I'm in the middle of the book "Abigail Adams" and I simply adore her. She's probably one of my all-time favorite historical figures and definetly my favorite female. In fact, I try to emulate her as much as possible.
The book as been slow going so far... it's a great book, but its hefty. I read it in short spurts. (Well that and I read several books at a time so this one is in a revolving line.) I read the biography "John Adams" this summer. What a fantastic read! I was so excited to pick up this book on Abigail because I wanted more of her story and of her letters. She is truly an amazing woman.
She ran a farm by herself most of her life! She also saved almost every penny they earned and was very frugal. But one day she surprised her husband by having a library and office added onto the house for him when he came home from his stay in public office. How amazing. She paid for it all in cash out of money she'd saved.
Abigail was educated beyond what most women in her time were. She understood politics well and was a brilliant advisor to the president. She fiercely defended him in the face of lies from the other party and was ready to sever ties with a family friend who'd crossed them over his gossip and disloyalty to them. (Thomas Jefferson.) She traveled Europe and became quite good at the French language. Educating the children was entirely her job -- and she managed to turn out a president among them. She survived three of her children's deaths as well.
I think I'll write more on her when the inspiration strikes me. What a true lady!