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American Rebels: How the Hancock, Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution
A chronicle of the Adams, Quincy and Hancock families and how they helped spark the American Revolution.
Awarded the 2021 New England Society in the City of New York Book Award for Best Historical Nonfiction, American Rebels explores for the first time the intimate connections between three families in the lead up to the American Revolution. Sankovitch examines the intertwined lives of John Hancock, John Adams, Josiah Quincy Jr, Abigail Smith Adams, and Dorothy Quincy Hancock, and argues for the distinct roles each played in fomenting revolution. Their trajectory from loyal British subjects to American rebels was forged in childhood; and their deeply held convictions, founded in community, fueled their collaborations during the fraught and violent years leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776. Sankovitch presents in vivid detail, backed up by extensive and new research, the ties that bound these men and women together (including faith, love, ambition, and envy) and drove them to rebel against England, while also demonstrating how the desire for independence cut across class lines, and how families could be divided, rebels versus loyalists, in pursuing commonly-held goals of opportunity, liberty, and stability.
Awarded the 2021 New England Society in the City of New York Book Award for Best Historical Nonfiction, American Rebels explores for the first time the intimate connections between three families in the lead up to the American Revolution. Sankovitch examines the intertwined lives of John Hancock, John Adams, Josiah Quincy Jr, Abigail Smith Adams, and Dorothy Quincy Hancock, and argues for the distinct roles each played in fomenting revolution. Their trajectory from loyal British subjects to American rebels was forged in childhood; and their deeply held convictions, founded in community, fueled their collaborations during the fraught and violent years leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776. Sankovitch presents in vivid detail, backed up by extensive and new research, the ties that bound these men and women together (including faith, love, ambition, and envy) and drove them to rebel against England, while also demonstrating how the desire for independence cut across class lines, and how families could be divided, rebels versus loyalists, in pursuing commonly-held goals of opportunity, liberty, and stability.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2020
180 people are currently reading
5592 people want to read
About the author
Nina Sankovitch
5 books431 followersNina Sankovitch is a bestselling writer, avid historian, and voracious reader. She can be reached via Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, and on her website, www.ninasankovitch.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
May 10, 2020
This book is about the roles of the Quincy, Adams and Hancock families, of Braintree, Massachusetts, in the separation of the American colonies from British rule. It describes early discontent with England and the causes underlying the ultimate rebellion. One of the prominent characters in the book, about whom I need to learn more, is Abigail Adams who was a lot more enlightened in her thinking than her husband.
While I appreciate the fact that the author did a tremendous amount of research for this book, the result was a book that bored me a lot of the time. I like political history and social history, but trivial biographical details don’t interest me. The author described wedding gifts, every person who attended a funeral, the perpetual health issues of Josiah Quincy Jr., the birth and death of every child, the weather etc. I know there is an audience for that sort of history book, it just isn’t me. I’ve rounded a 3.5 star rating up to 4, because I did learn things from this book, even though I learned more than I wanted too about certain things.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
While I appreciate the fact that the author did a tremendous amount of research for this book, the result was a book that bored me a lot of the time. I like political history and social history, but trivial biographical details don’t interest me. The author described wedding gifts, every person who attended a funeral, the perpetual health issues of Josiah Quincy Jr., the birth and death of every child, the weather etc. I know there is an audience for that sort of history book, it just isn’t me. I’ve rounded a 3.5 star rating up to 4, because I did learn things from this book, even though I learned more than I wanted too about certain things.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
October 18, 2020
Meh. Covered a period, but didn't catch me.
March 24, 2020
Amazing book! Well researched, believable characters with warts and all.
I find myself longing for people like that in today's government, willing to put their lives and their finances on the line to birth a new nation rather than be taken advantage of by an old one.
