Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
by Louisa Thomas
512 pages
Penguin Books
Published: April 2016
Fans of the U.S. presidency are likely to recognize Louisa Catherine Adams (1775-1852) as one of our nation’s more interesting and spirited first ladies. She was incredibly insecure but curiously indomitable, and often fragile (physically and emotionally) but with a remarkably steely resolve.
Born in London under interesting circumstances, her sheltered upbringing afforded her little education and limited opportunity. But then she met and married John Quincy Adams…
See the full review at:
www.thebestbiographies.com
My Journey Through the Best Presidential Biographies 
Steve, are you okay. The site hasn’t changed in almost 3 months. The last book review I see is Louisa.
Yes, thanks(!) Overseas for work for longer than expected and have finished some books I’ve not written/posted reviews of yet…but expecting to rectify that very shortly beginning with the magisterial “Peter the Great” I read a couple months ago 🙂
Thanks. Glad to hear you are ok.
Hello……I am writing for your opinion on the American President Series of Biographies……I also greatly value this site and your recap on the biographies you have read. I have used this site to choose various Presidential Biographies…..Thanks so much for your efforts and time to create this site…..
I’ve only read a few of the American President Series biographies as I have gravitated toward lengthier, more colorful and thorough reviews of the presidents. In general, however, I find them surprisingly useful – particularly given their brevity. None of them lure me in like a great work of fiction, but almost all of them manage to inject the essential elements of the subject’s life as efficiently as seems possible.
Thanks Steve for your reply……I love this site and your reviews. I go to it often before choosing a biography about a President. Have you been able to visit the various Presidential Libraries, homes, or general sites? Thanks again for taking the time and making the effort to create and update this site.
I’ve been to a few presidential libraries, but haven’t visited in a systematic way since starting this biographical journey – but that’s on my “to do” list!