John Adams by David McCullough Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of John Adams
Book Review: Is it a biography on John Adams, or a hagiography?
Summary: 3 Stars
First, the good news. David McCullough writes well, albeit long-windedly (more on this below). You'll learn more about the personal life of John Adams (and Abigail, for that matter) than you ever dreamed, including his rather bizarre and extraordinary up and down relationship with Thomas Jefferson. Obviously, any book written about revolutionary times can hardly help but be interesting, considering the legendary dramatis personae and the exhilirating events. So even though McCullough often seemingly tries hard to slow down the story, it does, indeed, excite at times.
Now here's the bad news: McCullough seems obsessed in his quest to present us with the "real" John Adams, by relating every excruciating detail and minutia of trivial events. Mr. McCullough, we get it! We know how faithful John was to Abigail and how much they loved each other throughout their lives! Why the need to tell us about it over and over again? This is but the most egregious example of my general on-going observation that McCullough's editors must fear their perhaps too highly renowned master, because apparently, not one word was edited out.
Second, "John Adams" is not so much a biography as a (very lengthy) essay, or hagiography, which should have been entitled something like "Why John Adams was clearly greater, more virtuous and wiser than the other Founding Fathers, who are all overrated." In writing this book, there is no question in my mind that McCullough had an agenda. He basically adopted Adams as his favorite Founding Father, and was attempting to justify his position. So even Adams' critical points (i.e. "The Alien and Sedition Acts," or his well known tendency of being pompous and judgmental) are turned by the author into strengths. As one might expect, Jefferson and, to a lesser extent, Hamilton, serve as the foil, and McCullough does his best to knock them down a peg or two. While Adams obviously made substantial contributions to the birth of the nation, McCullough has this annoying habit of over-stating them even when he doesn't have to.
Of course, many biographies I've read have the problem described in the last paragraph: the biographer tends to fall in love with his/her subject. What would be interesting to me is to see a debate between McCullough and perhaps Willard Sterne Randall (representing Jefferson) and Ron Chernow (representing Alexander Hamilton) concerning who was the hero and who the real scoundrel. Heck, there's even a writer or two that will make an argument of the greatness and nobility of Aaron Burr!
In short, "John Adams" will probably be enjoyed by any buff of this time period, but a better, more accurate, more unbiased, and more concise account could (and should) have been written.
Book Review: Revolutionizes your understanding of America's birth
Summary: 5 Stars
An incredible book! I had little knowledge concerning John Adams before reading this and now I understand his critical role in the birth of our nation. The book also opened my eyes regarding the founding of our country. I have a greater respect and admiration for our founding fathers and their great sacrifices. I had no idea of the incredible opposition they faced from within our own Congress and people. This book has radically changed my understanding of the founding of our nation and given me a greater appreciation for the incredible events that led to the birth of our country. I am also in awe of Abigail Adams and her wisdom and sacrifices on behalf of our nation. This has become one of my all-time favorite books and I highly recommend it to anyone. In the past I have not particularly cared for history, but now I can't wait to read more!Book Review: Get this one!
Summary: 5 Stars
I searched and located this book after seeing the HBO miniseries. I now see why this book has received so many accolades and awards. The author has researched and triangulated the facts of the lives of not only John and Abigil Adams but also revealed to us the lives of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and many others who were the basis of the development of our nation. As I read the book, I found it to be so well written that I hung on every word because I did not want to miss any part it. Whether you are a writer trying to learn your craft or whether you just want a good rainy day read...this book fits the bill. I now classify it as one of my favorite books. Book Review: An easy to read, well written, thought-provoking book
Summary: 5 Stars
I have only lately picked up this biography; I purchased it on my Kindle for an international airline flight. I read it through, quickly becoming entranced. The book focuses more on the thinking and motivation of Adams, his wife Abigail, and to a lesser extent the people around them. I found it so moving that my wife and I selected it as a book we would read aloud to each other, so I am now reading it for the second time. We have often speculated aloud whom we are more like--Adams, Jefferson, etc. The book has kindled anew my love of history and well written biographies, and would be a great read for a young student, to show them how character can strongly influence a nation.Book Review: John Adams
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an awesome book and gives incredible insight to the challenges and issues that faced our founding fathers. Just the difficult decisons that they were forced to make and the sacrifices required of them makes for an awesome story.