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Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist
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, 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 is his incredible story as never told before, tracing Miranda’s path from an often 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. He was not a musical prodigy, but an insatiable drive to create art and learn from those around him propelled him to fuse his Latino heritage with pop, hip-hop, and the musical styles of Broadway. His was a new way of telling American stories, and of speaking to new audiences.
Drawing on interviews with Miranda’s family, friends, and mentors—and many conversations with Miranda himself—Daniel Pollack-Pelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda as an artist, from his early musicals in high school and college to the creation of his Broadway and Hollywood triumphs. With full access to Miranda’s inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and beyond.
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 is his incredible story as never told before, tracing Miranda’s path from an often 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. He was not a musical prodigy, but an insatiable drive to create art and learn from those around him propelled him to fuse his Latino heritage with pop, hip-hop, and the musical styles of Broadway. His was a new way of telling American stories, and of speaking to new audiences.
Drawing on interviews with Miranda’s family, friends, and mentors—and many conversations with Miranda himself—Daniel Pollack-Pelzner delves into the formative experiences that shaped Miranda as an artist, from his early musicals in high school and college to the creation of his Broadway and Hollywood triumphs. With full access to Miranda’s inner circle, this behind-the-scenes origin story is sure to captivate his legions of fans and beyond.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
June 16, 2025
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.
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.
September 8, 2025
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.
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.
August 22, 2025
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.
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.
October 20, 2025
“Lin is an octopus brain on a pogo stick.”
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”!
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”!
October 28, 2025
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.
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.
October 2, 2025
This biography left me with 2 thoughts/questions
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?)
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?)
November 18, 2025
How lucky are we all to live in the time of Lin-Manual Miranda?
The Shakespeare of our time❤️
"Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?"
The Shakespeare of our time❤️
"Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?"
October 20, 2025
Delightful and inspiring!
September 23, 2025
Insightful, beautifully written, and well researched. It truly gives us a view of his artistic process and all the tremendous work that he’s created.
December 5, 2025
He’s literally so cool I can’t.
January 2, 2026
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
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
October 1, 2025
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!
January 11, 2026
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!
October 4, 2025
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'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!
November 30, 2025
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.
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.
October 13, 2025
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.
January 7, 2026
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.
Sponge. Sponge. Sponge.
Sponge. Sponge. Sponge.
August 29, 2025
*4.5 stars
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.*
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.*
September 26, 2025
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.
September 19, 2025
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!
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October 31, 2025 I Finished This Book By @danielpollackpelzner I Thought It Was Very Interesting 4/Stars
December 5, 2025
I like what I like
November 12, 2025
Such a fun and delightful read!
October 16, 2025
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.
October 25, 2025
It was so fascinating to learn about how Lin-Manuel Miranda - who is so insanely talented and creative - developed and created his shows. This book was delightful, insightful, and inspiring!
December 11, 2025
Full disclosure: I went to college with author Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, so I'm not an unbiased reviewer. But man, what a book! And what an AUDIObook--highly recommend that version, as Javier Munoz, who was Lin-Manuel Miranda's understudy for Hamilton, reads it impeccably well. I learned so much about LMM as a person, and as an artist, and boy, that man is non-stop. Working on Moana at the same time as performing in Hamilton and trying to figure out filming for Tick Tick Boom and and and... sheesh, no wonder he felt a kinship with that indefatigable founding father. If you are curious about what makes LMM tick, or if you've loved his artistic works but know very little about him personally, this book will fill in all the details. Loved it!
August 24, 2025
Review: Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pelzner
This biography offers a detailed look at Lin-Manuel Miranda’s life, from his childhood in Puerto Rico and New York to his groundbreaking work on In the Heights and Hamilton. Growing up between two very different worlds, Miranda developed a strong artistic voice, supported by a caring family and early creative communities. The author interviewed around 150 people—family, classmates, and professional contacts—providing a rich, 360-degree perspective on his growth. The book covers his school and college years, early projects, and major productions, giving insight into both his personal and professional development.
