Rating: 
Summary: Interesting biography of an uninteresting man
Review: This is a very readable book about John Adams, but I came away thinking just what I thought before of John Adams. He really isn't all that interesting.
That said, this book is far more interesting when dealing with the other characters involved. For example, we have Benjamin Franklin stabbing John Adams in the back, and we have Thomas Jeffereson stating that he needs his slaves for their labor to help pull him out of debt. We have the French trying to use the nearly independent United States for their own profit (not a big suprise there, eh?!). And the English trying to ignore the United States.
The author did a very good job making a book on John Adams interesting, but I found the interesting parts were about everything except John Adams. John Adams was just another politician, but he was different in that he was HONEST and was really concerned about his country more than his own interests. But we really don't learn why John Adams is so patriotic. Why did he take a chance on losing all he had to support the American Revolution--I don't know from reading this book. We also learn relatively nothing about Adams' early life before the Revolutionary time. In the end, this isn't so much a biography of Adams as it is a description of a segment of time in which Adams lived and the part he took in it.
I also found that the author tried to make Adams into a hero, which maybe he was, but the author did gloss over or totally ignored seemingly all of Adams faults, while giving us a glowing review of his better side. For example, whenever Adams has a problem with other people (Franklin, Jefferson, or whoever) it seems the other guy--never Adams--is to blame.
All in all, it is just an okay book. I am not sure why it has received so many glowing reviews. It is worth reading, but there are many other books concerning this time period that I think are better.
Rating: 
Summary: One of the Brothers
Review: "In the cold...New England winter, two men on horseback traveled the coast road below Boston, heading north. The temperature, according to records kept by Adams' former professor of science at Harvard, John Winthrop, was in the low twenties."One can almost hear the amiable yet dramatic tones of historian David McCullough, punctuated by paintings of New England blizzards and the sound of hoofbeats. (McCullough is a frequent narrator of documentaries, notably those of Ken Burns.) McCullough's familiar cadence resounds through this extremely well written best-seller. The details never slow the reading or obscure the portrait; instead, source materials (much of it from the Adams' personal letters) illuminate and concretize his subject. McCullough writes clearly, forcefully, and with an ear for detail, humor, and anecdote. Overall this is a flattering portrait of Adams' longtime service as lawyer, revolutionary, writer and philosopher, diplomat, politician, and farmer. The book could well have been subtitled: "An Appreciation," both because Adams demonstrates so much to admire (including integrity, erudition, patriotism, work ethic, and courage) and because McCullough either doesn't criticize Adams or couches his disapproval by leaving some issues open. Some readers may suspect a positive bias. Criticized and embattled by Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton--and by the libelous hyperbole of opposition newspapers and rivals--Adams takes on an almost martyr-like persona. To test McCullough's balance, one must read other books on both the Founders and the political culture of the times. Joseph Ellis' "Brothers of the Revolution," for example, is a more analytic, speculative, and impersonal book than "John Adams," and Ellis does not temporize on such issues as Jefferson's affair with Sally Hemmings. (McCullough: "for all the rumors . . . relatively little would ever be known." Ellis: "which was only confirmed beyond any reasonable doubt by DNA studies done in 1998 . . . "). Ellis engages in comparatively more "psychobiography" ("[Adams had] a congenital inability to separate his thoughts from his feelings about them"); McCullough resists theory, and relies more on the literal evidence of his source materials. Also, because it is a biography, we miss some history: Since Adams was an ambassador in Europe during the war, securing French naval assistance and Dutch money, there is little mention of the country's trials military victories in the latter years of the war. Hamilton's role in stabilizing the country through the Federalist papers and establishment of a central bank receive little attention. There is little question that Adams was, for the most part, the right man for the times, largely steering clear of both Republican and Federalist extremes. McCullough demonstrates that Adams was largely underappreciated by his contemporaries. More than Jefferson, Adams seems the man of the people, as well as the more flexible: Adams was an idealist when the times called for it; a pragmatist when they did not. McCullough includes some fascinating insights into Adams' personal life, especially his love, partnership, and correspondence with Abigail Adams and their son, John Quincy Adams. One comes away liking Adams, despite certain tempermental qualities implied by McCullough. The book documents just how well (and how often) Adams served his country, no matter what the inconvenience to himself or his family. Overall, the appreciation is well deserved. Readers will likely use this fine biography as a springboard to further investigations, such as Ellis' book. "John Adams" has 654 pages of text; additionally, there are black and white as well as color plates, extensive source notes, and a thorough index. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful introduction to American history
Review: As someone who eschewed learning and reading about American history for far too long, this book was a beautiful introduction to this significant historical period. Regardless of any publicly noted shortcomings, this book contained so many stories and references to events that I am drawn (if not compelled) to read, read, and read some more about the decades immediately preceding and following the period covered in the book. As well, reading this book and reflecting on the significant issues and events that took place during Adams' life, it was really eye-opening to think anew about recent political and world events. But above all, what I valued most about this book is that I was finally able to become completely immersed in so many aspects of an important historical figure's life, from the mundane to the profound, from the public to the private. It was a really wonderful experience!
