John Adams by David McCullough

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Occasionally, I like to take a break from fiction and read about real people, often historic figures who contributed to significant events in history, especially those involving the U.S.--in other words, the Founding Fathers.  However, I sometimes find such biographies dull and have, at least in one case, quit reading half way through the book.  Such is not the case with David McCullough's John Adams.

McCullough masterfully brings to life a man who was highly intelligent and independent, at times vain and temperamental, always loving and loyal to friends and family, and dedicated to the founding of the United States of America. Of course, McCullough covers all the major political events of Adams's life, but he also makes Adams human, depicting his close relationship to his wife, Abigail, and his children as well as his long and sometimes tumultuous friendship with Thomas Jefferson.

Overall, McCullough has written a biography that reads like a novel. Engaging and informative, John Adams is worth reading if you have an interest in understanding one of the greatest men in the history of the United States.



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