I finished reading “John Adams” by David McCullough quite some time ago now. I loved it! My dear friends and family probably got quite tired of hearing me constantly ramble on about Mr. Adams while I read about him and shortly after. I used to go on forever about him. I still do at times. It was while reading this book that I wrote “Proverbs and John Adams” as well as “John Adams, King David and Fatherhood”. As much as I loved the book however, when it came to writing a review, I was daunted. For some reason, I didn’t know how or where to begin. Then I posted a list of all the books I had read in recent months, asking if there were any that my readers would like me to review – three requests were made and among them was one for “John Adams”. So, without further ado I will commence…

David McCullough is a contemporary author, born in Pennsylvania in July of 1933. He is married and the father of five children. He has written several books about history including “1776” and “Mornings on Horseback”.

“John Adams” was published in 2001 by Simon & Schuster Paperbacks. It is divided into three parts and twelve chapters. Excluding the acknowledgements, source notes, bibliography and index, the book is 651 pages. It does however include an immense list of source notes for each chapter and a complete bibliography.

In “John Adams”, Mr. McCullough seeks to give the reader a good look at the man who became our first vice-president and second president. Quoting extensively from Mr. Adams’ letters, journals, speeches and other writings, the reader is shown the struggles, victories, trials and triumphs of one of our founding fathers. Beginning with his birth and ending with his death, you will witness his love for his parents, his farm, his children, his wife and his God. Mr. Adams’ was one of, if not the one most prominent figure, who worked for the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. A man who loved his farm and fields, he only entered public life because he felt it was it duty. His letters to his wife are filled with love for her and their children as well as a longing for home. The personality and character of Mrs. Abigail Adams is shown, as well as that of her husband. A strong but loving wife, Mrs. Adams’ was truly the best friends and help meet of her husband. As well as a close up view of Mr. Adams and his family, the reader will get to see much of Thomas Jefferson, both as a young man and an old man as well as a detailed outline of the Revolutionary days and the early years of the United States of America.

This is probably one of the best books that I have ever read for history. It is engaging, intriguing and immensely interesting. I don’t think I could pick a favorite part.

Don’t let the size daunt you. The book is long but worth it. I would very highly recommend this book!

We also carry this book in the History category of our Amazon aStore, which you can visit here!

To the KING be all the glory!

We are still continuing our study of the history and literature of the United States of America… It seems to be an ongoing, never ending subject. Actually – I have really enjoyed the history (once I got myself into it!) and found the history of our country to be just as intriguing (perhaps more so) than that of the European countries – with the exception of Scotland… I love Scotland! :) Nearly a year ago a friend of mine suggested I read the book “See Here, Private Hargrove” by Marion Hargrove. (it was the same person who suggested I read “Private Yankee Doodle”) His description made me interested – and skeptical – but when his sister offered to lend me the book, I accepted and began reading it shortly after. I liked the book so much that I flipped through it a second time and am now reading it to Bethany. As per request, here is my review…

Edward Thomas Marion Lawton Hargrove, Jr. was born on October 13 1919 in North Carolina, USA and dies from complications of pneumonia on August 23, 2003 at the age of 84. He was the father of six children. He was the author of a couple of books and several screenplays in his lifetime including the ever popular “The Music Man” with Robert Preston and episodes of the old western TV show favorite “Maverick”.

“See Here, Private Hargrove” was first published in 1942 by Henry Holt and Company. The copy I read was published the following year (1943) by The Sun Dial Press. It is divided into 71 sections, each containing a story or “vignette” that stand alone, yet with the others. This book is 211 pages long.

In “See Here, Private Hargrove” Marion Hargrove, writer for the “Charlotte News” is drafted into the army around the time of World War II. In this book he journals his supposed experiences at Fort Bragg. From KP to rifle cleaning, trash can painting to fertilizing plants, Private Hargrove always seemed to make a tale out of everything! His perpetual forgetfulness and his aptitude to not follow orders, gets him into trouble – all woven into a comedic tale filled with sarcasm and half hearted complaints.

I enjoyed this book a lot and found it very entertaining. On a cautionary note: this book does contain some vulgar language, otherwise it is an excellent book to read!

To the KING be all the glory!

It’s been so long since I posted one… I simply haven’t been in the mood for writing them lately and now I’m so far behind – that it’s a daunting task to even think about trying to catch up!! I thought I would post a list of the books that I have read since my last review with no particular intentions of reviewing them but if there is one that you would like me to review, just let me know and I’ll do my best to comply as soon as possible. I may still review some of them on my own too – we’ll see… So the list of what I have read in the last four/five/maybe six months:

John Adams (A splendid book!! I loved it!)
See Here, Private Hargrove (Another good book!)
The first seven books of the Love Comes Softly series (Pretty good.)
Mr. Revere and I (A children’s book that I was not overly fond of.)
For the Temple (A really good Henty Book)
A Christmas Carol (To my siblings – Already reviewed it!)
Ishmael (To my siblings – Another good book!)
Calico Bush (Another children’s book – It was alright)
Nourishing Traditions (For my herb/nutrition studies. Highly recommended!)

So… I guess part of my problem is that there are a few books on this list that I just – don’t want to review. The children’s books I read (they weren’t worth a review!) and the “Love Comes Softly” series, which though I liked, I don’t really want to review… Hmm… I might review a few of these… Are there any you all want to hear about?

To the KING be all the glory!

For our study of the American Revolution, I read “1776” by David McCullough to Bethany. Due to lack of consistency in our reading times, it took us a very long time to get through it but we recently managed to finish.

David McCullough is a contemporary author, born in Pennsylvania in July of 1933. He is married and the father of five children. He has written several books about history including “John Adams” and “Mornings on Horseback”.

“1776” was published in 2005. The book that I read was published by Simon and Schuster in 2007. The actual book is 243 pages. Being the “illustrated edition” this book is unique by having copies of many of the original source documents in envelopes, between the pages. From letters by George Washington to the original printing of the Declaration of Independence, General Howe’s reports to those in charge in England, the copies are of immense interest (with transcriptions in the back of the book, for those who can’t read the handwriting on the copies).

“1776” is a minute account of the Revolutionary war during the same year. Based entirely on original documents and letters, Mr. McCullough writes with animation and interest. Beginning in the end of 1775, he follows events, ending with an American victory at the end of 1776. From the Battle of Bunker Hill to crossing the Delaware at night and surprising the Hessians, the movements of the two armies are fully documented.

I liked this book very much and enjoyed reading it. I liked how Mr. McCullough, showed both sides of the war. He constantly showed the American’s perspective and the English perspective regarding the same matters.

I would highly recommend this book!

To the KING be all the glory!