I totally fell in love with Josiah Quincy Jr. What an amazing patriot and gentleman. Where was he in my history book? And John Hancock. All I knew going in was that his big signature was on the Declaration of Independence. He too loved liberty enough to stand up for the rights of his fellow men. John Adams I didn't care for so much. He seems very self-centered. The women behind these men were resourceful, brave and very committed to a free nation. Sadly, the men of that time refused to make right what past laws failed to do. Women, blacks and native Americans continued to suffer for what they couldn't agree on. This is definitely a read-again book.
I find myself longing for people like that in today's government, willing to put their lives and their finances on the line to birth a new nation rather than be taken advantage of by an old one.
I totally fell in love with Josiah Quincy Jr. What an amazing patriot and gentleman. Where was he in my history book? And John Hancock. All I knew going in was that his big signature was on the Declaration of Independence. He too loved liberty enough to stand up for the rights of his fellow men. John Adams I didn't care for so much. He seems very self-centered. The women behind these men were resourceful, brave and very committed to a free nation. Sadly, the men of that time refused to make right what past laws failed to do. Women, blacks and native Americans continued to suffer for what they couldn't agree on. This is definitely a read-again book.
January 16, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I can't recommend it enough! This book follows the Quincy family and those that eventually married into the Quincy family (including John Hancock and John and Samuel Adams) in the years leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This book lays out the events that took place in Boston and Massachusetts and the colonists reaction to them in such a way that you can follow the logic and see all of the dominos fall into place that eventually led to the formation of the Continental Congress and then the formation of an army to be led by George Washington and then to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. An eye-opening insider/s look at the founding fathers in one of the most "rebellious" colonies. I did get the sense that the author was not the biggest fan of John Adams, and I've come to adore him over the last year and a half, so that was a little sad. Also, there are too many Johns and Samuels in the related families that sometimes I had to keep remembering *this* Samuel is Samuel Quincy, not Sam Adams.
Review upon reread using new rating system
Structure/Formatting 5/5
I loved the three parts (Tinder, Spark, and Flame)! Such a fun way to think about how the families mentioned “fanned the flames of revolution.” This book is also very chronological, which is (in general) my favorite format. I loved the small town focus of this book. I really felt like I knew the town residents. Then, when they started moving around (like for Continental Congress), they tended to do so together. It really worked.
Thoroughness of Research/Knowledge of Subject 5/5
I get the sense that John Adams was included in this book mostly because of how much he wrote, and I am completely okay with that! I’ve come to adore John Adams over the last few years, and he did write a LOT, so he provides lots of info on the time. I enjoyed the Josiah Quincy parts too. He was a fairly new person to me, so reading his writings in the book helped to bring his story to life.
Storytelling/Writing 5/5
Great writing. Pretty straightforward. No chapter cliffhangers like some of the other history books I’ve read lately, but his book didn’t need them. Each chapter feels like a nice pausing point before moving onto the next one which is nice for soaking it all in. The chapters in the beginning really did a great job of setting the reader up for the characters involved. It really helps to build a case for the Revolution and the Declaration that makes you go “Wow! Each thing they did and the order they did them makes so much sense.”
Level of Enjoyment 5/5
I like this book a lot. (See previous review) :-)
Prior Knowledge Needed 4/5
Very beginner friendly. If I gave Zealot and the Emancipator a 4/5 for having two people with Douglas(s) as a last name, this one has to at least match it with its Johns and Abigails. :-P Even on reread, it was hard to keep them straight at times. Everything else is great for any reader.
Overall rating 4.8/5
Review upon reread using new rating system
Structure/Formatting 5/5
I loved the three parts (Tinder, Spark, and Flame)! Such a fun way to think about how the families mentioned “fanned the flames of revolution.” This book is also very chronological, which is (in general) my favorite format. I loved the small town focus of this book. I really felt like I knew the town residents. Then, when they started moving around (like for Continental Congress), they tended to do so together. It really worked.
Thoroughness of Research/Knowledge of Subject 5/5
I get the sense that John Adams was included in this book mostly because of how much he wrote, and I am completely okay with that! I’ve come to adore John Adams over the last few years, and he did write a LOT, so he provides lots of info on the time. I enjoyed the Josiah Quincy parts too. He was a fairly new person to me, so reading his writings in the book helped to bring his story to life.
