An intimate and captivating exploration of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s artistic journey, revealing how the creator of the Broadway musicals Hamilton and In the Heights found his unique voice through bold collaborations and a seamless blend of cultures, redefining the world of musical theater.
How did Lin-Manuel Miranda, the sweet, sensitive son of Puerto Rican parents from an immigrant neighborhood in Manhattan, rise to become the preeminent musical storyteller of the 21st century? Lin-Manuel The Education of an Artist offers a compelling narrative that traces Miranda’s path from a friendly but isolated child to the winner of multiple Tonys and Grammys for his Broadway hits Hamilton and In the Heights, a global chart-topping sensation for his songs in Disney’s Moana and Encanto, and the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and a MacArthur Genius Grant.
Miranda’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and cultural synthesis. Despite not being a musical prodigy, Miranda’s insatiable drive to create art and learn from those around him propelled him to synthesize his Latino heritage with the pop, hip-hop, and Broadway musical styles of New York City. The unique blend allowed him to craft a new way of telling American stories.
Drawing on over 150 interviews with Miranda’s family, friends, and mentors, including insights from Miranda himself, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda’s artistic vision. From his early musicals in high school and college to the creation of his professional masterpieces, this book reveals the sources of Miranda’s creativity—not as innate genius, but as a result of exceptional openness and collaboration. With full access to Miranda’s inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and beyond.
As a Lin-Manuel Miranda superfan who first experienced his brilliance in "In the Heights," newly on Broadway in April 2008, I couldn't be more thrilled with Daniel Pollack-Pelzner's authorized biography, Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist. Filled with glorious detail about the many aspects of Lin's career and personal life, it is well researched and based on multiple interviews with Lin himself, his family members, teachers, mentors, friends, and collaborators. Although I have read extensively and watched documentaries about Lin-Manuel, I learned much more from this book.
It's easy to see how his education contributed to the artist he became. Both the Hunter College Elementary School and High School were pressure cookers for intellectually gifted students and provided a foundation for Lin to learn to compete, create, and collaborate. It was after he took several roles in the 6th grade play (a pastiche of the school's last six musicals), including Bernardo, Captain Hook, and Conrad Birdie, that he told his teacher that was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Composing and writing also became his passions, and in 8th grade his English teacher was the first person outside his family to tell him he was a writer. At Wesleyan University he met some of those who would remain his long-term collaborators when he wrote the first draft of "In the Heights" as a sophomore.
The author's accounts of how that show was transformed into a Tony Award winner for Best Musical years later with only five syllables of the original still existing, and how Lin's second Broadway show, a phenomenon titled "Hamilton," broke the box office phones, are mesmerizing. Songs are analyzed and overhauled, themes and stories evolve, Latin rhythms and hip hop reflect New York City communities, Sondheim and other greats willingly mentor Lin, and he goes on to try other things. One of my favorite stories is how the Sondheim song "Sunday" is so beautifully and emotionally portrayed in the Lin-Manuel-directed movie "Tick, Tick . . . Boom." A panoply of Broadway stars appear to sing together in the scene, when small groups of them were actually singing at a six-foot distance from each other because it the pandemic was in full swing. I also loved reading about Lin's parents--a child psychologist and a political activist--his older sister who handles financial affairs for the family businesses, and his scientist/lawyer wife who has grounded him and supported him.
There is so much more to say about this book and so much more this ebullient, sensitive,empathetic man has accomplished that it is difficult to do it justice: the awards he has won, the roles he has played, the songs he has written for others' shows, and his current project (a total surprise to me). I can't recommend it highly enough.
My review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy of this book.
Everybody’s heard of Lin-Manuel Miranda at this point, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past ten years. Our family had heard of “Hamilton” before 2020, but it was only when Disney+ started streaming the play that we finally got to see it. It took a couple of watches for me to love it, but then I was all in, and I do mean memorizing all the lyrics and singing along. The rest of the family was right there with me, and we often still put on the soundtrack in the car and sing along. Then “Moana” and “Encanto” came along, cementing our love for all things Lin-Manuel.
Enter this biography, which I requested on NetGalley as soon as I saw it. It’s extremely well-researched, and I loved reading about LMM’s childhood and career. Every anecdote is so interesting and you can see how he was able to become so successful. Now, it is true, that LMM does not possess the greatest singing voice ever (sorry!), but boy, can that man write his way out! The author points out over and over Lin-Manuel’s ability to create a group, delegate and harness each individual’s unique talents, and that this is LMM’s superpower. Add to that his genius songwriting ability and vast knowledge of different musical styles, and you can see why he has struck gold again and again.
This is a biography that is well-worth your time, even if you’re not a fan of “Hamilton” or are sick of Disney movies. I learned a lot about creativity, hustle, optimism and success from it.