I’m not a regular theatergoer or musical fan, so I approached this book with limited prior knowledge. Even so, I found Miranda’s experiences with anxiety, collaboration, and navigating different social environments very relatable. It was inspiring to see how he balances independent effort with teamwork, and how early challenges shaped his creative approach.
Some sections are more detailed than others, particularly around multiple productions happening at once, which can make the timeline feel a bit jumpy. At times, context is repeated, but I appreciated that it gives a fuller picture of how his projects unfolded. I also found the discussion of taking Hamilton to Puerto Rico very interesting, showing how cultural identity and expectations played a role in his experiences.
Overall, this biography provides a thoughtful and engaging look at Miranda’s journey. Even if musicals aren’t your usual interest, the book offers insight into creativity, perseverance, and the way personal experiences shape an artist. It’s a rewarding read for anyone curious about Miranda’s life or the broader world of New York theater in the early 2000s.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an advance copy.
This biography offers a detailed look at Lin-Manuel Miranda’s life, from his childhood in Puerto Rico and New York to his groundbreaking work on In the Heights and Hamilton. Growing up between two very different worlds, Miranda developed a strong artistic voice, supported by a caring family and early creative communities. The author interviewed around 150 people—family, classmates, and professional contacts—providing a rich, 360-degree perspective on his growth. The book covers his school and college years, early projects, and major productions, giving insight into both his personal and professional development.
I’m not a regular theatergoer or musical fan, so I approached this book with limited prior knowledge. Even so, I found Miranda’s experiences with anxiety, collaboration, and navigating different social environments very relatable. It was inspiring to see how he balances independent effort with teamwork, and how early challenges shaped his creative approach.
Some sections are more detailed than others, particularly around multiple productions happening at once, which can make the timeline feel a bit jumpy. At times, context is repeated, but I appreciated that it gives a fuller picture of how his projects unfolded. I also found the discussion of taking Hamilton to Puerto Rico very interesting, showing how cultural identity and expectations played a role in his experiences.
Overall, this biography provides a thoughtful and engaging look at Miranda’s journey. Even if musicals aren’t your usual interest, the book offers insight into creativity, perseverance, and the way personal experiences shape an artist. It’s a rewarding read for anyone curious about Miranda’s life or the broader world of New York theater in the early 2000s.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an advance copy.
September 9, 2025
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway musical was In the Heights. However, this is just the beginning of his remarkable talent, which extends to writing, composing, and even performing in some of his productions. His productions have garnered millions of dollars in revenue. He has received numerous accolades, including Tonys, Grammys, and even a Pulitzer Prize.
One of his productions, Hamilton, left me in awe when I watched it on television. I can only imagine the experience of witnessing it in person. In fact, a dear friend who is a regular at Broadway musicals shared her thoughts on watching Hamilton performed on Broadway.
“HAMILTON was a history lesson set to rap music. Most people don't know the story of Alexander Hamilton, despite our seeing his face every day on the $10 bill, LOL. All the characters are real people from history (George Washington, Aaron Burr, King George, etc.). "Hamilton" sings/raps his unusual story, and talks about his contributions to U.S. history. The reasons why the play was so popular were the compelling story, the modern twist on history, the clever raps, the dancing, the fact that nearly all the cast are people of color - - which I think was Lin-Manuel's not-so-subtle message that U.S. history/foundation and contributions are NOT lily-white. Some historians say that Hamilton himself had a grandmother of color, though it hasn't been substantiated. However, he was born and raised in the Caribbean before coming to the U.S. colonies to study and start his career.”
I also asked her about her impressions of In the Heights, which I watched last night for the first time on television. She says:
“IN THE HEIGHTS & HAMILTON are very, very different plays. IN THE HEIGHTS was the story of a young man growing up as a first-generation American in Washington Heights, the predominantly Dominican neighborhood in Manhattan. The play is a celebration of the unique culture of the neighborhood. Great music and dancing - - just a feel-good experience that's high energy from start to finish.”
