Alexander Hamilton's Guide to Life

If you are a hamilton lover, youre going to want to pick up this book. This little gem is broken up into lessons and virtues to take away and apply to your daily life, based on 5 of Alexander Hamilton’s core principles. Sure, there are lessons to be learned, but Wilser does not beat you ever the head with them. This book is not classified as a self-help. Basically, it’s a funny, informative little adventure through one of our favorite Founding Father’s life. If picking up Ron Chernow’s biography is a little too daunting for you, but you still wish to gain more insight than what the musical offers, this book is a perfect compromise. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone riding the Hamilton train right now, i.e. everyone I know (minus a few key family members that will soon be disowned if this doesn’t change). Wilser does a wonderful job of infusing modern humor, the Hamilton musical, and historical fun facts that the musical may have left out or brushed over. Alexander Hamilton’s Guide to Life was such an entertaining & moderately quick read, and I am really happy to have it in my Hamilton collection.

If you're not up to reading the lengthy biographies of Hamilton, then this book is for you. It's fun and factual. I loved it so much that I chose it for our monthly book club read.

Friend to America! Hamilton! What a powerful last name! "Speak with authority...even if you have none!" Alexander Hamilton said this hundreds of years ago... There is a TedTalk that says "Fake it till you make it", basically she stole Hamilton's words and rephrased them right, just kidding. This book is a great read for a history buff, a fact lover, a know it all, but really for any AMERICAN! I love history and love this book. Kudos to the author Jeff Wilser for writing this exciting book about Alexander Hamilton in such a fun spirited way. History professors should have their students read this, in college. History doesn't have to be boring! Parents read this book and have your kids read it as well! We should stop whining about how hard life is and accomplish big things! Just like author Jeff Wilser said, "We are now living in Alexander Hamilton's America". Wait til you read it and you'll know why. Author Jeff Wilser Made America Great Again! I give ★★★★★ to this book, even the binding deserves ★★★★★ (it is a beautiful book)!!! Definitely, the BEST book I've read! I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

The life and career of Alexander Hamilton have received much attention lately. Of the Founders, Hamilton might have been second only to Washington in importance and influence, author Jeff Wilser argues in this volume. In "Alexander Hamilton's Guide to Life," Wilser looks at the Hamilton's public and private character traits and shows how he approached life. Hamilton was born in difficult circumstances, but from a young age read voraciously and learned skills continually, and worked extremely hard. By young adulthood he had presence, decisiveness, and vision and became a good public speaker. Hamilton was courageous, too, speaking out concerning his opinions no matter the cost. Wilser describes aspects of Hamilton's private life, such as marriage and personal finances, and his public life, including his great relationship with Washington and his farsighted views on economics and public finance. The author puts a humorous spin on many other anecdotes from Hamilton's life and character that led to his distinctiveness and rise in the world. He closes by describing the fatal duel with Aaron Burr and his legacy. The book is an enjoyable read concerning one of the most important figures in American history.

I had not studied much on the life of Alexander Hamilton prior to reading this book. I learned some things going through this text. The author provides an accessible biography of the subject, sprinkling each chapter with a life lesson. This tone is conversational. Wilser even slips in some pop-culture references. His work is much lighter fare than Chernow's daunting tome. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an introduction to Hamilton. While the author has clearly done his research, some might find the book glib. Those looking for something scholarly will need to go elsewhere.

My son is huge Hamilton fan and I knew that he probably wouldn't read the nearly 800 page Ron Chernow version, so I bought this for his 18th birthday. He liked it and I liked it so much that I bought another one for myself. Alexander Hamilton and his life is worth following and Wilser tells his story with wit and wisdom (even if you don't know the musical). The book is a quick read and packed with great advise for both young and old. I am more and more convinced that American wouldn't exist in its current form if it wasn't for Alexander Hamilton. Our country is better because of him. He is a great man I am glad to know his story and Wilser tells it so well. It is my graduation gift for several nephews and nieces.

A very nice, timely, charming, amusing book that does a fine job of distilling Hamilton's life, observations and amusements. A bit more of a didactic read than Bailey & Hemingway's "Of all the Gin Joints . . ." A.H.'s Guide to Life is well worth the time and should be enjoyed with a couple of glasses of fine wine or your favorite beverage and a good imagination. Give this as a gift to a graduate. Appropriate for Jr. High, High School College and graduate school readers. Give only to an exceedingly mature 6th grader with very liberal parents. A book about a bastard born of a whore and a Scotsman might set younger minds to asking awkward questions that some parents might wish to avoid.

Alexander Hamilton was at once the most neglected of the founding fathers and the most important. His biography is an absolute wonder. I have always admired him, but even at this late stage, I failed to realize how much this nation really owes that man. To the extent one admires George Washington, to that extent should one honor Hamilton. Washington made almost no move without the analysis and assent and often the step by step directions, from Hamilton. He was amazing. Thomas Jefferson was his lifelong enemy, trying to discredit him even after his untimely death. In life, he was attacked also my Adams, Madison and Monroe. But in life, Hamilton prevailed always, from monetary policy, banks, the assumption of states’ debt, recommendations for war, even the location of the capitol. Yet there is but one statue of this man, at the Office of the Treasury. I am also reading the life of Thomas Jefferson. I believe Hamilton should stand in history head and shoulders above that gentleman. Wilser "does him proud."

Gave it to my daughter for her birthday...she loved it!