A long and slow read. A thorough overview of our second president, who thus far has been severely overlooked. Readers really get to know him personally. ( )

Well worth the time. ( )

This is a starry-eyed biography of a president who has spent too many years in obscurity. David McCullough has rightly replaced John Adams in the pantheon of American Heroes and Founders, and this book and the subsequent TV miniseries have rightly re-popularized this crotchety, no holds barred, sharp tongued, quick witted, devoted husband and public servant, also known as His Rotundity. ( )

I finished this book during the beginning of labor with Max--it was that good. Such a quirky man, and what a great love story with Abigail (a fantastic woman). I read that Obama's reading it on his summer vacation at Martha's Vineyard--I give it 5 stars, Mr. President! ( )

This is the biography of John Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, a diplomat who won recognition for America from European nations, was elected as Vice President and then President of the United States. Following his life chronologically, both as a diplomat and husband, this book weaves the interactions Adams had, the friends he had and lost, and, importantly, regained. His marriage to Abigail was the base foundation he used to attain the major things he did for his and our nation.

I expected a long, dull account of a man whose name I knew, but whose life I did not. I was more than surprised when I was reluctant to put the book down. Adams' struggle to be always a man of integrity but not become vain with his successes was always with him. The author clearly had researched his topic and was able to provide a picture of John Adams, the man as well as a Founding Father of our nation. Besides the facts presented the writing was clear and easy to read. This book deserved the Pulitzer.

I would give this book 4 and one-half stars. ( )

I knew very little about the US Revolutionary War history before I started this book. Although I knew John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams had been presidents of the US, I don’t think I could have told anyone that the father was was the 2nd president and the son the 6th. And I thought that the late colonial and revolutionary war periods were sort of boring.

Well, I certainly was wrong about the boring part! McCullough’s splendid biography of Adams brings both periods to life and provides a fascinating account of the politics of the time (sleazy). He offers truly intriguing portraits of the prominent figures of the times: Jefferson ( a lot less noble than he is ordinarily made out to be); Washington (fairly inscrutable); and of course Adams himself along with his remarkable wife, Abigail. all these people and more and the times they lived in are vividly portrayed mostly though their own words. It was a letter-writing era, and some of the most important and most illuminating have survived. The correspondence between John and Abigail alone is worth reading the book. Abigail was no demure “little woman”, submissive and silent, leaving important matters to her husband. On the contrary, she was quite a match for John, who was one of the most erudite men of his age--more so, actually, than Jefferson.

Through these letters, between these prominent figures (and Abigail kept up a spirited correspondence of her own with Jefferson), we see the age and its issues in quite a different, more vibrant light than is usually taught in history books. Far from boring, it actually is thrilling; we know the end of the story, that US independence was won, a constitution framed and signed, and a young republic born. But how this was done--what the controversies were, the terrible odds against all of it coming to pass, the intrigues in England and France--are never exposed so thoroughly as in the letters that passed among all the principals.

I know that many times I’m tempted to think that US politics has never been worse than they are at the moment, that there have never been politicians of such low integrity, such partisanship as exist in our times. Actually, slander of all types--lies, smearing of reputations (the noble Jefferson was adept at this), blatant falsification of positions--was much worse right after the US was born that it is even now. And the US public was just as gullible, just as uninformed as it is now. McCullough does modern readers a service to point out the origin of these attitudes and behavior; while it may be depressing, it perhaps can give some comfort to know that modern US politics is no different from the way it’s always been, and that the basic issues have not changed. That may not be McCullough’s intent, perhaps; if not, then it is a serendipitous result of an affectionate look at the second president of the US.

It's also an account of a remarkable family--not just John and his wife, but their other children as well who, with the exception of the brilliant John Quincy, led tragic lives.

