I didn't know much about John Adams before reading this book. I came away with great respect for the man and his commitment to independence and his contribution to the founding and growth of our nation. McCullough brings to life the realities of the time period, what travel meant for families, how reading and writing were the life thread between spouses, parents and children. Adams was inspiring in how well read he was, and his productivity in letter writing. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton come out looking tarnished from Adams's side of things.