Rating: 
Summary: some reservations about the book
Review: DAVID MCCOLOUGH ARE YOU READING THESE REVIEWS??????
I know your book won a Pulitzer prize, so it's hard to rag on it too much. And, yes, the book was extremely well-written and easy to read and full of lots of good and interesting information about John Adams, but after reading the 700 page tome I was still wondering how this guy managed to always be in the middle of things. I think it is pretty clear that the guy was truly irritating. Franklin called him "sometimes crazy and absolutely out of his mind", Washington ignored him as Vice-President and Hamilton practically ran things when Adams became President. Even Jefferson, his good friend from when they served together as envoys in Paris, eventually turned his back on him and ran against him for President.
Everyone hated or disparaged the guy, it seems, yet for some reason NOT EXPLAINED IN THE BOOK, he must have had some appeal to his constituents or else he would have perished. Otherwise, I don't see how a guy with what seemed scarcely any friends in the world managed to maintain his position at the top levels of government for so long. I assume....there was more to him.....
Rating:
Summary: McCullough's usual excellence
Review: I hate to say it, but I have so come to expect excellence from McCullough, that I find it unremarkable. Ever since his "Great Bridge", I have been enamored of his books. This one I found especially good because of my admiration for both the Adam's, and the fact the author has so humanized them both. My only criticism is that because he told only a little about their children (though telling it well), I now need to read more about THEM. The language has few flaws, the flow of events is told with the author's usual conversational ease, yet the language is elevated in all but a very few instances. I highly recommend this book for anyone with either a love of history or of biography.
Rating:
Summary: Insightful Biograhpy by One of America's Premiere Authors
Review: I have to admit that this is the first book by David McCullough that I have read. I am certainly glad that I did. Although reading the book may seem like a daunting task- it is over 600 pages long, it is well worth the time and effort. John Adams is a magnificent tale about one of the true hero's of the American Revolution. Written in a smooth flowing style, this book provides the reader with insight into early American history. John Adams lives the American dream, by rising from obscurity to become the second President of the United States. The best part of the book are the letters that the author uses to give a glimpse of early America. Written mainly by John and Abigail Adams these letters give you a sense of the thoughts, feeling, motivations, and beliefs of those involved with the creation of America. The other interesting facet of the book is the contrast McCullough draws between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Although, Jefferson is remembered as a more important man, and better President, the books indicates that John Adams may in fact have been the better of the two. While others seem willing to achieve their political ends by whatever means necessary, Adams remains true to his values, and sincere in his dealings. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in early American history. It has already won the Pulitzer Prize, and will remain a classic for years to come.
