Prompt Response- -Week 12

The Readers’ Advisory Matrix
John Quincy and Louisa Adams, the War of 1812, and the Exile That Saved American Independence by Jane Hampton Cook

1. Where is the book on the narrative continuum?
A mix (combines highly narrative moments with periods of fact-based prose).

2. What is the subject of the book?
The diaries/letters of John Quincy Adams and his wife Louisa while he was President’s Madison’s minister of Russia.

3. What type of book is it?
Biographies of J.Q. Adams and his wife; world history during 1809-1815.

4. Articulate appeal

a) What is the pacing of the book?
 It reads quickly; the author’s interpretations are explanatory and often humorous.

b) Describe the characters of the book.
The Adamses’ have strong Christian faith and commitment toward public service. Cook tells of Louisa’s many health issues while in Russia.

c)  How does the story feel?
The story is uplifting and patriotic.

d)  What is the intent of the author?
To make reading history enjoyable by adding the human element.

e)  What is the focus of the story?
Being a good listener, Adams became a valued American friend to Russia and later a skillful negotiator in the Treaty of Ghent; thus, ending the War of 1812.

f) Does the language matter?
Yes. Although the Adamses’ quotes are in English; all unique terms of that period are then discussed.



g) Is the setting important and well described?
Yes, Cook’s view of Russia during this time period is vivid.

h) Are there details, and if so, what?
Despite the harsh Russian winters, there were several festive balls that took place in St. Petersburg; in contrast, Europe after the France-Russian war as well as the British burning Washington City were both alarming.



i) Are there sufficient charts and graphic materials?
 A small insert of paintings is provided.



j) Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding, or experience? 
All three because the book delivers the event, Cook as a historian links many relevant facts, and the topic of public service life is given as a challenging but worthy experience.

5. Why would a reader enjoy this book?
1. Tone
2. Character-based
3. Historical detail