American Phoenix: John Quincy and Louisa Adams, the War of 1812, and the Exile that Saved American Independence by Jane Hampton Cook

All in all I found American Phoenix: John Quincy and Louisa Adams, the War of 1812, and the Exile that Saved American Independence a fascinating read that really gives the reader a glimpse of the Adams'. Author Jane Hampton Cook did a fabulous job researching the time frame covered in this book and a great job giving meticulous details.

I was certainly enthralled in the story and did learn a lot about John Quincy Adams and his wife Louisa. I can't compliment Cook enough for compiling all these details and making such an interesting and exciting book.

The drawback, unfortunately, is squarely placed in Cook's lap, mainly her rather amateurish writing style. More specifically her bad habit of making modern comparisons in the middle of a book covering events in the 19th Century as well as her really terrible practice of using literary comparisons. These descriptive comparisons appear to be more at home in an elementary school writing assignment than a serious history. Some good editor was required to remove these ridiculous, obtrusive, literary foibles.

I would recommend this book, and give it 3 out of 5 Stars.

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