Book Reviews

First Family: Abigail and John Adams
By Joseph J. Ellis

When I first started to study soil science, I spent time reading about the “fathers of soil science”. The early pioneers in the discipline. You’ve probably had a similar experience in whatever you claim as your scientific discipline. Spurred by my husband’s continuous singing of songs from the Hamilton Broadway Musical, I realized that I didn’t remember too much about the founding of our country. Now that I work predominantly in policy, I thought I should go back and learn more about how our government came to be.

A quick online search reveals that Abigail Adams was not only a wife to the first Vice President and second President of the United States, but she was also his most trusted adviser. From early in his career, John Adams relied on his wife for political and professional feedback. I enjoyed reading about John and Abigail’s relationship dynamics as parents and confidantes, alongside tracking the early political history of the United States, from the Revolutionary War to the formation of the first two political parties - the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists.

Though they may have been the most recognized political couple until the 20th century, John and Abigail’s family was fairly dysfunctional. This book discussed the impact of John’s European stations on his four children and their struggles in adulthood. The challenge of work and life balance is not a new concept, and was an issue for this early political family.

If you’re looking for a fairly brief overview of President Adams and his family, the founding fathers, and early diplomatic relations between the United States, England, and France, I highly recommend this book. The additional information about John’s wife and children allow you to really understand his perspective and what life looked like in the late 1700s.

Finished: April 12, 2020
Media: Audiobook