McCullough is not the best writer of the current crop of historians, but he is more than adequate for his subject. A very fine book--highly recommended. ( )

The insight and details of John Adams life (and the life of those around him) are simply exceptional. The writing style is easy to follow and the lack of footnotes or endnote numbers is much appreciated. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in better understanding our "founding fathers" who were by no means as "homogenesis" as frequently protrayed today. If you like this book, then you will certainly enjoy Mr. McCullough's other writings. ( )

I read this book for the first time on my first trip to Washington D.C. It reads as a novel would read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it engrossing. The first scene draws you in and immediately you realize how much the founders sacrificed for their beliefs in their country. They did this at a time when they could be hanged for those beliefs. Before reading this book, I had no idea of the role John Adams played in American History. I knew him as the 2nd President of the United States. After reading this book, my respect for John Adams has grown immensely. ( )

Before reading this book I knew virtually nothing about either Adams or the Am. Revolutionary War. Though this did not fully satisfy my yearning for information on the War, it definitely educated me about Adams, his place in history, his family, and the people and times in which he lived. McCullough, who has a wonderful way of telling his biographies, in an almost folksy style of writing, was greatly helped by the fact that the Adams family, which included Abigail, her sisters, John Quincy, and his children, had all saved their correspondence and donated it to a library for posterity. Adams and Abigail were constant letter writers and they saved the letters they received from others. So, although Jefferson had burned most of his early correspondence, was revealed through his correspondence with Adams and Abigail, which spanned two important times in their lives. There was much to admire about Adams, but he was very definitely human. He was very learned and had a great admiration for books and education, which he impressed on his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He had very simple tastes and loved most of all his wife, family, land, and books. Adams was a very forgiving man and embraced his frenemies after the dust had settled and connected with them again. His most famous frenemy was Thomas Jefferson, and after Adams made the first contact, they corresponded for years prior to their deaths. Both died on July 4, 1826, both had been signers of the Declaration of Independence, and both had framed the creation of the United States as a new and independent country. Recommended. ( )

Absolutely wonderful insight into an oft-forgotten patriot. Fabulously and descriptively written. I really got a sense of John Adams' emotions and worldview. ( )

This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. Although McCullough obviously admires (loves?) his subject he presents him realistically without down playing some of his “faults” that interfered often with his effectiveness and not shying away from describing areas where Adams was not as successful as he might have been. You get a rounded picture of both the private and public man who as much as possible remained true to his principles and his beliefs, including his religious beliefs. McCullough also give a very complete picture of the United States during its formative years and the many personalities that had a hand in shaping its beginnings. I knew very little about John Adams before reading this book and ended up admiring, yes even loving him and being astonished at how much he influenced the course of our nation. I also learned quite a bit more about Thomas Jefferson than I already knew and don’t think it is my imagination that leads me to believe that McCullough admired Adams more than Jefferson. I have never been a huge fan of Jefferson and this book didn’t change my mind. ( )

In a writing style that can't be beaten, David McCullough brings John Adams to life in such a way that you can't seem to want to put down the book! This is a highly unusual non-fiction book. Wish there were a lot more like it!

As usual for McCullough, well researched, but without any kind of prioritization. It's work a read, but I can't understand why they keep giving this guy the Pulitzer. ( )

Sure, it's an easy choice -- the Citizen Kane of biographies, universally admired, and perpetually in print. But it deserves every word of praise that's been written about it. And if you say you didn't enjoy it, you're just trying to buck the trend, mister.

McCullough originally set out to write a book about the relationship between Adams and Thomas Jefferson, but worried (he said later) that Adams might get lost in Jefferson's shadow. But the more research he did, the more he began to wonder whether Jefferson could truly stand up to Adams -- and changed the focus of the book to turn the spotlight solely on the second president.

It was a shrewd decision, and the right one. John Adams -- heck, all of McCullough's work -- is not only a great piece of storytelling, it's a user's manual for How To Do Biography Right. ( )

Adams is remembered today as the second president. Sometimes he is also remembered because until the Bushes, Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams were the only father-son combination to each serve as president. Sometimes he is remembered as a delegate to the convention in 1776. But this monumental book by David McCullough told me so much more about Adams than I ever knew.

This book really is monumental - over 700 pages. But for the most part, it didn't really feel too long. There were some great pictures in there, which helped a bit, but I think the main thing that made it a fun read is that there were so many stories; that's what I love to read.