I found it interesting that Lin-Manuel had to sometimes deal with the fact that language had an affect on interpretation. Also, while reading I was thoroughly impressed with his thought and writing process.
Latino representation was important to Lin-Manuel, and his writing, performing and directing definitely showed that. Just as he was making his name known with his musical and writing talents, one of his productions was greatly affected by the pandemic. His genius still shone through and, thus, Tick, Tick … Boom was filmed.
Memoirs are important when it comes to reading. There are things that most of us would never have any idea about certain people who deserve their place in history. This could not be more true of Lin-Manuel. After reading this book, I am really able to appreciate how Lin-Manuel received so many honorable awards, and also the fact that he was nominated for so many more.
I’m even more inspired by the numerous musical credits this incredible man has accumulated. Among them is the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the immensely popular Encanto movie. I can’t help but hum the melody of this song, especially after watching it for the umpteenth time with my grandchildren.
Daniel Pollack-Pelzner not only got approval from Lin-Manuel to compose this biography, he had countless interviews with Lin-Manuel, as well as family members, teachers, professionals and more. This extensively researched book makes me appreciate the brilliance of Lin-Manuel and the trials he has endured over the years in order to share his immense wealth of talent with fans.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
One of his productions, Hamilton, left me in awe when I watched it on television. I can only imagine the experience of witnessing it in person. In fact, a dear friend who is a regular at Broadway musicals shared her thoughts on watching Hamilton performed on Broadway.
“HAMILTON was a history lesson set to rap music. Most people don't know the story of Alexander Hamilton, despite our seeing his face every day on the $10 bill, LOL. All the characters are real people from history (George Washington, Aaron Burr, King George, etc.). "Hamilton" sings/raps his unusual story, and talks about his contributions to U.S. history. The reasons why the play was so popular were the compelling story, the modern twist on history, the clever raps, the dancing, the fact that nearly all the cast are people of color - - which I think was Lin-Manuel's not-so-subtle message that U.S. history/foundation and contributions are NOT lily-white. Some historians say that Hamilton himself had a grandmother of color, though it hasn't been substantiated. However, he was born and raised in the Caribbean before coming to the U.S. colonies to study and start his career.”
I also asked her about her impressions of In the Heights, which I watched last night for the first time on television. She says:
“IN THE HEIGHTS & HAMILTON are very, very different plays. IN THE HEIGHTS was the story of a young man growing up as a first-generation American in Washington Heights, the predominantly Dominican neighborhood in Manhattan. The play is a celebration of the unique culture of the neighborhood. Great music and dancing - - just a feel-good experience that's high energy from start to finish.”
I found it interesting that Lin-Manuel had to sometimes deal with the fact that language had an affect on interpretation. Also, while reading I was thoroughly impressed with his thought and writing process.
Latino representation was important to Lin-Manuel, and his writing, performing and directing definitely showed that. Just as he was making his name known with his musical and writing talents, one of his productions was greatly affected by the pandemic. His genius still shone through and, thus, Tick, Tick … Boom was filmed.
Memoirs are important when it comes to reading. There are things that most of us would never have any idea about certain people who deserve their place in history. This could not be more true of Lin-Manuel. After reading this book, I am really able to appreciate how Lin-Manuel received so many honorable awards, and also the fact that he was nominated for so many more.
I’m even more inspired by the numerous musical credits this incredible man has accumulated. Among them is the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from the immensely popular Encanto movie. I can’t help but hum the melody of this song, especially after watching it for the umpteenth time with my grandchildren.