Storytelling/Writing 5/5
Great writing. Pretty straightforward. No chapter cliffhangers like some of the other history books I’ve read lately, but his book didn’t need them. Each chapter feels like a nice pausing point before moving onto the next one which is nice for soaking it all in. The chapters in the beginning really did a great job of setting the reader up for the characters involved. It really helps to build a case for the Revolution and the Declaration that makes you go “Wow! Each thing they did and the order they did them makes so much sense.”
Level of Enjoyment 5/5
I like this book a lot. (See previous review) :-)
Prior Knowledge Needed 4/5
Very beginner friendly. If I gave Zealot and the Emancipator a 4/5 for having two people with Douglas(s) as a last name, this one has to at least match it with its Johns and Abigails. :-P Even on reread, it was hard to keep them straight at times. Everything else is great for any reader.
Overall rating 4.8/5
February 28, 2021
A Bright Light from a Dark 2020
Nina Sankovitch’s new book, “American Rebels: How the Hancock, Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution,” is the perfect literary companion for dealing with pandemic doldrums and for understanding the challenges of tunneling through the political turmoil of our time.
Nina’s book is a perfect follow on to her recent book, “The Lowells of Massachusetts.” Her depictions of history which could be a dreary textbook exercise read like a novel. Her sense of time and place are exquisitely portrayed, down to the stench that led to women covering their noses with hankies when going outside or listening to the maddening sound of cannons going off all night and hearing British soldiers performing their drills under the windows of Bostonians.
The interrelationships among the generations of Hancock, Quincy and Adams families are carefully sorted out with all the Johns and Abigails and Hannahs between them. And Nina’s iteration of Abigail Smith Adams’ plea for recognition of the rights of women and all human beings is timely still.
The development of the Declaration of Independence and all the maneuvering, compromise, and insights about dropping a clause relating to slavery is eye opening. Nina brings us right up front at the meetings of the Continental Congress in hot, steamy July weather where the delegates met with closed windows to keep their debates from being overheard.
This book generates curiosity, too. Who knew that Abigail Adams was one of the first to receive a smallpox vaccination in 1796? It’s nice to have Google handy to round out these tantalizing tidbits. One of the most moving sentiments is the fact that Adams and Jefferson both died on the same day, fifty years to the July 4th date that the Declaration of Independence was signed.
This book is a treasure – carefully researched, annotated and beautifully illustrated. I have both the kindle and the print versions to enjoy.
Nina Sankovitch’s new book, “American Rebels: How the Hancock, Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution,” is the perfect literary companion for dealing with pandemic doldrums and for understanding the challenges of tunneling through the political turmoil of our time.
Nina’s book is a perfect follow on to her recent book, “The Lowells of Massachusetts.” Her depictions of history which could be a dreary textbook exercise read like a novel. Her sense of time and place are exquisitely portrayed, down to the stench that led to women covering their noses with hankies when going outside or listening to the maddening sound of cannons going off all night and hearing British soldiers performing their drills under the windows of Bostonians.
The interrelationships among the generations of Hancock, Quincy and Adams families are carefully sorted out with all the Johns and Abigails and Hannahs between them. And Nina’s iteration of Abigail Smith Adams’ plea for recognition of the rights of women and all human beings is timely still.
The development of the Declaration of Independence and all the maneuvering, compromise, and insights about dropping a clause relating to slavery is eye opening. Nina brings us right up front at the meetings of the Continental Congress in hot, steamy July weather where the delegates met with closed windows to keep their debates from being overheard.
This book generates curiosity, too. Who knew that Abigail Adams was one of the first to receive a smallpox vaccination in 1796? It’s nice to have Google handy to round out these tantalizing tidbits. One of the most moving sentiments is the fact that Adams and Jefferson both died on the same day, fifty years to the July 4th date that the Declaration of Independence was signed.
