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Alex & Eliza #1
Alex and Eliza
Their romance shaped a nation. The rest was history.
1777. Albany, New York.
As battle cries of the American Revolution echo in the distance, servants flutter about preparing for one of New York society’s biggest events: the Schuylers’ grand ball. Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters—Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit; Peggy, with her dazzling looks; and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival that of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball.
Still, she can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck—as an orphan, and a bastard one at that—to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history.
1777. Albany, New York.
As battle cries of the American Revolution echo in the distance, servants flutter about preparing for one of New York society’s biggest events: the Schuylers’ grand ball. Descended from two of the oldest and most distinguished bloodlines in New York, the Schuylers are proud to be one of their fledgling country’s founding families, and even prouder still of their three daughters—Angelica, with her razor-sharp wit; Peggy, with her dazzling looks; and Eliza, whose beauty and charm rival that of both her sisters, though she’d rather be aiding the colonists’ cause than dressing up for some silly ball.
Still, she can barely contain her excitement when she hears of the arrival of one Alexander Hamilton, a mysterious, rakish young colonel and General George Washington’s right-hand man. Though Alex has arrived as the bearer of bad news for the Schuylers, he can’t believe his luck—as an orphan, and a bastard one at that—to be in such esteemed company. And when Alex and Eliza meet that fateful night, so begins an epic love story that would forever change the course of American history.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published April 11, 2017
About the author
Melissa de la Cruz
132 books15.4k followersMelissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,057 reviews
Want to read
November 3, 201611/2/16:
I WILL NEVER BE SATISFIED UNTIL I READ THIS BOOK
NO, I'M NOT WILLING TO WAIT FOR IT
WHEN I TALK ABOUT WANTING THIS BOOK NONSTOP, EVERYONE WILL SAY, "WE KNOW"
I HOPE I CAN STAY ALIVE AFTER FINISHING IT
I JUST WANT TO READ THIS BOOK; THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH
WHEN DID THIS NEWS COME OUT? WHAT'D I MISS?
AFTER THIS BOOK, WHAT COMES NEXT?
I WON'T BE ABLE TO SAY NO TO (BUYING) THIS BOOK
I WON'T TAKE A BREAK WHILE READING THIS BOOK
I WILL NEVER BE SATISFIED UNTIL I READ THIS BOOK
NO, I'M NOT WILLING TO WAIT FOR IT
WHEN I TALK ABOUT WANTING THIS BOOK NONSTOP, EVERYONE WILL SAY, "WE KNOW"
I HOPE I CAN STAY ALIVE AFTER FINISHING IT
I JUST WANT TO READ THIS BOOK; THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH
WHEN DID THIS NEWS COME OUT? WHAT'D I MISS?
AFTER THIS BOOK, WHAT COMES NEXT?
I WON'T BE ABLE TO SAY NO TO (BUYING) THIS BOOK
I WON'T TAKE A BREAK WHILE READING THIS BOOK
Shelved as 'i-need-this-like-i-need-air'
November 7, 2016WOAH, WOAH, WOAH. HOLD UP. IS THIS WHAT I THINK IT IS? A YA RETELLING OF HAMILTON? FUCK YES, I NEEDED THIS YESTERDAY.
May 16, 2017
2.5/5 stars
I would be giving this book two stars, as it was so incredibly boring, but it was full of Hamilton references and that alone bumps it up a star.
Overall, this book almost put me asleep multiple times. This was not written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and, for some reason, my heart was expecting it was. In other words, this is nothing like Hamilton. If you hope to enjoy it, then I would suggest should disconnecting both stories from your mind and see them as separate entities. I didn't. I should have known better.
I would be giving this book two stars, as it was so incredibly boring, but it was full of Hamilton references and that alone bumps it up a star.
Overall, this book almost put me asleep multiple times. This was not written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and, for some reason, my heart was expecting it was. In other words, this is nothing like Hamilton. If you hope to enjoy it, then I would suggest should disconnecting both stories from your mind and see them as separate entities. I didn't. I should have known better.
