“I AM NOT THROWING AWAY MY SHOT!” is probably what Jeremy McCarter was thinking when Lin-Manuel Miranda asked him to write this one-of-a-kind book. And let me tell you… He most certainly did NOT. This book is nothing like I imagined it would be. I was thinking it’d be a coffee table book that had beautiful photos and some interesting background, but I didn’t think it would be the kind of read that sucks you in and has you staying up late into the night reading just one more page.

Which is exactly the kind of book this is. If you love HAMILTON, you are going to adore this book. First of all, it’s breathtaking to behold – we’re talking parchment pages so soft they almost feel like cloth, gorgeous old-fashioned photographs of the cast and crew on stage and off, a copy of the full libretto with witty and oftentimes hilarious annotations from Lin-Manuel himself, and chapters that are bursting with interesting historical facts, insights from the cast and crew, and behind-the-scenes information that will please and delight even the most ardent fans (of which I consider myself one).

I was captivated by this book from the second I held it in my hands. It’s a tactile experience dazzles more than just the mind – a must have for fans of the play, whether you’ve seen the show live or not. I was awed by the dedication, effort, and perseverance that went into creating what is now one of the largest cultural revolutions to occur in my lifetime. Not only did this leave me wanting to read everything I can get my hands on about Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and George Washington (just to name a few), it also left me with an entirely new outlook on the play itself, and the music (which I listened to on repeat while I read). There are so many little insights that change your perspective, and now I want to see the show again so that I can catch details I missed the first time.

If you’re on the fence about HAMILTON, this book will surely convert you – the thought and attention to detail that went into making this production is unparalleled, and I believe that any theater-lover, whether they’re a big fan of the play or not, will be awed by the sheer force of will behind this show.

Basically, this may be on the pricier side, but it’s well-worth the money. It’s not just a hodgepodge homage to the musical – it’s a piece of artwork in and of itself. You won’t regret getting your hands on this piece of history.

Rating: 5+/5 stars 

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Talk to Me:

Do you LOVE LOVE Hamilton? Who’s your favorite character? What’s your favorite song? Are you planning on reading Hamilton: The Revolution???