I just finished this great book about John Adams. As most of the reviewers have said, I have a whole new appreciation for this great man. While he could be cantankerous, vain, jealous, and biting with his words, he was also a great friend, lover, and a man with a tremendous amount of integrity. He was truly the kind of person who always did what he thought was right, even if it was unpopular. (Defending the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre.) Most of the time he was right and, in reading this book, I discovered how ahead of his time he was and how our government today is probably closest to his idea of government than any of the other founding fathers.

My favorite parts of the book are, of course, the details of his relationship with Abigail. She was brilliant and quite ahead of her time. They truly were a partnership in a patriarchal time.

The most interesting part of the book was the relationship between Adams and Jefferson. I think history and DNA analysis have proven Adams was by far a better man. Close study of the two men reveal that Adams was passionate, all forgiving, humane, and a very poor politician because he always said what was on his mind and meant what he said. Jefferson was, in many ways, his polar opposite. While they shared many common interests and passions (like books) they were so very different at the core. Jefferson was extremely hypocritical, self-centered, and the consummate politician. I hope more people read about John Adams and give him the credit he deserves!