his family. My humble oppinion is if not for Adams, the American people today would be singing "God save the Queen" and that is an awfu thought. My husband had always admired Hamilton for intance until he found out what he really was. A small man who would have if he could have been king of these new States United.Jefferson hated Hamilton because he could see him for what he was.Sheila”
“I could not put this book down. I find President Adams Snr. a good honest decent man and yes a good President maybe a abit misunderstood. Oh that we had such men as he around today to fill the position of President of The United States. John also enjoyed something very rare, both he and his wife were devoted companions all their lives and he was well aware he needed her help and advise she was indeed a Great Woman and he was a Great Man.I feel sad he was not given his due but like today unless you are a handsome colorful character with friends in high places often you amount to nothing due to lack of um what is it..star quality mass appeal. John Adams was as he himself said..Plain John Adams. I see him as good honest John Adams and there are few of those around today to fill the role of President.Sheila”
“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.”
