Last week, Kevin and I spent our evenings immersed in Revolutionary America, watching HBO’s mini-series John Adams
The kids and I are in the middle of our studies of the American Revolution, and so we have been watching PBS’s kids’ series Liberty’s Kids
Adams, Jefferson, Washington, Franklin, Hamilton – these are the names of some of the men who helped establish our country. And yet as I watched John Adams, I couldn’t help but feel that one of the true heroes was someone who played a supporting role, Abigail Adams. Laura Linney’s performance as Mrs. Adams was subtle and nuanced, and I enjoyed every minute she appeared on the screen. Her support of Adams as a true partner was amazing. She was not some meek, fluffy-headed female who stayed out of politics. She let Adams know how she felt about the people and events of the time, and he trusted her counsel to help keep him true to himself. She was an incredible woman. After watching the mini-series, I put My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams
Have you seen John Adams? What did you think?
I so look forward to watching this mini-series. I am pluggin away at the book John Adams and will wait a bit after reading to view the series.
I am liking the book but non-fiction and me does not create an easy reading road. Through my reading, I would agree with you and your assessment in regards to Abigail Adams. She is admirable. I am going to look into the book My Dearest Friend as their letters are incredible.
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Deanna – I really want to read McCullough’s book now, to see how accurate the mini-series was. It’s very long, though, and daunting.
Twitter: youvegottaread
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I had heard really good things about this series. How can you go wrong with Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney?
I’ve read many good reports of the series but we can’t always get HBO so I’ve missed it. I’m waiting for the series to be out on dvd. Thanks for the book suggestion.
Twitter: SavvyVerseWit
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This HBO series is fantastic…I watched it over one long weekend, beginning to end and was mesmerized.
I hope you read the letters between John and Abigail…they are very insightful and fantastic. I’m originally from New England, and the Adams are one of my favorite historical couples.
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Sandy – I know, they are both so very talented.
Margot – we don’t have HBO – we watched it on DVD through Netflix. Our library purchased it on DVD, too – so you might try your local library first.
Serena – I have informed my husband I want My Dearest Friend for my birthday – hopefully he’ll remember!
John Adams was one of my favorite books of all time. I came away from that book with a deep admiration for both John Adams (he had such wonderful honesty, strength of character and love for his country!!) and his wife Abagail (who I would love to emulate in many ways). Thanks for reviewing the mini-series. I didn’t know they were out there! I’ll be sure to check them out this summer.
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Sariah – my husband especially appreciated Adams’ honesty – his refusal to couch things in “diplomatic” phrasig, but always telling exactly what he believed.
Liberty’s Kids looks like an interesting series. I believe they had something similar when I was a kid. I haven’t seen John Adams but I may eventually.
Twitter: booksandmovies
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Ladytink – the kids and I are all really enjoying Liberty’s Kids – it’s a fun way to learn history.