This book is a treasure – carefully researched, annotated and beautifully illustrated. I have both the kindle and the print versions to enjoy.
December 9, 2020
Taking a walk back in history, this was a great book! I have always loved reading more on the background of the men and women who were a large part of the American Revolution.
This book did not disappoint! Considered rebels at the time, these American Patriots have become some of the best-known names in American history. Not each person who became influential was from a wealthy background. This was a movement not only for some but for all.
Grab this book - you will not regret it!
This book did not disappoint! Considered rebels at the time, these American Patriots have become some of the best-known names in American history. Not each person who became influential was from a wealthy background. This was a movement not only for some but for all.
Grab this book - you will not regret it!
May 21, 2020
American Rebels: How the Hancock, Adams, and Quincy Families Fanned the Flames of Revolution
by
Nina Sankovitch
4 Stars
American Rebels is a marvelous work of history, telling the story of the founding of our nation through the lives of the Quincy, Hancock, and Adams families of Braintree, Massachusetts. It’s well-researched, extremely well-written, and thoroughly readable. It’s one of those books that brings history alive and, as such, it should take its place next to David McCullough’s 1776 as required reading for every American.
https://mhassett23.blogspot.com/2020/...
by
Nina Sankovitch
4 Stars
American Rebels is a marvelous work of history, telling the story of the founding of our nation through the lives of the Quincy, Hancock, and Adams families of Braintree, Massachusetts. It’s well-researched, extremely well-written, and thoroughly readable. It’s one of those books that brings history alive and, as such, it should take its place next to David McCullough’s 1776 as required reading for every American.
https://mhassett23.blogspot.com/2020/...
July 22, 2023
Strictly for History Fans, The books tells of the deep connection, through family and neighbors, that these families held. It begins when all the men and women we learned about in history class were just youngsters. It then follows them as young adults into the American Revolution.
I enjoyed this look into the young heroes of The American Revolution. I especially liked that Nina Sankovitch put the women of these families in light I had never read before.
I enjoyed this look into the young heroes of The American Revolution. I especially liked that Nina Sankovitch put the women of these families in light I had never read before.
June 20, 2020
I LOVED this book. It includes the women of Boston and their experiences as citizens, wives, and mothers during the events of the 1760s and 1770s. I also loved learning about the Quincy family and their contributions to the American Revolution. All of those stories are often obscured by the Adams and Hancock contributions, so it was nice to hear how all of those people worked together. I highly recommend this book to my history fan friends!
September 2, 2025
Every moment of our existence has some connection … to an eternal succession of future ages.… Edmund Quincy IV
Comprehensive history of a dozen people who grew together in or near Braintree, Massachusetts, and became the intellectual, political, financial, and activist leaders of the independence movement. Men and women, rich and poor, famous and obscure, patriot and loyalist, their shared values and experiences were the crucible of revolution.
If we mean to have Heroes, Statesmen and philosophers, We should have learned women. Abigail Quincy
Meticulously researched using primary sources—letters, journals, and public documents—the narrative draws out the hopes and aspirations of this class of smalltown leaders to trace the motives as well as the politics of rebellion, though several of the group stayed loyal to the king. Dense prose, but rewarding.
It is commonly said that these Colonies were peopled by Religion—But I should rather say that the Love of Liberty, projected, conducted, and accomplished the settlement of America. John Adams
A unique story. No other colony in the 1760s and 1770s produced such a class of visionaries. Even though colonial Williamsburg boasted a similar smalltown, collegial environment, most of the Virginia patriots were gentry whose lives were less concentrated.
If to appear for my country is treason, and to aim for her defiance is rebellion, like my fathers, I will glory in the name of rebel and traitor, as they did that of puritan and enthusiast. Josiah Quincy Jr.