Rating:
Summary: Yankee Doodle Pit Bull
Review: I recently re-read two biographies. The other is Edmund Morris's biography of Theodore Roosevelt. However greatly their two subjects differ, both are written with the narrative skills of a novelist, the discipline of a consummate historian, and an objectivity which enables the reader to absorb and digest the abundance of information without manipulation by the biographer. Whereas Morris limits his attention to a period which extending from 1901 when Roosevelt became President after McKinley was assassinated until 1908 when Roosevelt vacated that office rather than seek another term, McCullough examines Adams' entire life (1735-1826). I was especially interested in McCullough's portrayal of Abigail Adams' many admirable, in some instances heroic qualities, notably her courage and determination when separated for extended periods of time from her beloved husband. McCullough also offers a vivid, sometimes poignant portrayal of the great personal sacrifices which John Adams also made during the years preceding and following the Declaration of Independence. McCullough carefully Adams' relationships with Washington (with whom he served as Vice President for eight years) and, of course, with Jefferson whom McCullough reveals to be -- at times -- a selfish and self-serving (when expedient, hypocritical) person who was unwilling and/or unable to make the same personal sacrifices in service of the new nation which others did. Adams made certain that the government in which he served sustained a delicate but essential balance between and among "an independent executive authority, an independent senate, and an independent judiciary power, as well as an independent house of representatives." Adams lived until the age of 90, the longest life of any President. Eventually, he and Jefferson re-established their friendship. Both Jefferson died on the same day: July 4, 1826...the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This is indeed an epic biography as well as a probing and comprehensive examination of the society in which Adams lived. McCullough enables his reader to accompany Adams throughout what was, arguably, the most stressful and productive period of American history. Drawing upon a wealth of research resources, including correspondence and especially the letters which Abigail and John Adams exchanged, he is also able to reveal the defining qualities of Adams' character which were not always evident in his interaction with others. Even those who found his company on occasion intolerable also noted and admired his impeccable integrity. Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to read Ellis' Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams and Ferling's Setting the World Ablaze: Washington, Adams, Jefferson and the American Revolution.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Book
Review: It has been said that "ignorance is bliss", and in my case it must be true. Considering some of the critical diatribes that have preceded my review I am gratefully unenlightened as regards the fineries of writing biographical history. I love this book precisely for some of the reasons previously stated by it's critics. McCullough takes me into the "the physical feel of Adams's life and times -- how it must have felt to ride horseback from Braintree, Massachusetts, to Philadelphia in January of 1776, for example" or enduring the insufferable heat, black flies and the deaths of thousands annually from smallpox epidemics. Mr. McCullough is indeed a great story teller and the context he provides in telling Adams story was/is fascinating to me. I could say much more on a positive note about the book but I will close by simply stating that I can open this book at any time to any page and have an enjoyable reading experience. Thank you for this wonderful book Mr. McCullough.
Rating: 
Summary: Questionable Objectivity, Good Writing
Review: It's said that all biographers fall in love with their subjects, but McCullough is particularly guilty of this. The book is well-written and comprehensive, but McCullough skews the book too much in Adams' favor, lauding his accomplishments but minimizing some major flaws in his character and career (admiration for monarchy, distrust of popular democracy (including forcible suppression of his enemies), and his Alien and Sedition Acts that subverted the Bill of Rights).
McCullough shows the same fawning admiration and lack of balance in his biography of Harry S. Truman.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing biography
Review: John Adams is long but an absolutely beautiful biography. McCullough gives life to a man who, despite his amazing accomplishments, is often overlooked when history teaches about the American Revolution and the founding of our country. Adams, our second President, is not often given the credit he deserves as the so-called voice of the Declaration of Independence (being the loudest supporter of it in the Continental Congress), ambassador during and immediately after the Revolution, and our second President during the quasi-war with France under Napoleon.
Adams is often depicted as stubborn to the point of being obnoxious, but McCullough shows his humanity through his diary and correspondences with his wife Abigail, showing him as one our countries most thoughtful and intelligent founders who stuck with his positions and argued strongly to support them.
After reading this book, you will come away with a much better understanding of a man that history has in some ways overlooked, as well as a better understanding of the history of the time and other people involved. Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Hamilton and many more were a part of Adams' life and therefore are a part of this book. The book is very well written, rich in detail, and there is little doubt you will leave this book with a great amount of respect for our second President. It is a long read, but without a doubt well worth it. This is one of my favorite books, and definitely my favorite non-fiction book.
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