The letters are lovely and a really interesting peak into the Adams' relationship, but an opportunity was missed to heighten the experience with a little editorial context. What were the secret happenings in the Continental Congress that John alluded to but couldn't spell out in so many of his letters? What was happening in the world when Abigail wrote to John that the price of molasses had skyrocketed? Presented in their nearly naked form, they will appear to some casual readers, but probably more to the casual historian. ( )

Abigail Adams is my new heroine. I love the humor, the intelligence, the pathos that she possess and how easily it is to relate to this woman. But what makes it even better is that John loved her too! Take that, people who say that marriage to one person for a lifetime is impossible! And they spent so much time away from each other. . . and it still worked! Reading this book is an immersion into the culture, the worries, the lives and the love of the Adams.
All this definitely came at a price. You see this as their children grow older. Also, it rather deepens your guilt if you aren't a good record keeper. As I read this, I was torn between wishing that they had enjoyed the benefit of telephones. But at the same time if they had used telephones, they wouldn't have left behind these wonderful records.

P. S. Check out the sly little references in their courtship days. . . Shocking. :D ( )

It was an interesting read of personal dynamics between one of America's first power couples. It is interesting both in what they talk about and what they do not. ( )

Entrancing. Major crack for the romantic, American history-loving romantic.

Like any good New England girl, I have a total crush on John Adams. He's got a special place in my Massachusetts heart. So does Abigail, and their story as a couple. All of which makes it hard for me to not really really love this book. That said, I think some of the veil got pulled away from my eyes with these primary sources.

Oh, John Adams, you make me so conflicted sometimes. ( )