Episode · The Book Review · 2026-03-06
Books mentioned on The Avett Brothers’ Bassist on Writing a John Quincy Adams Book
Bob Crawford recommended Rise of American Democracy by Sean Wilentz, These Truths by Jill Lepore, and You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe, and discussed John Adams by David McCullough, 1776 by David McCullough, and MOBY-DICK; or, THE WHALE by Herman Melville.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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John Adams
John Adams by David McCullough is a celebrated biographical masterpiece that chronicles the life of the second US president and deeply explores the turbulent founding of the United States.
Discussed“At the same time David McCullough the I think he considered himself just a writer, but we we consider him a historian. Uh put out these books, this John Adams biography and this book about the year 1776.”
Where to get it
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1776
1776 by David McCullough is a sweeping historical narrative detailing the pivotal year of the American Revolutionary War, focusing on the immense struggles, military blunders, and eventual resilience of the Continental Army.
Discussed“At the same time David McCullough the I think he considered himself just a writer, but we we consider him a historian. Uh put out these books, this John Adams biography and this book about the year 1776.”
Where to get it
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Rise of American Democracy
Rise of American Democracy by Sean Wilentz is a comprehensive historical study examining the political evolution of the United States from the era of Thomas Jefferson through the presidency of Abraham Lincoln.
Recommended“Sean Sean It's like the studio's like, what? Sean Willentz, The Rise of American Democracy, Jefferson to Lincoln.”
Where to get it
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MOBY-DICK; or, THE WHALE
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville is an epic American novel that chronicles the obsessive, self-destructive quest of Captain Ahab to hunt down the giant white whale that maimed him.
Discussed“Um but I think I am in the midst of reading a great book right now, Moby Dick. You're reading Moby Dick for the first time? Yes. That's so exciting. It is exciting.”
Where to get it
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These Truths
These Truths by Jill Lepore is a sweeping, critically acclaimed one-volume history of the United States that offers a moving and beautifully written examination of the nation's past.
Recommended“Her These Truths is just I recommend it to everyone who wants to learn about history because her writing is like butter. Like, like it is so smooth and so good.”
Where to get it
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You Never Forget Your First
You Never Forget Your First by Alexis Coe is a biography of the founding president George Washington.
Recommended“Alexis Coe um you never forget your first about George Washington.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (2) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“Hi, it's Gilbert. Before we start the show, I want to let you know that we are going to be talking with the author of Project Hail Mary in an upcoming episode.”
“And now Bob has transformed his obsession with John Quincy Adams into a new book that is out March 10th. It's called America's Founding Son, John Quincy Adams from president to political Maverick.”