While I have enjoyed the most recent work by David McCullough on Adams, this was the book that started it all for me as far as American history was concerned. I remember at the age of 11 watching the PBS series and being enthralled. This book was even better in relaying the story of America's greatest socio-political family. If you can find a copy, get it!

I loved this book! Everything, I mean everything, you ever wanted to know about running is here. I just ran the NYC Marathon on 11-4-01 thanks to the Coach Glover (author) training program, and I finished in 4:49. I went from clueless non-runner to marathoner using this book. Following this program, I went into the marathon confident that I would do well and I would even enjoy running the marathon. This, coming from someone who used to despise running. Regarding the book, I especially enjoyed Glover's breezy and humerous writing style. It's not just for marathoning, so buy it even if you are just looking to get some fitness advice. You will get off to the right start and learn to love running. I am now ready for Glover's book for competitive running

This book should be banned. Just over a year ago, I innocently picked it up with the vague idea that sometime I should start running. And what happened? Well, I started, and thanks to Bob Glover's insidious inspirational tone, I haven't stopped. Some books about running seem to give you a stitch the minute you begin reading them, but not this one. The Runner's Handbook gently coaxes you out on to the roads for ten minutes at a time, then 15, then 20, until one day you find yourself running non-stop for half-an-hour or more, three days a week. But that's not enough. Oh no. Soon, you're taking Coach Glover's expert advice on how to run a 10K. You tuck the book under your arm when you go buying running shoes. You steadily alter your eating habits, so you feel leaner, more nimble. You even alter next year's holiday plans so you can fit in the Madrid Marathon. Worse still, in the evening you find yourself laying aside the new E Annie Proulx in favour of Bob's chapter on Running in Cold Weather. This is the first time I've actually read A Book That Changed My Life. And sure, I'm fitter now, I'm healthier, and I've lost 25 pounds. But that Bob Glover's got a lot to answer for.

I've been running off and on for almost 10 years, running for a week or two, giving up, and then trying again a few months later. Each time I started, I didn't really know what I was doing. I wish I had read this book first - I could've saved myself a lot of time, pain, and aggravation.

Bob Glover's book is inspirational and educational. The techniques and sample running schedules he presents are right on the dot, his information (which he draws from a variety of professional sources) is correct, and his writing style is very entertaining. Since I've started his book I've shaved a minute and a half off of my 5k race time, I'm running more often and farther, and my shin splints haven't acted up in the 8 months I've been following his advice. I've also lost 5 pounds (not that I wanted to) and feel terrific.

Originally published in the 1970s when the running craze erupted, the book has been refined and updated to keep it in line with new information on health and nutrition and technological advances in shoe design and clothing. This book could be the only book you'll need to enjoy running as a hobby and a sport. It's that good.

This biography of the cranky JQA and his gentle wife, Louisa Catherine, got off to a good start. It opens with a vivid account of their wedding at the church of All Hallows Barking. Unfortunately, Shepard never delves deep enough into the volatile relationship between the president and his "fine lady." I was left wondering WHAT exactly they felt for one another. Did they love one another, despite the pain each inflicted? I think so....but this biography does not provide the answer. The hauntingly beautiful quote that the title is taken from says more than the entire book: "It was a marriage of light to shadow, of spring to winter, of heart to cannibal..." There are some good moments toward the end. The description of an aged JQA's triumphant tour through the states he loved is fantastic (his disgusted daughter-in-law got sick of the cheering crowds and went home!) I would reccomend Paul Nagel's "Descent from Glory" over this.

This book kept me up late night after night! Jack Shepherd is a good storyteller, and goes into the background of John Quincy and Louisa Catherine to help us understand why they became the people they did. (I had no idea that John Quincy was a frustrated party guy who roamed the Boston Common at night!)

He also goes into great detail, describing society during each of John Quincy's diplomatic posts, so that we feel like we're part of that era. I also learned a lot of history, and have a better appreciation for the fragile democracy that existed between the American Revolution and the Civil War.

The first part of the book is especially lively, describing their courtship and wedding. I thought the book lost a little steam at the end (or maybe I was losing steam, since they lead such full lives!) I agree that the book leaves me wanting more, only because it focuses more on their personal lives, rather than John Quincy's career, which I want to explore more now.

I definitely recommend this book as an easy-to-read and well-researched document about two Americans who sacrificed so much of themselves for their country, yet have been forgotten.