If you want a single-volume study of the roots of the American Revolution, this is it. Combines the intimacy of biography with the breadth of history. Sankovitch has an agenda, of course, but it’s well documented and developed. Their grasp exceeded their reach, but they pursued a better world.
The flame is lit, and like lightning, it catches from soul to soul. Abigail Adams
Comprehensive history of a dozen people who grew together in or near Braintree, Massachusetts, and became the intellectual, political, financial, and activist leaders of the independence movement. Men and women, rich and poor, famous and obscure, patriot and loyalist, their shared values and experiences were the crucible of revolution.
If we mean to have Heroes, Statesmen and philosophers, We should have learned women. Abigail Quincy
Meticulously researched using primary sources—letters, journals, and public documents—the narrative draws out the hopes and aspirations of this class of smalltown leaders to trace the motives as well as the politics of rebellion, though several of the group stayed loyal to the king. Dense prose, but rewarding.
It is commonly said that these Colonies were peopled by Religion—But I should rather say that the Love of Liberty, projected, conducted, and accomplished the settlement of America. John Adams
A unique story. No other colony in the 1760s and 1770s produced such a class of visionaries. Even though colonial Williamsburg boasted a similar smalltown, collegial environment, most of the Virginia patriots were gentry whose lives were less concentrated.
If to appear for my country is treason, and to aim for her defiance is rebellion, like my fathers, I will glory in the name of rebel and traitor, as they did that of puritan and enthusiast. Josiah Quincy Jr.
If you want a single-volume study of the roots of the American Revolution, this is it. Combines the intimacy of biography with the breadth of history. Sankovitch has an agenda, of course, but it’s well documented and developed. Their grasp exceeded their reach, but they pursued a better world.
The flame is lit, and like lightning, it catches from soul to soul. Abigail Adams
February 13, 2025
A very interesting book that follows the Adams, Hancock, and Quincy families with a few others sprinkled in throughout. I think the author war particularly fond of John Hancock, and that is who I learned the most about in this read. The story moves through the 1760s and 1770s, weaving the stories of the families into the narrative. At times I felt like there was too much moving around between the different figures and it made the historical journey a bit less cohesive, but overall I do feel like I learned a lot, especially about the relationships and day to day challenges faced by all during that time period.
January 15, 2022
Excellent portraits of the men and women, particularly in Massachusetts, who shepherded the Colonies to independence. I particularly liked the personal side of their lives - their relationships, friendships, loves and losses. I have to admit to feeling uncomfortable at times. I’m a Brit who lives in the town Where Dorothy Quincy married John Hancock, and as a resident alien before I married my American husband, I too felt the sting of taxation without representation. Plus ca change…
October 24, 2025
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. My only disappointment comes from a lifetime of never knowing certain details of such dedicated ancestors of our nation. More awareness of representatives such as John Hancock and Josiah Quincy, Jr. need to be exposed, shared, and remembered. Applause and appreciation for this author is duly warranted.
February 3, 2020
This is an excellent book that contextualizes the American Revolution as a community that was not single minded in achieving continued relationships with the British Empire. Both the groups, loyalists and liberty seekers, encouraged resolution for the betterment of their communities. War was not sought, but delivered. This work offers a deeper look at and explanation of commonalities, social needs, and events that lead to the American Revolution through the views of individuals from one village near Boston, Massachusetts, Braintree. Dependent on letters and diary entries, the author weaves together the ideas of the community members. and finds a central expectation of liberty. This desire for liberty was encouraged in the community by the ministry of Rev. Hancock, who exemplified these ideals thirty years prior to to the outset of revolution. So often works of history center on an individual, the war efforts, the policies in conflict, and the leaders. This book is not overtly descriptive of actions or lengthy details; the premise relies on the words of the individuals, historical details available today, and logic to craft a story to inform the present day on the day-to-day reasons for the American Revolution.
February 2, 2020
I was kind of afraid that this would turn out to be as exciting as "the begats" of the Bible. No! It is infinitely more interesting and well written but just as meticulously researched.
