First Family: Abigail and John Adams Audiobook

" Much better than I expected, given low expectations grounded both in my general dislike of John Adams (stemming from his irredeemable arrogance and my loyalty to Virginia). Less about Adams as a man (although there's plenty of that) and more about the European side of the Revolutionary War (too often ignored), the machinations of government, and the rise of political parties. "

" 3.5 stars. Good book. Author did a good job of constructing their life with little surviving correspondence. At times, felt like I was reading a text book, yet overall a good read. "

" Easy to read historical perspective of an interesting relationship during the formation of our country. "

" If you like history, this is a good one. Abigail Adams is my hero; strong and smart. Great insight into their marriage,family and the beginnings of our country. "

" I really like Joseph Ellis. His engaging style is both informative and entertaining. I especially liked looking at John and Abigail Adams as individuals through the prism of their marriage and relationship. I would have given this book five stars for the writing and structure, but I feel like a lot of it was stuff I already knew. I'm not sure it adds any new angles or insights into either person. Still, it's well-written and very interesting. Thank you to John and Abigail for leaving behind so many papers and letters! "

" America's first presidential couple to reside in The White House, and our quintessential couple. Best friends and completely in love, they guided each other thru the trials and tribulation of a burgeoning nation, familial success, and irrevocable heartache. "

" There are many biographies of John and Abagail Adams. But this is the first one I am aware of that focuses on their relationship. Ellis gives a new perspective on John's personality and Abagail's insights. A must read for those interested in this famous couple. "

" I really enjoyed this book because this is the kind of history I love - it brought John & Abigail to life and made them very real. You get a good sense of who they were and the sacrifices they both (and their family) made for the founding of this country. "

" After the Revolution it's not as exciting. Still worth reading , though. "

" Again this is a great evening read... and it gave just enugh insight about other America "legends" that I would want to read more about other figures in history. "

" The best part of a trip to the bookstore is finding a new Joseph Ellis book. I so enjoyed his book on Adams, making this book a welcome find indeed. I recommend all of his books. "

" I learned so much about these two people and how much they influenced our history and who we are as a country today. John Adams was not always correct in his views or his predictions but was amazingly spot on more often than not. Incredible life and man "

" I knew buying this it would be a hard sale. All I have to say is, "David McCullough". "

" John and Abigail's letters allow Elllis to show life as it actually was lived among the revolutionary set. "

" I really enjoy this period of American history, and I particularly enjoy the writing of Joseph Ellis. I found the book very engaging and I recommend it to anyone interested in the Founding Fathers and the American Revolution. "

" Interesting and very informative. Tedious at times. "

" A good biography of a very close and influential couple. What a wonderful story of a strong marriage and their sacrifices at the beginning of our nation "

" I really enjoyed the insights this book gave me into them as a couple and on their lives. I've read David McCollough's book and I do not feel one replaces the other. "

" Another take on the Adams family- one.with a focus on the domestic side of their lives. Not as good as the mccullough book. "

" Abigail seems like my kind of lady. "

" Insightful history of the Revolution and their marriage. Moving at times and yet still very real. Ellis' writing style is engaging without being sensational. "

" The most personal and emotional account I have read of the Adam's family. "

" Such a wonderful love story - although Ellis can be hyperbolic at times, I enjoyed this audiobook. Never realized Jefferson was such a jerk... "

" An interesting, insightful look at the relationship between John and Abigail, as revealed in their letters. I used to think that Abigail was my role model for enduring long separations; I'm glad this book wasn't around 27 years ago for me to realize how hard it was for her. "

" I knew buying this it would be a hard sale. All I have to say is, "David McCullough". "

" This gives a slightly different perspective on John and Abigail Adam's than the David McCullough version. Loved the book. Wish history was taught more this way than a few dry paragraphs in a textbook. I think you will like this book if you enjoy reading about history. "

" After the Revolution it's not as exciting. Still worth reading , though. "

" An interesting insight into the personal lives of a couple at the center of the founding of the US. "