Thank you both to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the chance to read this eARC. All opinions are mine.
Миллион интервью, которые автор взял для этой книги, можно свести к "Lin is a sponge" 😂 А если серьезно, огромная работа проделана и вышло отлично, хотя изначально я была по отношению к этой книге скептически настроена.
Simon & Schuster provided an early galley for review.
I really enjoyed the approach that the author takes with this biography, telling it in a narrative focus with quotes from the interviews he conducted sprinkled in for emphasis and flavor as needed. The first quarter takes the reader through Lin-Manuel's youth and adolesence through college; the retelling of those school years might spark a bit of sweet nostalgia in the readers' minds (it did for me).
The book goes deep in the development of In the Heights and Hamilton, both which had interesting narrative evolutions. Fans and theatre-nerds will enjoy those various chapters.
Finally, this book very much concentrates on the creative process of Miranda as well as the ups and downs that came with it. As a creative, I can learn from his journey and take comfort in knowing that the process can be hard for everyone. Before reading this book, I had respect for his talent and accomplishments. The book raised that respect level by leaps and bounds.
Insights into Lin-Manuel Miranda’s creative genius and the influences along his journey. I’m really in awe of how his brain works! Great book for fans of all of his work, most especially Hamilton fans (I have to admit I focused on chapters 11-19, skimming the rest). I loved the thoughtful bits of insight and came away seeing Miranda as a contemporary Hamiltonian artist. The man is literally “non-stop”!
This book was absolutely fascinating——well written and clearly organized, to tell the inspirational story of one of the greatest lyricist/writers/performer/rights advocate/actor/singer/etc (Lin has done a million things completely overflowing with talent and creativity) of all time. Lin never gave up, he only rose up when met with challenges and astonishingly manages to write like he’s running out of time even when the world will never run out of love for his ideas and work. I especially love how the ending anticipated his Warriors musical with the hint that it could be bigger than Hamilton . . . very excited to see what happens next!
A fascinating look behind the scenes and behind the eyes of one of our greatest composers. But also a cautionary tale for artists that get so wrapped up in politics that they alienate large portions of their audience. It is not a very critical biography, even bordering on hagiography, but still quite enjoyable.
The audiobook read by Javier Munoz, star of In The Heights and Hamilton, is excellent. He handles the occasional raps and Spanish phrases with ease and his voice is smooth and easy on the ears.
1. How does he write like he’s running out of time? (do you have to be acutely aware of your own mortality to find the drive to create, create, create?)
2. Do people who hate musicals genuinely hate fun and happiness? I love storytelling in all its forms — there’s just something special about musical theater. It’s extravagantly joyous and dramatic, while simultaneously composed of so much detail and subtlety. Neither aspect would make a great impact without the other.
The biographer writes an ode to Miranda’s life’s work (to be continued) and his genius which is intertwined with his openness and humility. At its heart, it’s a thank you to Miranda’s role models, collaborators, lovers, friends and critics. Without them he simply wouldn’t be where he is today. It’s well written and informative. If you’re familiar with and interested in Miranda’s work, definitely pick it up! (and if not then what are you doing?)
an extremely thorough,captivating bio about Lin-Manuel Mu Miranda the man behind "Hamilton" . And,to quote the lyrics from a song from that show , the man is non-stop! Not only does 45 yr old Miranda have that genre -changing musical about the first US Treasurer under his belt,he also has "In The Heights" , Jonathan Larsens" Tik Tik Boom!" ( the movie) the musical adaptation of "Bring It On ",the lyrics for Disney Pixar favorites such as "Maona" & "Encanto" . When not writing or directing he has performed in movies and TV such as "Mary Poppins Returns" & Curb Your Enthusiasm " .
The author does a terrific job of chronicling Miranda's life,from his childhood growing up in NYC's Washington Heights ,the second child of Puert Rican immigrants whose love of education & strong work ethic greatly inspired the young Miranda. He was greatly affected by music; so much that many songs and classical pieces moved him to tears . His parents noticed his intelligence & sensitivity as a child and enrolled him Hunter ,a prestigious day school in Manhattan,where he performed in many musicals and was always holding a video camera.,filming uniquely funny short musicals( such a horror one) recruiting his fellow classmates as cast members. From there he attended Wesleyan in Connecticut . Miranda wanted to major in film but their film dept was practically non-existent so he focused on writing & directing musicals instead. Miranda honed his talents and started working on "In The Heights" an ode to Washington Heights where ,he was born & raised. Miranda's ability to surround himself w/people who taught him how to do his job better was definitely a plus . That and his determination to bring the ideas in head to life. I was truly inspired by his work ethic and talent . Read this book if your a fan and if not really,this bio might just change your POV.
