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Cover of LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
4.64

Based on 94 Goodreads ratings

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA

by nature, Miranda bloomed in high school, where he made movies with a camcorder and took advantage of the school’s drama program, staging ambitious plays. In his sophomore year at Wesleyan University, Miranda wrote a musical set in Washington Heights\u003B it would become the first draft of In the Heights, his first Broadway musical. Most of Pollack\u002DPelzner’s book is dedicated to the creative process behind In the Heights, which won four Tony Awards, and Hamilton, the idea for which came when Miranda took a copy of Ron Chernow’s biography on vacation. Miranda talked to Pollack\u002DPelzner for the book, and his remarkable candor is part of why it succeeds. The author’s chronicle of the musicals’ development is equally thrilling. Pollack\u002DPelzner, who writes about theater and culture for the New Yorker, the Atlantic, and the New York Times, understands the technical and creative aspects of the stage, and he proves himself to also be an astute observer of the more human side of creating art."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:400
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781668014

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This compelling biography captures the extraordinary journey of the visionary creator behind "Hamilton" and "In the Heights," tracing his path from a childhood immersed in New York City's vibrant art...

Our Review

This compelling biography captures the extraordinary journey of the visionary creator behind "Hamilton" and "In the Heights," tracing his path from a childhood immersed in New York City's vibrant arts scene to his revolutionary impact on Broadway. The narrative vividly portrays Miranda's creative process, his dedication to his craft, and the cultural significance of bringing diverse stories to the mainstream stage. Young readers will be fascinated by the behind-the-scenes details of how a high school teacher's assignment sparked the idea for a musical about Alexander Hamilton.

What truly distinguishes this account is its focus on perseverance and creative problem-solving, making it particularly inspiring for aspiring artists, writers, and performers navigating their own formative years. The book doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges Miranda faced, presenting an authentic portrait that balances monumental success with relatable human struggles. Teens interested in theater, music composition, or storytelling will find both practical inspiration and profound encouragement in this story of artistic innovation.

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