It does have fun with the begats as necessary to understand the entwining of the families noted in the publisher's blurb but also the individuals, their religious and political proclivities that embodied the reasons for their involvement in the coming division with England even as these attitudes were evident almost since their arrival in North America. Don't get me wrong, it is very readable! But I am part of a family of history geeks who used to be involved in reenacting the American Revolution.
I loved the reading of it and learned a lot, but if I buy a print copy it will walk away, so I will get the audiobook for my personal use.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
It does have fun with the begats as necessary to understand the entwining of the families noted in the publisher's blurb but also the individuals, their religious and political proclivities that embodied the reasons for their involvement in the coming division with England even as these attitudes were evident almost since their arrival in North America. Don't get me wrong, it is very readable! But I am part of a family of history geeks who used to be involved in reenacting the American Revolution.
I loved the reading of it and learned a lot, but if I buy a print copy it will walk away, so I will get the audiobook for my personal use.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin's Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
October 22, 2021
Great book! Interesting to hear how these people reacted to government obsession. I wish more people today had the same principals and obstinance to unjust/over reaching government mandates.
"A constitution of government once changed from freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost is lost forever" - John Adams
"If ye love wealth better than liberty; the tranquility of servitude better than the animated contest of freedom - go home from us in peace[...] May your chains sit lightly upon you and pay posterity forget you were our countrymen!" - Samuel Adams
These young men ( late 20s/ early 30s) in Massachusetts could have lived a simple happy life as long as they endured relatively small amounts of unjust government mandates.... but these men simply wouldn't bend or break; they simply would not stop until the king backed down... even though it could have cost them their lives.
Great book. Nina, write more history please
"A constitution of government once changed from freedom, can never be restored. Liberty once lost is lost forever" - John Adams
"If ye love wealth better than liberty; the tranquility of servitude better than the animated contest of freedom - go home from us in peace[...] May your chains sit lightly upon you and pay posterity forget you were our countrymen!" - Samuel Adams
These young men ( late 20s/ early 30s) in Massachusetts could have lived a simple happy life as long as they endured relatively small amounts of unjust government mandates.... but these men simply wouldn't bend or break; they simply would not stop until the king backed down... even though it could have cost them their lives.
Great book. Nina, write more history please
February 1, 2020
This book is well researched and well written. The author's writing style is engaging and brings history to life on the pages. The books focuses on the interactions between the Hancock, Adams and Quincy families in bringing about the Revolutionary War. There were marriages between the families and life long friendships that played key roles in the developing the ideas that kindled the Revolutionary War.
This is an excellent book and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an enjoyable read about the development of the Revolutionary War in Massachussets.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
This is an excellent book and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an enjoyable read about the development of the Revolutionary War in Massachussets.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.
January 24, 2021
A very well written account of early American history and the path leading to declaring independence. I found it eerily interesting that so much of what happened in those few years leading to the Declaration of Independence is occurring today in America. They say history repeats itself. It would appear we are seeing just that.
September 1, 2023
A comprehensive retelling of the roles these three families played that ultimately lead to the declaration of independence from the United Kingdom. From Braintree to Boston to Philadelphia, the author brings to light rich details that get overlooked in the history books.
September 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this, even with a long break in reading from needing to prioritize other books due to book clubs and library due dates! I am a big amateur enthusiast of American Revolution history, and having grown up in Lexington, Massachusetts, I was surrounded by the history of colonial New England. As a result, this was already right up my alley.
Where Sankovich really excels is her elevation of the quotidian into narratives that traditionally focus exclusively on the “great men” of American history and their most famous exploits. She also integrates women’s voices in ways that I don’t always see—this shines particularly with John and Abigail Adams, whose correspondence is heavily drawn on, but also with Dolly and John Hancock, and several of the Quincy family members. What surprised me, perhaps the most, was how important and influential the Quincys were, especially Josiah Jr., and it’s intriguing to imagine how much he might have impacted the course of the American Revolution, or what sort of role he might have played in the government, if he hadn’t died so young.
