One of Adams's Best books yet
589293
This book is outragously funny, the slightly confusing story line is worth the jokes, It becomes hard only near the end so there is no complain about that. But this book can get one intrersted.
1525689
This biography was more like an autobiography. With the immense wealth of letters to and from John Adams it seemed as though President Adams were the author and not Mr. McCullough. This biography affected me in surprising ways. I went through a roller coaster of emotions dealing with some of the most important men of our collective American history. Men that in my youth you only extolled as heroes and heroes they were. But in this book you saw them with all their blemishes and human faults. But that didn't take away the esteem that is owed to them.

In this magnificent book there is a truly moving love story between Abigail and John Adams that was deep and true. I was moved to tears by their losses and laughter and joy at their gains. I hope to take some of their life and instill it in my own marriage.

If you've read David McCullough "1776" you'll know the edge of your seat story of the year of the birth of our Nation and all the birthing pains that went with it. This book is a great accompaniment to that great book.

If you love history, romance, action, and stories of war and peace then I would strongly urge you to read this book. Keep it on your bookshelf to take down and wipe the dust off and read again and again. I know I will.
3530187
I knew very little about Adams beyond reading his Hitchiker "Triology" before picking up this book. It serves as a good way of learning more about him. Not only is much of the writing funny, it is insightful as well. While I'm glad to read his "last novel" it is far from complete. It's very disconcerting to get into this episode of Dirk Gently and suddenly for a few chapters the point of view abrutly shifts to the first person and then goes back to a few more chapters and suddenly stops. The editor does warn you about this and if you are a die hard fan then you will want to pick up this book. It's worth a look by everyone else as well, for the random essays on making a good cup of tea, to why he loved Bach.
753177
I couldn't put this book down. McCullough is a masterful story-teller who made me feel as though I was living alongside John and Abigail Adams, immersed in their place and time. I read somewhere that great books disappear in one's hands - in other words, we are so engrossed in the story that we forget we're reading a book. I had this experience reading McCullough's John Adams. I was moved by the portrayal of this man -- a great man, though certainly an imperfect man -- and how he responded to, and shaped, his world. I was particularly moved by the portrayal of his relationship to Abigail, as well as the way McCullough makes John Adams feel truly 3-dimensional, presenting strengths, weaknesses, and simple facts about his life. Biographies sometimes run the risk of getting caught up in dry details, but this one, though highly informative, never lost the art of telling a story. After reading this, I've become something of an addict for reading all things American Revolution, and it's opened up a world of rich reading, researching, and thinking about the origins of this nation and the people who made it happen.
2421521
"Last Chance to See" is a very different path, topically, for Douglas Adams.  It's a true account of his travels, with friend Mark Carwardine, in an attempt to find some of the species that were (at the time) nearly extinct.

That could make for an interesting book, but it's Douglas Adams' unique perspective on the situations they encounter, combined with his brilliant, insightful, and frequently hilarious narratives that make this book special.  He just saw things in a way that is very different from the way most of us do - and he conveys that perspective brilliantly and interestingly.

If you're a fan of the "Hitchhiker's Guide" series, you'll recognize the Douglas Adams style and humor in his writing, but you don't have to be a fan to enjoy this book.

