Reviews

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

adrith's review against another edition

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4.0

It took me 362 days to finish this book.

I wish I knew where my middle school report on A.Ham was - so much did Young Adrith not know. Least of which is that thirty years later I would be sobbing in the car as I listened to the details of his passing.

Got a little sloggy in parts, but I am glad overall for Chernow's thoroughness, for Scott Brick's masterful narration, and for the lives illuminated by this work.

deliamiller's review against another edition

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4.0

Very interesting but many of my notions about our Founding Fathers were shattered. The parallels with our current election were eerie. I have renewed respect for Hamilton and all he accomplished

tashspice's review against another edition

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4.0

WHY IS LIN MANUEL MIRANDA SUCH A GENIUS?!?!?!
1. Ron Chernow did a great job with this biography.
2. Reading this biography peels back many layers of genius that is Lin-Manuel Miranda. Little phrases from the book are found in his inspired lyrics, and you're just reading are like "whaaaaaaat". It's hard to describe the awe I feel, when I heard Lin's lyrics were originally in the text of Ron's book. Bloody brilliant

mattdavenport's review against another edition

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5.0

What a man. Dashing but flawed, brilliant but egotistical, visionary but often blind to his own flaws, and the most under appreciated Founding Father. There’s too much to say about Hamilton in one review, this book has enough substance to teach an entire course over and still not paint the whole picture.

Chernow once again proves he is the end-all authority for Presidential biographies (and at least in my experience, biographies in general). A fantastic read, alive and vibrant with all the details and personalities of the era.

trivety's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

4.5

mayswartzbwithu's review against another edition

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5.0

An incredibly well researched book that brings to life one of the greatest of all who founded the United States. In addition to setting up America's treasury department and formulating is financial policy, Hamilton was instrumental in forming the country's two-party system, insuring that the United States was lead by a strong executive, began West Point and built the first U.S. Army. He was an extraordinary man. The musical is more entertaining, but the book is a fascinating account of how an illegitimate child from the West Indies became one of the strongest guiding hands of the infant country.

jaykoester's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm old and cranky enough now that I often start but quickly stop reading books that seem like homework. Though I was interested in Hamilton, I thought that's what would happen with this tome. But it was so fascinating, I just kept going, even though it took me nearly two months. Highly recommended, especially if you read faster than me, lol.

elchado's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

alexangelas's review against another edition

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5.0

I love Alexander Hamilton. Ever since I saw the play when it premiered in Chicago I was obsessed. OBSESSED. I’ve memorized the soundtrack. I’ve told everyone I know about how amazing the play is and how crazy this man’s life was. So to read this-the book the inspired my greatest obsession-made my day like no other. I loved it. So much. And I’m sure I’ll be reading it again in the future.

kkmortier's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars. Like many people, I most likely wouldn't have taken notice of this book without all the recent attention given to the Broadway show. This was a fascinating read and I'm in awe of all that Hamilton accomplished when all I could've told you was that his face is on money and he was shot by Aaron Burr. I also have a new found ambivalence toward Thomas Jefferson. Highly recommend this book, though it's weighty, literally and figuratively.