I simply will not accept debate regarding the pure intelligence that runs through Lin-Manuel’s veins and creative processes.
Daniel Pollack-Pelzner has written the book my nosy, theatre-loving, special-interest-fuelled brain desires with every creative in the theatre industry.
He not only guides the reader down the path of Miranda’s childhood and family influences, but he walks us through the very specific processes, inspirations, references and challenges met along the way. I inhaled it all.
An inspiring read detailing the importance of learning and collaboration, vulnerability and empathy, and pursuing the things your heart desires to craft as an artist - this book gave me the perfect boost of motivation for the new year
I loved this! I feel like I haven’t seen much about this biography, but it was excellent and so inspiring. The book starts with his childhood, goes through different influences and productions he created in college and then went deep into Hamilton and his successful movies (Moana, Encanto) after. I respect the risks he takes in his art in his constant quest to learn more, and this book really goes into when those paid off and when they didn’t commercially but still propelled him forward. I listened the audio version of this book, and it made hearing the background behind all his songs that much better because the narrator rapped some of the lyrics in Hamilton. Highly recommend!
It’s not typical that I start my year with a five star review but this book was a delight - and the audio by Javier Munoz - the other first Hamilton on B’Way - was a pleasure to listen to for over 13 hours. This book for every theater kid who is told they are over the top, every kid who feels something big when they hear a song, or watches a sad movie, who is told to be smaller or less — their power is not only in staying big but sharing that bigness with others. Lin’s success is due, yes, in major part to his innate talent but it’s also deeply rooted in his ability to work well with others. He is a master collaborator. I loved every minute of this book!
As it is with most people who are incredibly talented, they also work their ass off. Pollack-Pelzner does a great job of capturing Miranda’s collaborative mindset, creativity, grit, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. “I have yet to meet a Tony award that pays a rent bill. I could go be the friend to the white detective on a TV show and make a shit ton of money for a few years; or I can stay home and not be paid to work on Hamilton for five years, which is what I’ve been doing with little odd jobs here or there.”
In life, we need more artists to be artists… and it’s a tough road. Reading this book is a guide for taking your shot
This book felt dense for such a short book and not because it's hard to read but because it continued to drop examples and themes of how Lin-Manuel never gave up but also was raised in such an amazing way.
I'm sure a lot of this may not be new to those who already love Lin-Manuel and most of the information about Hamilton I already knew being alredy obsessed with the musical, but learning about his elementary, high school, and college experience was so fun.
This confirms what we should all know in just experiencing life, that no one can just "do it alone" it takes support, belief, and love. It also takes learning from your mistakes and not letting them define you, and of course in this case an insane amount of creative talent!
I adored LMM already, but this just cemented my opinion that he is a genius. I loved the behind the scenes look into the development of In the Heights and Hamilton. I knew he incorporated lots of rap and general musical references into Hamilton, but learning all the parts that were inspired by different musicals - even in subtle ways - was mind blowing.
This biography is so so well written, it never felt dry or boring. You can tell the author has immense respect for LMM, and does an excellent job of highlighting his true genius; inviting the right people to collaborate and celebrating their ideas. He truly is the Sondheim of our generation.
3.5 stars. This is a biography (somewhat prematurely?) of Lin-Manuel Miranda and his work. It is well written with a ton of input from family, friends and collaborators and I enjoyed reading about his process of creation. It was a bit fawning, though, which became boring to read for long intervals. Since I am older than Lin-Manuel, I probably won’t be able to read a late life biography so this will have to do. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
A 5 star biography that feels like fiction. Lin Manuel Miranda wrote some of my favourite song and musicals, and this book shows that all of it was/is possible because of his supportive family and brilliant collaborators. I was on my toes reading about the development of In the Heights and Hamilton. It was a well penned biography; you can easily tell the author was just as excited as I was learning about LMM.
What a tribute! The author dives deep and really draws connections through Lin’s life, especially in using his lyrics to do so!He examines Lin Manuel Miranda the person, Lin Manuel the perpetual student, and Lin the artist all with equal care and insight. What a well done biography!
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.*
This is definitely going on my top ten list of biographies. I am a big fan of LMM's work (starting back when In The Heights was on Broadway and growing since I watched it win the Tony live--yes I liked him long before Hamilton despite my love of it). I loved how the author went back and interviewed everyone who had influenced his artistic growth since he was a child. And listening to an interview with the author made me understand why some of my favorite things had to be left out. Highly recommended and I may also need to read this on audio.
This was a delightful peek behind the curtain with stories and insights to surprise even the most devoted Lin-Manuel fan. Well written and thoughtful it was effortless to enjoy!
Thought I’d enjoy this. Didn’t expect it would make me emotional and cry multiple times! What a joy to heart about someone who loves his craft and his fellow man.