A Founding Mother: A Reese's Book Club Pick
A REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK
In time for the 250th Anniversary of the birth of the United States comes a sweeping, intimate portrayal of Abigail Adams—wife of one president and mother to another—whose wit, willpower, and wisdom helped shape the fledgling republic. A stunning historical novel with modern-day implications from the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton.
In the heart of revolutionary Boston, Abigail Adams raises her children amid riots, blockades, and the outbreak of war. While her husband, John Adams, rises from country lawyer to nation-builder, often away for years at a time, Abigail builds her own independence—managing their farm, making lucrative investments, amassing savings, battling plague and loss, and defending their home. Unafraid to speak her mind, she famously offers fearless political counsel, urging John to “remember the ladies” in the new government. Through it all, she becomes his most trusted confidante and indispensable ally.
When peace is secured, Abigail steps onto the world stage—exchanging ideas with Thomas Jefferson in the French countryside, navigating court life as the wife of the Minister to Great Britain, and presiding over the parlor politics of the early American republic in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Even after her husband’s presidential administration, she continues battling political foes and working behind the scenes to advance her family, secure independence for the women in her life, and ensure a better life for the next generation of Americans.
From war-torn streets to the chandeliered halls of power, A Founding Mother is the unforgettable story of a woman ahead of her time—one whose voice, vision, and valor still resonate powerfully today.
BUY THE BOOK
Join a book club that is reading A Founding Mother: A Reese's Book Club Pick!
Community Reviews
I am so happy I committed to reading this gem. I love Hamilton and it was interesting to have another perspective of that timeframe within that ensemble of politicians. I appreciate the connection of the founding of our country, through its 50th and now 250th celebration of independence. I value the honest and fictional liberties taken of history and later explained. Abigail is another founder who deserves recognition and I am happy to know her story and appreciate what she stood for.
This was a captivating glimpse into the real-life Abigail Adams. Though I have read many stories about Abigail and John before, this one was different, because it brought her to life in a way I had never imagined her. Of course, through a purely historic exploration of this era and these principals, you know that she gave as good as she got, and did not hesitate to push back on those who slighted her beliefs or opinions - particularly, John Adams himself. But perhaps with the liberty of imagining how some of the conversations and events occurred, you get a better sense of Abigail as a fleshed-out person in her own right, with tons of wit and verve delivered to keep it even more interesting during unusual times. There were a few documented details that I was surprised to learn about. Particularly, the younger sons who became wastrels, fallen to drink. Those boys didn't seem to appreciate the lives they lived and the places they saw, as John and Abigail Adams' sons. Something that will indelibly stay with me was the stoicism of their daughter, Nabby, when surgeons lopped-off her left breast due to a very advanced case of breast cancer. Apparently, she actually withstood surgery with nothing but laudanum, and with nary a peep. And I came to admire oldest son, John Quincy Adams - who was brilliant in his own right. I'd read somewhere else that he was one of the highest IQ presidents we'd ever had, at 165. I'm very glad to have read this book, and now I'd actually like to go back and watch the John Adams miniseries again. What amazing times in which they lived. And what amazing people they were.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Founding Mother is a beautifully written and engaging story that brings Abigail Adams vividly to life in a deeply personal and powerful way. I loved seeing her beyond the history books as a strong, thoughtful woman navigating so much behind the scenes.
I expected a historical perspective, but what surprised me most was how personal and emotional it felt. Experiencing events through Abigail’s voice made everything more immediate and human, highlighting the uncertainty, distance, and emotional weight carried by those living through history.
What stood out most to me was her resilience. There is a steady strength in her words that is not loud or dramatic, but deeply rooted and enduring. It left me with a strong sense of admiration, along with reflection on how often such contributions are overlooked. At times, the story also felt bittersweet, especially in moments of waiting, hoping, and carrying burdens that history doesn’t always fully acknowledge.
The writing flows smoothly and draws you into her world with ease. It’s the kind of story that lingers, reminding you of the voices in history we don’t always hear enough about.
A meaningful and memorable historical fiction read that I’m very glad I picked up.
A Founding Mother is a beautifully written and engaging story that brings Abigail Adams vividly to life in a deeply personal and powerful way. I loved seeing her beyond the history books as a strong, thoughtful woman navigating so much behind the scenes.
I expected a historical perspective, but what surprised me most was how personal and emotional it felt. Experiencing events through Abigail’s voice made everything more immediate and human, highlighting the uncertainty, distance, and emotional weight carried by those living through history.
What stood out most to me was her resilience. There is a steady strength in her words that is not loud or dramatic, but deeply rooted and enduring. It left me with a strong sense of admiration, along with reflection on how often such contributions are overlooked. At times, the story also felt bittersweet, especially in moments of waiting, hoping, and carrying burdens that history doesn’t always fully acknowledge.
The writing flows smoothly and draws you into her world with ease. It’s the kind of story that lingers, reminding you of the voices in history we don’t always hear enough about.
A meaningful and memorable historical fiction read that I’m very glad I picked up.