I felt this began to be less effective for me when Sankovich began retreading some of the better known events of Revolutionary War history, and it felt less focused and impactful compared to earlier portions of the narrative. I’m not sure if this is because her arguments petered out or if it could have been revised for stronger writing, but it let down the conclusion for me.
Really accessible and definitely engaging, but could have benefited from a revised ending for more impact.
Where Sankovich really excels is her elevation of the quotidian into narratives that traditionally focus exclusively on the “great men” of American history and their most famous exploits. She also integrates women’s voices in ways that I don’t always see—this shines particularly with John and Abigail Adams, whose correspondence is heavily drawn on, but also with Dolly and John Hancock, and several of the Quincy family members. What surprised me, perhaps the most, was how important and influential the Quincys were, especially Josiah Jr., and it’s intriguing to imagine how much he might have impacted the course of the American Revolution, or what sort of role he might have played in the government, if he hadn’t died so young.
I felt this began to be less effective for me when Sankovich began retreading some of the better known events of Revolutionary War history, and it felt less focused and impactful compared to earlier portions of the narrative. I’m not sure if this is because her arguments petered out or if it could have been revised for stronger writing, but it let down the conclusion for me.
Really accessible and definitely engaging, but could have benefited from a revised ending for more impact.
June 7, 2020
As a fan of Ms. Sankovitch’s previous book, The Lowells of Massachusetts, I expected to enjoy American Rebels, but she has truly hit the ball out of the park with this one! In her detailed and fascinating account of the intertwined lives of the Adams, Quincy and Hancock families, the author has once again used meticulous research of original letters and other documents to breath life into these American heroes and their reluctant path toward independence. Through a compelling narrative style, the men and women of these Founding Families are revealed as ordinary farmers, lawyers and merchants, parents, husbands and wives, who became extraordinary when the protection of their rights demanded that they act. Two hundred and fifty years later, when the democracy they created is under an existential threat, the integrity and courage of these men and women who fought and gave their lives for our American form of government is both instructional and inspirational. This is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and preserving the foundations of the great experiment of American Democracy.
August 24, 2024
I love a good, well written history book. This one was long, but it read like a story and really did justice to the tensions leading up to the revolutionary war and the minds behind the movement. I especially loved how much Sankovitch gave credit where credit was due to the women in the Quincy, Adams, and Hancock families. I hope my kids learn from history books like this one include more women’s voices, because women certainly did not just sit back and let the men do all the work.
April 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book very much. I am always a bit leary of new books on American History because they are often reformed to fit the authors views, or the current world view. Not so with this book by Nina Sankovitch. I actually learned a few new things. I would definitely recommend this book to any lover of American History and those who worked to make us a country.
June 6, 2020
Very good, very detailed book. My esteem for John Hancock grew dramatically as did my regard for Sam Adams. The book was very enlightening to me. There are a lot of quotes and portions of old letters in the text that I had to pay attention to follow completely (people wrote and spoke with a flourishno longer present in common English). I strongly recommend this book.
May 27, 2020
Honestly, given my frustrating inability to focus lately, especially on books, I did not think I would be able to latch on to this one. But part of my problem right now is not just the lack of concentration but also that I have miserable track record in guessing what I will enjoy. So I thought, why not? So glad I did.
Nina is an amazing writer and reminds a bit of David McCullough in that she has the ability to feed you so much information and knowledge but the delivery is so smooth and seamless you don't feel as if you're being force-fed. I attribute a lot of this to how vividly she made the people and the places in this book. I had such a clear sense of John Hancock, John and Abigail Adams, even Josiah Quincy Sr. up there at the top of his house keeping watch over British comings and goings.
I always say it takes real skill to make a page-turner out of a story where we all know the ending and Nina achieved this too.
Nina, thank you for what was clearly a great deal of work in the research and writing of this book. And thank you for shaking me out of my Covid-induced reading malaise!
