My friend Kevin let me borrow the biography of John Adams by David McCullough and I enjoyed it immensely. A little while ago I read the book “1776″ by McCullough, and enjoyed it not only because its been a while since I read about the battles of the revolution, but also because his style is to draw the story from diaries, letters, and original texts which give you more then just the facts, but sort of an inside picture. McCullough does the same thing with John Adams, and he is wonderfully facilitated in this by the thousands of letters that were written between Adams and his wife and relatives and the statesman of the day, including many from Thomas Jefferson.

As with 1776, McCullough manages to keep the reader in suspense concerning what is going to happen next, especially for someone like me who hasn’t studied the era for a while. In talking about Adams life you learn a lot about the early days of the Revolution, the second continental congress and the declaration of independence, America’s alliance with France, and the life of Thomas Jefferson. Adams was a very outspoken person, and so in his letters we get insights on almost everyone and everything that Adams came in contact with.

The greatest thing that this book did for me was the way it showed just what an amazing person John Adams was, and how much he did for our country when there was so much to do. He was not only extremely dedicated and hardworking, but he was willing to work endless hours to further a cause that he believed in, despite much opposition and discouragement. After reading this biography you will come away sure that if it weren’t for John Adams this country would not be what it is today. It would either be a part of England still, or else if it was independent it most likely would not have the strong government structure that it does and would not be able to stand up the way it does.

John Adams was not only an extremely hard working man, but he was also upright and honest to the core. The early days of this country were marked by backstabbing and underhandedness between statesmen, and it wasn’t long before politics split into parties and politicians rose up who were not concerned for the good of the country but instead sought position and power. John Adams would have none of that. Never did he behave underhandedly or speak behind others backs, never did he manipulate situations or even campaign for a single position, and as President he refused to be sueded by one party or the other. He made known what he believed in, and it was only ever for the greatest possible good of our country.

Sometimes when you read a mans biography you come away disappointed in what you find out. In the case of John Adams, the closer you look the more amazing the man becomes, and it becomes more and more clear that God kept John Adams in order to use him for the good of this country. He ought to be forever remembered for all that he was able to accomplish.

It has been one whole year since my first post to thebradlands, December 15th, 2005. I would like to thank my mom and dad, for bringing me into this world. Also my producer/ providor/ spellchecker/ factchecker Warren Myers. Of course I’d like to thank Jillian who has stuck with me through thick and thin and has helped me with my Spanish. And lastly all my fans who have made it fun for me to write knowing that you care enough to check by and read. Blogging has been a great way to vent my excitement in lots of different areas. Hopefully reading has energized you, and thebradlands has been an instrument to get you excited about life.

Recently I finished reading a book that I borrowed from a friend of mine called “1776″ by David McCullough. As you can guess it is the story of the year 1776 in America, the first full year of the American Revolution. It follows the American and British armies during their struggles and battles, and zooms in on individuals like George Washington and Nethaniel Green and some of the British like General Howe.

The book is written in narative fashion, but McCullough does more then just tell what happened. He constantly refers to sources. In speaking about the conditions of the army in any given place he will quote letters that the soldiers wrote to their wives, or accounts they might have left in their journals. The book is filled with first hand accounts of what happened, but it doesn’t ever lose its momentum or its flow. It reads very quickly, and holds you captivated, constantly wondering who will come through the winner. Although I studied the revolution in high school, I must confess that I dont remember much of what i learned. Reading McCullough’s account of Washingtons siege of Boston, I was in a state of suspense. The genius of Washnington’s taking Dorchester Hights was thrilling, and McCullough had me totally hooked.

The only disapointing thing is that the book ends so quickly. It only covers from the end of ‘75 into the first months of ‘77, and the war continued for 6 years afterwards. I wish there were six more volumes so that I could find out what happened in the end! (ok I know, the good guys win) Another book by McCullough is called “John Adams” and it has been recommended to me. I would definately like to read it, in case anyone wants to get it for me for Christmas 0=) Anyway just thought I’d put in that plug for the book, since I enjoyed it so much, and may it inspire you as it inspired me to go back and re-learn the American history that you forgot from high school.