I just finished John Adams by David McCullough. I had heard good things about this book and I love history (I know you are all thinking I am a nerd now) especially American history so I gave it a go.
David McCullough obviously does his homework, almost every page has references to letters or journal entries from John Adams or his family. While it seems like this would slow the book down, for me it did just the opposite and fascinated me that I was reading actual thoughts and feeling from John Adams himself.
John Adams was a frugal, hard working man, he believed in education and bought and read every book he could get his hands on. He was the type of person that did not see grey, only black and white, right and wrong. His greatest accomplishment was the Declaration of Independence and more specifically the Bill of Rights. While the Declaration was penned by Jefferson, he suggested it, led debates on what it should say, and Jefferson borrowed the Bill of Rights written by Adams for Massachusetts. Obviously he was inspired by God for this great work of establishing a Republic that has lasted almost 250 years.
Interestingly enough, I think most of the other stuff he did in his life was subpar. As ambassador to France during the war, he was outcast, leaving Franklin to secure the funds that won the war. As George Washington's Vice President he took the first six months of the first ever presidency to debate what title should be given each office. This was not only a waste of time but was exactly why we fought the war, to rid ourselves of Kings and Queens or families born with titles making them entitled by birthright. As President he signed the alien and sedition act making it legal to jail journalist that said bad things about the president, so much for the first amendment.
One of the more amazing facts to me was that Adams and Jefferson both died on the same day. Adams in Massachusetts and Jefferson in Virgina July 4th 1826, exactly 50 years to the day of signing the Declaration of Independence. This was either a huge coincidence or a sign from God and I don't believe in coincidence.
This is a book worth reading.
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2 comments:
I made a new years resolution 5 years ago to read a biogrphical book about a President of the U.S. every month until I had read them all. I finished exactly 2 Lincoln and Washington. I will wait until there is a movie made of the rest. Non-fiction, however, is definitely more interesting than vampires and magicians.
Hey Bubba, I really enjoyed John Adams, too. For me, it's easier to listen to McCullough books on CD because I can do it while doing other stuff (like fix dinner, fold laundry...). Have you read 1776 yet? If you like John Adams, you'll love 1776.
Can you recommend anything about George Washington?
:-) -Nicole M.
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