David McCullough on John Adams

So I am wrapping up my reading of David McCullough's book, John Adams (Simon and Schuster, 2001), and must say that it is one of the best books I have ever read. I don't mean that it is one of the best biographies I have ever read, but one of the best overall books I have ever read. This is the second book by McCullough that I have read (1776 being the other) and I have fallen in love with his writing style. I usually find biographical and historical works to be dry and blandly written, but McCullough's works are different; his books read more like a story.

From his massive contributions to our country during the American Revolution, through his time as foreign diplomat, and to his presidency and beyond, the book takes the reader on a journey through a large portion of the second president's life. One of the great side stories of the book is the one that familiarizes the reader with Abigail Adams, the president's fiercely loyal and brilliant wife, who was a woman before her time.

So if you've got the time or even if you don't, I recommend picking this book up and getting to know Mr. and Mrs. Adams as you never have before. Enjoy!

(I believe that Powell's bookstore in Portland has the book on sale for $8.)