My Dear Hamilton (and Other Revolutionary Reads)

Sometimes, a book (or books) comes along that gives you a better understanding and clearer perspective of a historical event. My Dear Hamilton and these other revolutionary reads taught me so much more about the American Revolution than I had ever learned in school.

American History was NOT my favorite subject in school. It wasn’t logical like math or science, it wasn’t creative like writing for English assignments, and the books were not exciting like in literature. I found history textbooks to be boring. We occasionally did a special project that made the material come more alive (more interesting). But mostly, I memorized required names and dates so that I could pass my test… and then, I promptly forgot most of the information.

As a young adult, I could remember the primary players throughout American History but I didn’t always remember their exact roles. And, even though I know women must have played important roles, I had rarely given much thought beyond the men mentioned in our history textbooks. This has all been changing over recent years though.

Adulthood has given me a much better appreciation for our country’s history. I especially attribute this to the books that I have read – mostly biographies and historical fiction. Plus, I enjoy the occasional informative documentary. Additionally, it’s on my bucket list to see Hamilton the Musical someday.

My Dear Hamilton

Currently, I am reading My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through any Amazon links in this post, I receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

I am loving this historical fiction novel told from the perspective of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, Alexander’s wife. (Given my history of reading books about wives of powerful political players, this probably doesn’t surprise you.)

It is so interesting to learn more about this woman who played an important supportive role in the American Revolution – whether by tending to wounded soldiers, pleading for necessary supplies, encouraging alliances with the indigenous people of the area, or supporting her husband’s political endeavors.

I mean, seriously… who is this strong-minded woman who comes from a proud Dutch lineage, is the daughter of the respected General Schuyler, and was once ceremoniously adopted by a local Native American tribe. We have all learned so much about her husband in recent years. Now, we have an opportunity to learn more about Eliza who was considered by some of George Washington’s inner circle to be “the finest tempered girl in all the world.” How did this fine-tempered woman tolerate the ordeals she lived through? How great was her role in the founding of this nation?

The story’s narrative is intriguing and sucks you right in from the start. That in itself would be a good enough reason to snag yourself a copy of this book to read. But then, it is also filled with interesting snippets of information about her family’s background and the founding fathers of our nation. I especially enjoyed the authors’ notes at the end of the book where Dray and Kamoie explained what details were true, what was changed for the sake of the story, and what was fictionalized.

Click here to read more reviews about My Dear Hamilton on Amazon.

Alexander Hamilton

The biography, Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow, is long but completely worth the read. Afterall, this is the book that inspired the Broadway hit, Hamilton the Musical.

SIDE NOTE: Hamilton the Musical is coming to my home state of Michigan in 2019! I’m so excited! I hope I can get some tickets for one of the shows.

In my school years, I memorized names and dates and general concepts related to the American Revolution. However, the major players of the revolution felt more like fictional characters from a book (or in the event of the Boston Tea Party, maybe even from a comic strip). They seemed more like superheroes to me than real people with real flaws and real problems.

That all changed for me once I read Ron Chernow’s book. I finally began to see our founding fathers (and their wives) as real people who had flaws and tempers and problems… just like everyone else.

Additionally, as a child and teenager, I hadn’t realized that Alexander Hamilton was a very important player in the founding of our nation. Afterall, he was never even President!

Needless to say, I was surprised to learn how key he was to the success of the revolutionary war and the establishment of our nation’s government system. As an adult with over 15 years of work experience in the Credit Union industry, I was especially intrigued to learn about how Hamilton masterminded the U.S. Treasury system.

Click here to read more reviews about Alexander Hamilton on Amazon.

 

Gumption

Gumption: Relighting the Torch of Freedom with America’s Gutsiest Troublemakers by Nick Offerman (a popular actor from the Parks and Rec TV show) wrote profiles of various “gutsy troublemakers” throughout American history, including original revolutionaries like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

In these profiles, he enlightens readers through earnest and humorous recountings of anecdotes and principles. The book taught me quite a few things, gave me new insights into historical and modern day “Great Americans”, and made me chuckle.

If you choose to listen to this as an audio book, it is read by the author himself! Bonus!

Click here to read more reviews about Gumption on Amazon.

 

Alex and Eliza

 Alex and Eliza: A Love Story by Melissa de la Cruz is a young adult novel.

The first book in a trilogy series, this story follows a young Elizabeth Schuyler and Alexander Hamilton from when they first met, through their courtship, and to their wedding day.

This book is a quick read, and it is a great introduction to America’s original power couple.

Click here to read more reviews about Alex and Eliza on Amazon.

 

Love and War

Love & War: The Alex & Eliza Trilogy by Melissa de la Cruz is newly released, and it is the second installment of the Alex and Eliza young adult trilogy series.

While I picked up a copy of this book from the library last month, I have not read it yet. I have deliberately decided to wait a few months.

I’m concerned that I won’t enjoy it as much because I have just finished reading My Dear Hamilton, a more detailed account of Alex and Eliza’s relationship. So I will wait a few months until Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s retellings are not as fresh in my mind. I think that will allow me to enjoy Melissa de la Cruz’s book much more.

Also, I am worried that Love and War may be a more sterilized account of the relationship because of the book’s intended teenage audience. It will break my heart if Alexander’s affairs are downplayed in these YA novels. (Please, Ms. de la Cruz. Don’t break my heart!) I think Eliza’s dignified reaction and ability to forgive these affairs really distinguishes her as an extraordinary and disciplined individual.

Click here to read Amazon reviews about the newly released Love and War.

 

1776

1776 by David McCullough is a historical non-fiction account of the American Revolution.

I have not read this particular book yet; however, I feel confident in recommending it. I have read many books by David McCullough, and he always provides an informative retelling of events that is insightful and well-balanced.

In addition to this book, you may also want to read his book, John Adams . It is a detailed biography about the second President of the United States.

Click here to read reviews about 1776 on Amazon.

 

What Revolutionary Reads Do You Recommend?

What books have you read that changed your perspective on a historical event?

Do you have other books related to the American Revolution or our nation’s founding generation that you would recommend?

Please let me know in the comments.