Daniel Pollack-Pelzner not only got approval from Lin-Manuel to compose this biography, he had countless interviews with Lin-Manuel, as well as family members, teachers, professionals and more. This extensively researched book makes me appreciate the brilliance of Lin-Manuel and the trials he has endured over the years in order to share his immense wealth of talent with fans.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 17, 2025
I was intrigued when I first heard news of an LMM biography - isn’t it too soon? But the more I learnt about this, the more I understood why it makes perfect sense. Serendipitously launching in the year of HamilTen, this biography is not only a celebration of Lin-Manuel’s work and legacy so far, but a moving way to credit the endless list of mentors and figures of inspiration who’ve paved the path to where he is today.
Most people don’t accomplish in an entire lifetime what Lin-Manuel Miranda has done at only 45. The man is a generational talent, and is deservingly credited as such - but the most powerful thing about this biography is, it couldn’t be further from that portrait-of-an-artist type hero-worship. Instead, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner’s telling of Lin’s story thus far is heartfelt and honest: our hero is, in fact, human. It’s all too fitting for a biography about an artist who finds strength in the truth, emotional expression and vulnerability, and never misses an opportunity to credit his mentors and collaborators in his successes - simple reverence wouldn’t do him justice. How often do you get to see the curtain pulled back on the art that shakes you and the artist that you’ve genuinely admired for these many years - and how often does a deeply detailed depiction of that journey move you almost as much as the art itself?
And so after affectionately and analytically chronicling this incredible journey so far, Pollack-Pelzner’s choice to end this on the opening and closing line of LMM’s next transformative piece of art feels entirely apt - “this is the sound of something being born”. What we as fans often refer to as Lin’s endless line of ‘full circle moments’, are here broken down into what makes them feel so: having more recently synthesised all these lessons he’s learned into projects like Tick Tick Boom and Warriors, and arriving at a full-circle turn where he can bring his entire self to every endeavour, crazy as it seems, perhaps Lin is only just getting started on a new chapter… and what a joy it is to be here to witness what’s next.
This is essential reading not only for Lin-Manuel fans, but artists in general - it’s a love letter to creativity, and to those who encourage and nurture it. I’ve long since appreciated Lin’s incredible works, but to see the connections, themes, and reprises that emerge and echo throughout everything he’s done has only deepened my awe, admiration and appreciation of his art. And if I start talking about feeling inspired, we’ll be here all day - so all this to say, I freaking love it! ❤️✨
Most people don’t accomplish in an entire lifetime what Lin-Manuel Miranda has done at only 45. The man is a generational talent, and is deservingly credited as such - but the most powerful thing about this biography is, it couldn’t be further from that portrait-of-an-artist type hero-worship. Instead, Daniel Pollack-Pelzner’s telling of Lin’s story thus far is heartfelt and honest: our hero is, in fact, human. It’s all too fitting for a biography about an artist who finds strength in the truth, emotional expression and vulnerability, and never misses an opportunity to credit his mentors and collaborators in his successes - simple reverence wouldn’t do him justice. How often do you get to see the curtain pulled back on the art that shakes you and the artist that you’ve genuinely admired for these many years - and how often does a deeply detailed depiction of that journey move you almost as much as the art itself?
And so after affectionately and analytically chronicling this incredible journey so far, Pollack-Pelzner’s choice to end this on the opening and closing line of LMM’s next transformative piece of art feels entirely apt - “this is the sound of something being born”. What we as fans often refer to as Lin’s endless line of ‘full circle moments’, are here broken down into what makes them feel so: having more recently synthesised all these lessons he’s learned into projects like Tick Tick Boom and Warriors, and arriving at a full-circle turn where he can bring his entire self to every endeavour, crazy as it seems, perhaps Lin is only just getting started on a new chapter… and what a joy it is to be here to witness what’s next.
This is essential reading not only for Lin-Manuel fans, but artists in general - it’s a love letter to creativity, and to those who encourage and nurture it. I’ve long since appreciated Lin’s incredible works, but to see the connections, themes, and reprises that emerge and echo throughout everything he’s done has only deepened my awe, admiration and appreciation of his art. And if I start talking about feeling inspired, we’ll be here all day - so all this to say, I freaking love it! ❤️✨
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