I had read a little about Adams before, and about his wife, Abigail. But I loved the story of their courtship and their abiding love for each other. I was also interested to read of the complex relationship between Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Despite their serious differences, both men had an abiding respect for one another.

I couldn't help thinking that there are few such patriots around today. Patriotism is in fact a sort of code word that some political groups use to throw around, but most of us feel a little uncomfortable with such a concept. And yet how long would the United States have lasted if it weren't for unabashed patriots in the infancy of the country? Adams contributed much towards making the continuation of our country a possibility. He had enemies on almost every side, including his own cabinet, but he was able to leave a lasting legacy.

I gave this book 5 stars. It kept my attention, despite the size, and I felt that I knew so much more about John Adams than I did before I started. A really great book. ( )

I picked up this book because I was familiar with the author, David McCullough, and not so much because of its subject John Adams - although I do take an interest in history. The book was absolutely marvelous! It was not only in-depth, but held my attention. I was always eager to find out "what happened next." This one's making a home on my bookshelf! ( )

This book deserves it's award-status of the Pulitzer times two. McCullough is at his best. His narrative historical writing style never bores. I've read it three times and have listened to the audio version twice. Can't say enough good about it. The author is especially strong in writing in a way that helps the reader feel like s/he is experiencing the world of Adams as a contemporary.Too bad McCullough hasn't written a biography on all the Presidents although his Truman time also won the Pulitzer! ( )

This admiring, comprehensive biography is must reading for any student of the American Revolution, or anyone interested in American history at all. Also, it's the best biography I've ever read.

We follow Adams's career from his defense of the British soldiers in the Boston Massacre, to the two Continental Congresses, the wartime diplomatic missions, to his administration as his country's first-ever Vice President, and its second President. What the masterful David McCullough also gives us are the essential roles Adams played in bringing the country into being.

John Adams was vital to the selection of Washington to command the revolutionary army, to securing badly needed foreign funding during the war, along with Ben Franklin choosing Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence, and most impressive on an impressive list, the design of the three houses of government, the Legislative, the Judicial, and the Executive through the drafting of the Constitution.

We rightfully call Washington the Father of his Country. We need to find a distinguishing nickname for Adams, like the Godfather of his Country, or the cranky old Great-Uncle of his Country. Something.

I came away from the book with a very deep appreciation of Adams, obviously. So will you. This is must reading. ( )

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Slow going on the reading. I'm not a history buff, but I never got lost about the history. The content was well explained and I enjoyed the writing style. I aspire to write as well. ( )

It is a true shame that John Adams did not get the credit for which he was due because he was squeezed between the presidencies of Washington and Jefferson. This book by David McCullough displays the fortitude and greatness of the man who helped build our nation.
The narrative shows the life that started him on his road from his early life until his end. He is shown to be the true patriot, apparently hanging on to life to reach the 4th of July anniversary.
It amazes me how the author is able to bring to life not only President Adams' abilities as a diplomat but his attributes as a person, husband, father, grandfather.
I personally never really thought much about John Adams since he was so overshadowed by Washington and Jefferson. I now have had to rethink my appraisal and move him up on the greatness scale. His efforts throughout his life to always think more of what was better for the fledgling nation then for himself makes him indeed a great man. ( )

Well deserves the Pulitzer prize it received. ( )

This biography in an indepth and illuminating look into the life of a president whose accomplishments have been overshadowed by those of the presidents who served before and after. A man whose life directly affected the future of the country. John Adams struggle to establish his own presidential identity as he emerged from the shadow of his revered predecessor. The author's portrait of Adams, is one of a patriot, in the truest sense of the word. The descriptions and accounts of Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin, among others, as well as those of utmost importance in the Adams family: Abigail, John's love and trusted partner, and son John Quincy. This book traces Adams's life from childhood through his many critical, heroic, and selfless acts during the Revolution, his vice presidency under Washington, and his own term as president, a man widely regarded in his time as the equal of Jefferson, Hamilton, and all of the other Founding Fathers is revealed. This should be a must read. ( )