Really 3 and a half. I've come to the conclusion that life back then was just as crazy as life today in some ways. ( )

general observations:
told from Abigail's perspective
great personality-writing
Abigail's brightness, help, interest 309
not much political philosophy but some 320
I know them now
grasp of era (seeming) 290, 310, 312, 315, 522
history facts woven in 303, 306
realistic w/o over-graphic 285
John Adams was not socially graceful

quintessence: 644-5
She had listened to him exorcise his almost unbearable hurt. But this last turn of the screw she would not permit him.
"Without your strength in the presidency, John, there might not have been an independent United States to turn over to Jefferson and the Republicans."
The empty room echoed her cry of protest. He flashed her a look of endearment, rose again and walked the length of the Oval Room, stopping at the fireplace, his hands locked behind his back. Now his face flamed with indignation.

He buried his face in his hands.
"The ingratitude kills my soul. All I wanted was one more term. A peaceful four years to prove our country can expand, grow prosperous. To be part of this new capital city. Then I could have retired to Quincy in honor. I feel humiliated, dismissed."
"We have wanted to serve, John. And we have served. There is now a capital called Washington City, of a nation called the United States; it is a long way from the injustices of the Stamp Act. Your courage, your vision, your dedication have brought us far from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. With His help you have been part of building the freest civilization the world has ever known. It's all there for the world to read: the documents, the reports, the constitutions, the treaties, the laws. All that King George's 'brace of Adamses' fought for and won. You are a historian, John. You know history will say that."

"Thank you, Miss Abigail, for the wonderful gifts of life you have brought me over the years."
She replied softly, "Life is for those who love."
There was a knock on the door. William Shaw was summoning him. When John had closed the door behind him, she wept.

Superb.

The author notes that it took 4 1/2 years of research and writing to complete this biography of John and Abigail Adams, and it shows. But this story is never dry, stuffy, or boring. The Adams are real, fleshed-out, living and breathing people. Their love story is beautiful, enviable, not sappy, nor overly sweet.

If you want to read about true courage, determination, and drive...if you want to see true friendship, love, and lifelong commitment, find a copy of "Those Who Love" and a place to hide, until you're done reading. You won't want to put it down... ( )

A biographical novel of Abigail Smith and John Adams. Set in the 18th Century creates the drama filled years when America broke away from Britain. ( )

I enjoyed this biographical novel about John and Abigail Adams, though not as much as The Agony and the Ecstasy. ( )