Founding Mothers

I liked the book, but hated the narration. I have been trying to learn more about American history and thought that this perspective would be a good one to read. I appreciated the facts in the book and am happy to have learned more about our country's history. Unfortunately, Cokie Roberts' narration was terrible as every nuance and tone used to speak of the husbands, fathers and brothers was in a terribly disparaging, "of course they did that because all men are chauvinist pigs." Her constant disrespect and disparagement of the men in the book was really quite irritating and took away from the message of the book.

This should have been an interesting book, adding valuable information to the story of the American Revolution. But Roberts insists on telling the story from a 1970s feminist point of view instead of understanding the 16th century American culture, and her occasionally sarcastic tone doesn't help. Her reading voice is annoying and often overly dramatic as if she were reading to children. Even the martial music at the start and end of each disk is ill-chosen for the decidely unmartial stories within. The stories of the women themselves are interesting and deserve better treatment.

I was eagerly anticipating reading this book, however, I was disappointed. Cokie Roberts is someone whom I respect so I was assuming there would be more depth and insight, it felt like fluff. If you don’t know a lot about the founding mothers you might enjoy it.

Very interesting historical consideration of the women who made the American Revolution successful. I wasn’t overwhelmed by Ms. Roberts narration. Kind of dry, stilted and flat.

I thought this was an interesting take on history. What we tend to know, is what we learned in grade school, there were red coats and there were spanish missions... simple big-ticket facts. But to hear about other peripheral facts, some details, and some opinions of the time, paints a more detailed picture. And to think - that back during our nations begining , that NJ was still the disappointing light at the end of NY's tunnel. Oh, and I didnt find the narrator's voice annoying at all.

I really enjoyed this book - also that it was read by the author who clearly enjoyed her subject. After having recently read a biography on John Adams it was quite interesting to see the same period from a women's view. Although the narrative is a bit uneven in tone/vocal quality (clearly Ms. Roberts isn't a professional reader) it was interesting, moved along well, and very entertaining. These were very tough, convicted and hard working people, both men and women, who started our nation. (I purchased the hard copy book for my daughter and my mother who prefer to read vs listen)

Super Book. I really enjoyed finding out the women, especially the ones I have never heard of before. This should be a must read or listen to for all young women in high school.

I found this story to be very insightful and interesting. Ms. Roberts introduces us to quite a few women who went "under the radar" in American History class in school. She also introduced insight into our "founding fathers". I'm especially not appreciative of Ben Franklin's character, now. I listened to this story after having been impressed by his personally flattering exhibit that was presented at our history museum this Spring (2007). He seemed like such a clever, giving, loving man. Well, I guess he seemed to care more about old Ben than his family and, perhaps, even his country. Anyway, it was a good book, albeit, slow at times and the dates are not necessarily in chronological order as it introduces new women to the story. But, all in all...a worthy read.

I absolutely loved this - I plan to actually read the unabridged version. I think it brings to light the fascinating and important role women played in the founding of this country. Cokie does a great job narrating all those wonderful stories and little known facts our children - especially our daughters - should know about US history. Kudos to her for putting this together!

Well written, and as interesting as historical reporting can be, Roberts' addition of little known facts to well known history is fascinating. Told mostly thru these amazing women's letters, kept throughout over 200 years of America's rise to power, we hear for ourselves just how valuable the women behind the famous men really were. It is quite thought provoking at times, to realize how fully these women did help shape the future of our country, all the while keeping families, home, and often homestead running smoothly while the men were away fighting for, and later governing our fledgling country. At times a tad dry, but Cokie's pleasant voice keeps you alert, and it is well worth a listen to hear proof of what we women already know....that men cannot and would not be able to do what they do in this world without the support of a good woman....and these amazing women were all that and more!

This could have been a very interesting topic but Cokie Roberts appears determined to focus on "the womens' movement of colonial America" rather than reciting the many contributions made by women of this era.

Founding Mothers is worth the time to listen. Surprising facts about remarkable women. I was glad that I read John Adams first as it made Abigail all the more admirable.

As a woman, I appreciate knowing about the contributions of my gender since this is something that I did not learn in school. But, listening to Cokie Roberts' voice was agonizing!! Something about it just drove me crazy!!