Nina is an amazing writer and reminds a bit of David McCullough in that she has the ability to feed you so much information and knowledge but the delivery is so smooth and seamless you don't feel as if you're being force-fed. I attribute a lot of this to how vividly she made the people and the places in this book. I had such a clear sense of John Hancock, John and Abigail Adams, even Josiah Quincy Sr. up there at the top of his house keeping watch over British comings and goings.
I always say it takes real skill to make a page-turner out of a story where we all know the ending and Nina achieved this too.
Nina, thank you for what was clearly a great deal of work in the research and writing of this book. And thank you for shaking me out of my Covid-induced reading malaise!
July 8, 2020
I love Abigail Adam's, but I found Josiah and Abigail's story to be more interesting here.
July 7, 2021
Outstanding. Nina Sankovitch guides us through a remarkable American journey from the founding of Braintree, Massachusetts, to the signing of the Declaration of Independence - all told through the eyes, and letters, of the Hancock, Adams, and Quincy families. The apparent main characters in this wonderful book are John Hancock, Josiah Quincy Jr., and John Adams. Their actions, writings, rhetoric, guidance, and abilities shine forth as the colonists first became protesters, then hopeful reconcilers, and ultimately American rebels. Along the way we are witnesses with these families to the unrest caused by the acts of Parliament taxing the colonists without their consent; the tragedy of the Boston Massacre and the defiant spirit of its anniversary memorials; the comradery and sacrifice of the colonists' boycotts of British goods; the fear of those caught within, or at least uncomfortably close, to the battles at the dawn of war, and the Siege of Boston. This is an early American saga brought to life by the author's deft and delightful writing but forthrightly delivered by the words of those three interconnected families who were there to react to the historical significance of their place and time.
November 5, 2021
Fabulous! Makes learning about history, which historically (pun sort of intended) has been difficult for me, easy and more human than any other history book I've ever read. Highly recommend!
May 9, 2024
One of the first books I’ve read where the family/social life of the Founding Fathers is fully written about..the women finally have a presence..good sense of Mass Bay Colony at the time
April 29, 2020
American Rebels accomplishes everything it sets out to do. Nina expertly wove the narrative of three influential men, their wives, sisters, brothers, and ancestors into a narrative that truly highlights the struggles the Americans endured in their relationship with an arrogant British Parliament. This is an important book for our times. These three founding fathers were not faultless, but they were faithful to their values, the Congregational values passed down from their forefathers. The Adams and Quincy families were only a few of the players, but they were central to the idea of independence and its ultimate success. Adams would go on to influence the form the new government would take, and serve as its second president.
The narrative begins in 1765 with the implementation of the Stamp Act as the Crown's lame attempt to raise funds to pay for a costly war. it ends in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The author traces the roots of Josiah Quincy, Jr, John Adams, and John Hancock's upbringing, education, and the formation of their values and views on religion, civic duty, and public service. It's a well-constructed narrative, that at times gets a little confusing with all the Quincy's. But she connects the dots of who was related to whom. A careful reading will clarify all the relationships and their significance. The roots of the men's thinking are deep in both British constitutional history and Puritan ideals and practices.
Anyone confused by the current public conversations about the origins of our nation needs to read this book and keep it on their bookshelves for future reference.
The narrative begins in 1765 with the implementation of the Stamp Act as the Crown's lame attempt to raise funds to pay for a costly war. it ends in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The author traces the roots of Josiah Quincy, Jr, John Adams, and John Hancock's upbringing, education, and the formation of their values and views on religion, civic duty, and public service. It's a well-constructed narrative, that at times gets a little confusing with all the Quincy's. But she connects the dots of who was related to whom. A careful reading will clarify all the relationships and their significance. The roots of the men's thinking are deep in both British constitutional history and Puritan ideals and practices.
Anyone confused by the current public conversations about the origins of our nation needs to read this book and keep it on their bookshelves for future reference.
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