1. What did you think of the fact that the entire book was comprised of letters? Do you think letter writing is a lost art?
2. Did reading the letters feel like an invasion of privacy?
3. Do you think the writing was too much? For example, referring to themselves as Lysander & Diana? Were there too many literary and mythological references?
4. Do you think they spoke as flowery? Or do you think it was restricted to the written word?
5. If any presidential couple wrote like this today, do you think others would consider them crazy? The Clintons? The Obamas? Do you think it depends on political party? Would people’s reactions be different if the Bushes’ letters were written like this?
6. After reading these letters, do you look at other power couples differently? The Clintons? The Obamas? Explain.
7. Do these letters destroy the ideal of these historical figures? Or do they enhance it? Explain.
8. Dr. Perkins is a short, thick sett dark Complexioned, Yet pale Faced, Man, (Pale faced I say, which I was glad to see, because I have a great Regard for a Pale Face, in any Gentn of Physick, Divinity or Law. In indicates seach and study).
What do you think of this quote? Do you think it’s racist? If so, were you surprised? Discuss.
9. John’s letters are filled with so much negativity for the political process and desire to be working on his land. Do you think a true sense of service is missing from politics today? That too many people WANT to be president rather than consider it a duty?
Lines and Wines Book Club
1. What made the situation in Boston so much more severe before and at the beginning of the revolution than for the rest of the country?
2. How did this play a role in making Abigail and John among the more fervent advocates for the independence?
3. How did John’s role in politics affect Abigail as mother, wife and provider?
4. How did this in turn affect the children and how they developed and the choices they made for careers and the adults they became?
5. Discuss the complicated relationships between the Adams, Franklin and Jefferson.
6. Why has history not treated the Adams better until recently?
Book Expectations 