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Read This Book: ALEXANDER HAMILTON: THE GRAPHIC HISTORY OF AN AMERICAN FOUNDING FATHER by Jonathan Hennessey

Welcome to Read This Book, the newsletter where I recommend a book you should add to your TBR, STAT! I stan variety in all things, and my book recommendations will be no exception. These must-read books will span genres and age groups. There will be new releases, oldie but goldies from the backlist, and the classics you may have missed in high school. Oh my! If you’re ready to diversify your books, then LEGGO!!

In case you haven’t heard, today is Alexander Hamilton’s birthday. In recent years, he has become a household name thanks to the Broadway musical Hamilton. I still haven’t watched it and probably never will because I hate musicals. I also hate musicals. Watching Jingle Jangle helped with the first one but that second is still holding on strong. This means, if I want to learn about Alexander Hamilton, then I have to turn to the books. 

Alexander Hamilton: The Graphic History of an American Founding Father

Alexander Hamilton: The Graphic History of an American Founding Father by Jonathan Hennessey, Illustrated by Justin Greenwood

Alexander Hamilton was one of the most influential figures in United States history. He fought in the Revolutionary War, helped create the Constitution, and served as the country’s first Secretary of the Treasury. However, his life along with his political ambitions were cut short during a duel with political rival Aaron Burr. This fully-illustrated biography highlights this improbable American hero who inspired a Broadway musical.

Since I haven’t seen Hamilton, and the only fact I knew about Alexander Hamilton was learned from a “Got Milk?” commercial. Reading this Alexander Hamilton graphic novel gave me the history lesson that I never received in school. The biggest takeaway I got from this book was the Founding Fathers were petty with a capital “P.” While we are taught these great minds came together to form a more perfect union, what really seemed to happen was a group of rich, white men came with their big egos, hidden agendas, and unlikely alliances to cobble together laws for a newly birthed country that sounded good to them based on their privileged life experience. Alexander Hamilton was on top of the list for implementing laws based on what sounded good in theory since he just wanted to make a name for himself. 

This is the perfect read for anyone who wants an overview of Alexander Hamilton’s life and his role in the founding of America including the American Revolution and Continental Congress. However, I must warn you the story is choppy and slightly disjointed. Chapters jump from one event to another without much of a transition. Overall, I was able to overlook that because of all the history I was learning. I also appreciated being able to get a lot of information in less than 200 pages. Unfortunately, in the end, I felt underwhelmed about Alexander Hamilton in general. I still don’t get the hype. Hopefully, you fare better, dear reader.

Until next time bookish friends,

Katisha


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