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Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams | Louisa Thomas
9 posts | 9 read | 14 to read
An intimate portrait of Louisa Catherine Adams, the wife of John Quincy Adams, who witnessed firsthand the greatest transformations of her time Born in London to an American father and a British mother on the eve of the Revolutionary War, Louisa Catherine Johnson was raised in circumstances very different from the New England upbringing of the future president John Quincy Adams, whose life had been dedicated to public service from the earliest age. And yet John Quincy fell in love with her, almost despite himself. Their often tempestuous but deeply close marriage lasted half a century. They lived in Prussia, Massachusetts, Washington, Russia, and England, at royal courts, on farms, in cities, and in the White House. Louisa saw more of Europe and America than nearly any other woman of her time. But wherever she lived, she was always pressing her nose against the glass, not quite sure whether she was looking in or out. The other members of the Adams family could take their identity for granted they were Adamses; they were Americans but she had to invent her own. The story of Louisa Catherine Adams is one of a woman who forged a sense of self. As the country her husband led found its place in the world, she found a voice. That voice resonates still. In this deeply felt biography, the talented journalist and historian Louisa Thomas finally gives Louisa Catherine Adams's full extraordinary life its due. An intimate portrait of a remarkable woman, a complicated marriage, and a pivotal historical moment, Louisa Thomas's biography is a masterful work from an elegant storyteller."
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ValerieAndBooks
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After reading Cokie Roberts‘ Ladies of Liberty, I went to Book Outlet‘s site hoping to find something on Dolley Madison. I did not, but Madison‘s Gift seems to include a lot about Dolley. Tagged book is about Louisa Adams, John Quincy‘s wife, another intriguing person!

Yes I ordered just two, although I‘d have loved to get more! My TBR is way out of control though 😂. Think I‘ll have to do a book-buying ban for myself until after Christmas.

mrsmarch I‘ve been off Litsy since Halloween because it‘s been crazy here. Louisa (& her husband, & her parents in law) is buried here in my town! 4y
ValerieAndBooks @mrsmarch that‘s cool. I want to visit Quincy someday! It really frustrated me that even though my oldest went to school in Boston (Berklee ‘18) there was never time to see everything I‘d have liked to in the area! BTW my DAR membership was verified/approved and I should be getting my membership number next month 😊! 4y
mrsmarch @ValerieAndBooks I was just thinking it‘s time to check on your application! 😂 Welcome to the sisterhood! 4y
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paddocklorie
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"She was imprinted with a certain sacerdotal sensitivity, an openness to awe." This examination of the life of Louisa Adams is a fascinating glimpse into the first years of the United States of America. And an important First Lady.

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karenna
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I found this biography of the wife of the sixth US president to be a real page turner (although I will admit that the author probably had a built-in advantage because, with my love of early US history, I'm the author's target audience). That being said, Louisa Adams's life offers a fascinating background for an analysis of women's issues that could make for some very interesting book group discussions.

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howjessicareads
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Spotted at the library today, and it sounds so interesting! But gah, my #TBR is too big already!! #bookwormproblems

RadicalReader @jess.how how absolutely incredible to have an ever expanding list of TBR list that is definitely on more growth hormones than Popeyes spinach 7y
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drbethandherkindle
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Pickpick

My kindle's swimsuit has been a lifesaver so many times! Relatedly, I liked Louisa but would LOVE to read a novel about her time in St. Petersburg…can someone start on that one for me? #freeideafriday

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Mielkehm
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I don't have the time to be reading, nor should I be drinking anymore coffee.
#PoorLifeChoices

MrBook Nice pic! 8y
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Mielkehm
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Pickpick

A nonfiction book that reads like fiction. Perfect summer read!

MrBook That's a great format for a history book. Have you read Erik Larson? He writes in a similar manner. 8y
Mielkehm No I haven't, but I'll give him a shot! 8y
paddocklorie Love Erik Larson; each book if his was a tremendously enjoyable read. Have just finished Dead Wake. 7y
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TaylaKaye
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Founding Fathers get all the glory, but if they made it to the office of President, odds are high their wives has a lot to do with their getting there. Louisa Adams' story sheds light on the era and her own personality. Read it, then don't forget to vote.

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TaylaKaye
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"While she thought she was dying, the doctor's diagnosis, more or less, was that she was a woman."
Founding First Ladies had it ROUGH.