This biography by David McCullough is a comprehensive and engaging account of John Adams' life. It delves into his role in the American Revolution, his presidency, and his personal life, including his enduring marriage to Abigail Adams. The book is enriched by over 1,100 surviving letters between John and Abigail Adams, providing deep insights into their private lives and the historical context of their time. McCullough's narrative spans Adams' early life, his legal career, his diplomatic missions to France, and his presidency, highlighting his integrity, honesty, and contributions to American history.
In 'A Certain Idea of America,' Peggy Noonan compiles her columns from The Wall Street Journal to reflect on the history and character of the United States. The book delves into the nation's remarkable figures, the challenges to its social fabric, and the enduring principles of its democracy. Noonan discusses themes such as patriotism, the country's founding ideals, and the importance of protecting and improving the nation for future generations. Her writing blends storytelling, historical insight, and journalistic rigor to explore what unites Americans even in divisive times[2][3][5].
In this critically acclaimed memoir, Peggy Noonan recounts her time as a special assistant to President Ronald Reagan and her role as a speechwriter. The book provides vivid portraits of President Reagan, Vice President George H.W. Bush, and other key figures in Washington. Noonan shares her experiences navigating the highly political environment of the White House, including her work on memorable speeches such as 'The Boys of Pointe Du Hoc' and George Bush's 'Read my lips No new Taxes' pledge. The book is praised for its witty prose, insightful look at the Reagan White House, and Noonan's unique perspective as a woman in a male-dominated field.
Peggy Noonan does what we try to do every day at The Free Press: tell the truth, make sense of things plainly and without pretension, frame the news in a way that helps the reader make sense of things, and put things in a historical context that gives the day-to-day depth and meaning.
The very annoying thing about Peggy Noonan is that she makes the thing that we know is so very hard look so very easy. And she does it week after week after week in The Wall Street Journal—which adds up to more than 400 columns over the last 25 years.
In her newest—and ninth—book, A Certain Idea of America, she collects 80 of her best columns published over the last eight years. Now, the idea that old newspaper columns might be good fodder for a book sort of seems like a weird idea, given that newspapers are most famous for being the next day’s fish wrapper. But somehow this book feels urgent and timeless. Which means that Peggy Noonan’s old columns are better than most people’s brand-new ones.
That’s probably because she knows a thing or two about rhetoric and American politics. She was a speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan. She helped President George H.W. Bush get elected. She consulted for the TV show The West Wing.
In today’s conversation, we talk about how Peggy understands Trump’s win and the political revolution that we’re living through, what it feels like to lose in a values war, and what it feels like to defend things like civility and decency in 2024. We also talk about Trump’s appointments so far, Peggy’s first meeting with Trump, and how, despite our troubles, America remains a good and great country—and why it’s so important for young people to know that.
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Honestly with Bari Weiss 
