Review: Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For almost 10 years, this book has sat on a shelf. For almost 10 years I said, "I need to read this". Finally almost 10 years later thanks to a dude name Lin-Manuel Miranda I got it out. Took me about 10 years to read it, but I loved it. Why did I wait so long? I study Washington, Jefferson, and Madison....and read a book on Burr (Gore Vidal---superb); not once had I read a book on A. Ham. I rather enjoyed getting to know him. As a matter of a fact, this book introduced me to A. Ham fiction and books on duels. I have visited a few sites on Alexander and taken photos but it was because I knew he was FIRST Treasury Secretary, not because he was so intriguing. Thanks LMM for introducing a NON Presidential hero to me.

View all my reviews

Review: Lafayette in the Somewhat United States

Lafayette in the Somewhat United States by Sarah Vowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was a tad apprehensive about reading this book.
1. I had never read anything by the author
2. The cover didn't thrill me
3. I like Lafayette and wanted to keep liking him.

I am happy to say that the first 2 on my list didn't matter because from the first page, I was captivated. The author wove history around modern day experiences and places. She very successfully connected the past with the present and took a road trip in the process. What a brilliant move!

She is correct that most folks don't know about Lafayette. Don't realize how vital he and his friends were to America gaining independence, but this book could help them understand where all the Lafayette Square are Lafayette Drives across got their name.

That brings me to #3 on my list. I still like the Marquis de Lafayette. I like him a lot and I am so grateful to him and all his friend's sacrifices so we could become a nation.

View all my reviews

Review: My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton: Wife, Widow, and Warrior in Alexander Hamilton’s Quest for a More Perfect Union

My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton: Wife, Widow, and Warrior in Alexander Hamilton’s Quest for a More Perfect Union by Stephanie Dray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did adore this book. One hundred percent focused on Eliza and not Eliza as a perfect being, on Eliza as a woman that loves and has been hurt and betrayed, experienced loss and hardships and joy. It was so much like being a fly on the wall and being there during the events of her life. If you only know Eliza from Hamilton: An American Musical, this will take you deeper into what she could have been like.

View all my reviews