This book has been among my top 5 from the first time I read it.  It was out of print for a while, and I was glad to see that it was available again (in paperback this time).  I bought this copy to lend to a friend and just to keep as a "loaner", as I've lost several copies over the years, and I didn't want to lose my last one.
227557
It's fitting that this audio edition contains guests and narrators like Stephen Fry, Richard Dawkins, Terry Gilliam, et. al. In addition to helping bring this wonderful collection of Adam's work to life, they bring an additional sense of connection to the man behind (within?) the words.
Some fans of Adams fiction may not like the extensive nonfiction pieces included, but those people will miss out on some of the best gems of Adams' wit and wisdom. Most others, though, will realize that there is a vast archive of columns and articles, letters and speeches, (many published outside the U.S.) that we have missed.
In all of the pieces, nonfiction and fiction, Adams' crisp humor and prodding logic will make you giggle, laugh, and most of all, wonder at this gloriously silly thing we call life.
Listen to this many times... and don't forget your towel.
2368466
This is one of the best books I have read this year.  Russell grabbed my attention on the first page and kept it for the remainder of the book.  His use of McArthur's Farewell speech in the early part of the book softened my heart and reminded why I spent 31 years in the Army Reserve.
  Russell's use of a flawed hero makes the book real to all individuals.  Everyone thinks like the main character from time to time.  Russell's dry wit and knowledge of politics, as well as scandals in DC, is well rounded and is important in understanding the tenor of life in the capital.  I highly recommend this book as one of the best of the year.
4110992
Very well written, very informative. I learned many things about Mr. Adams from this book. When reading it, one should already be very familiar with everything going on at the time. The author made reference to many events of the times and how they impacted Mr. Adams, but often did not explain the event itself. Most people reading this will already know all of these events, but if you have just decided to study the time period and the people involved, don't make this your first book to read. But it could well be the second.
1651643
A great book for anyone who enjoyed A Brief History of Time, Dancing Wu Li Masters, and Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, in spite of not understanding much of any of them.  An even better book for those who talk about those books without having read them.
A book that makes people think is rare, and a book that gets them to try to think together is a gem.  The magical way everyone identifies with Adams's cartoons works in this book to make everyone want to participate in the experiment.  This book is like a great meal - one hundred times better if shared with your friends.
3833309
The main character, Cormac, is thrust into a science fiction situation that's he's definitely not prepared for, much like Arthur Dent. The characters surrounding him are just as entertainingly belligerent, irresponsible, and self-centered as Zaphod, Ford, etc. Perhaps more so. The situations and conflicts are ridiculous.

This book is one that literally makes me laugh as I read it. I love Douglas Adams, and his books are always funny, but I don't remember laughing out loud so much the first time I read them as I did for Gone Whalin. I think Conor's style of writing in this book is very comparable to Adams. Telling a funny story is one thing, but Douglas and Conor both have a way of crafting sentences to squeeze every ounce of humor out of a larger story.

Maybe it's heresy, but I'd rather "And Another Thing" was written by Conor instead of Eoin. At the very least, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Douglas Adams.

My only complaint is that the book is so gigantic. I haven't finished it, but I'm guessing it could have been split into two or three books (like Hitchhiker's Guide).

Edit: Since I've finally finished the book, I want to update my review. The ending of the book wasn't very satisfying for me. That being said, this is still a fun read, and you should definitely get it right now.
1682702
If you grew up loving Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, you'll love this book.  If you are not from planet earth or your brain was somehow rewired to dislike Douglas Adams, you'll probably not like this book.

Rob Reid is the heir to Douglas Adams' snarky humor, fun adventure, and serious space travel.

Two additional things I liked about this book:
1. It is also a wonderfully written overview of how the music industry works.
2. It has powerful male and female characters and is a good read for all genders (my wife, not someone who generally likes science fiction, loved this book as well)

The theme of this book is that aliens have been listening to our rock music for 30 years and then, one day, the music industry finds out about it and sends the aliens a bill for more money then there is in the galaxy.  hilarity ensues.  highly recommend this book.
1449988
Great book! The Adams/Oliver books are so beautifully illustrated - I bought a bunch! This definitely surpasses expectations and captures more characters than you would expect.
Came quickly from seller & in good condition.
4770077
All in all I enjoyed this book. Like Adams other works it's as off-the-wall and funny as anything else. Indeed, the core of Adams works are the hilarious little asides that seemingly go nowhere and yet find  there way into an integral part of the story in later chapters. If anything  the only reason I gave this four stars instead of five was that this novel  had a plot.
723890
John Adams is wonderful drama and a very good way to access American history.  Adams is very underrated as a founding father and his marriage to Abigail ( a truly extraordinary character) is lovingly told over a fifty year period.  The quality of the script and and the care put into the filming is very high.  Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin all come alive in this fascinating story.
3735793
This is not only an amazingly informative read for those still wondering what really happened in the meltdown of 2008-2009, but an hillarious read as well. Well done Mr Adams! Your wit and wisdom makes this a great book.
jvs
4565585
Amazing book! Adams story is absolutely inspiring. Really makes you think of what really matters in life and the struggles other people go through. Also makes you want to travel and see what's out there for yourself because I truly believe it can be life changing. All in all it was a really great book you have to check it out.
308524
Truly delicious writing style. I was with her every harowing step of the way. Ms. Adams' writing style pulls you in and you just can't stop. I'd recently (April 1) broken my foot and was forced to stop everything. Reading her book made my ordeal of pain a delight. I read this book in a day. I could not put it down.
There was never a feeling of disconnect because it's part of  a series, so you don't have to have read the first book to get into this one.

Great read. Easy characters to like.