March 9, 2017
This is honestly a really hard book for me to rate and review. I have a lot of mixed feelings so it's hard for me to decide on a solid rating.
Now first off to clarify, this is not a rip off of Hamilton the musical. The inspiration for this came from the author seeing the musical, but it tells an entirely different story. This is just what the title says, a love story. However, it's a different love story than the one we see in Hamilton the musical (which I will be just referring to as Hamilton from here on). I'm going to take some time compare the two because really the comparisons are inevitable. In Hamilton Eliza is definitely a primary character, but in my opinion she takes a back seat to Alexander himself and Aaron Burr, even Angelica sometimes. Love plays a key role in Hamilton but it is largely about politics, and really the story of Hamilton himself. This book on the other hand, gives Eliza more of a voice and it shows more of the struggles at the beginning of their love story.
I'm not an American historian by any means, I'm not even an American, so I can't attest to the historical accuracy of the novel. From my understanding so little is known about the Eliza/Alex romance that most of the novel is just creative liberties taken on part of the author. If that is the case, I wasn't a huge fan of the route she decided to take.
I'm going to abruptly end this here because I want to do a full video review for this, I will link it once I do. But basically I liked it but I did have some real issues with it which I will delve deeper into in a video review.
*I received an advanced finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
Now first off to clarify, this is not a rip off of Hamilton the musical. The inspiration for this came from the author seeing the musical, but it tells an entirely different story. This is just what the title says, a love story. However, it's a different love story than the one we see in Hamilton the musical (which I will be just referring to as Hamilton from here on). I'm going to take some time compare the two because really the comparisons are inevitable. In Hamilton Eliza is definitely a primary character, but in my opinion she takes a back seat to Alexander himself and Aaron Burr, even Angelica sometimes. Love plays a key role in Hamilton but it is largely about politics, and really the story of Hamilton himself. This book on the other hand, gives Eliza more of a voice and it shows more of the struggles at the beginning of their love story.
I'm not an American historian by any means, I'm not even an American, so I can't attest to the historical accuracy of the novel. From my understanding so little is known about the Eliza/Alex romance that most of the novel is just creative liberties taken on part of the author. If that is the case, I wasn't a huge fan of the route she decided to take.
I'm going to abruptly end this here because I want to do a full video review for this, I will link it once I do. But basically I liked it but I did have some real issues with it which I will delve deeper into in a video review.
*I received an advanced finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
March 5, 2017
I will admit that everything I know about Hamilton I've learned from LMM, and perhaps that's my own downfall going into this book. I wanted to love this so much.
I wanted to see the delicious banter that is hinted at in the musical. Instead, Angelica comes across as bitter, Peggy insipid, and Eliza naive. I saw nothing of the smart, charismatic girls I was expecting. Yes, the moments between Alex and Eliza are eventually sweet, there is a lot of book to get through before those moments happen.
The history side of the story is dull, dense, and info dumpy. I skimmed through a lot of it because I was bored. I kept reading because I expected something amazing to happen and yet I never found it. Oh and FYI:
I'm sure people will love it, it just wasn't for me.
**Huge thanks to G.P. Putnam and Sons for providing the arc free of charge**
I wanted to see the delicious banter that is hinted at in the musical. Instead, Angelica comes across as bitter, Peggy insipid, and Eliza naive. I saw nothing of the smart, charismatic girls I was expecting. Yes, the moments between Alex and Eliza are eventually sweet, there is a lot of book to get through before those moments happen.
The history side of the story is dull, dense, and info dumpy. I skimmed through a lot of it because I was bored. I kept reading because I expected something amazing to happen and yet I never found it. Oh and FYI:
I'm sure people will love it, it just wasn't for me.
**Huge thanks to G.P. Putnam and Sons for providing the arc free of charge**
October 2, 2017
Exquisite!!!! A truly great and very endearing love story. The honor, self sacrifice, and era are reminiscent of Pride and Prejudice. I was not expecting to love it so much. A must read if you’re a Jane Austen fan!!!
Read
July 8, 2017DNF at 1/3 of the way through.
I think I'll try this one again in the future but I'm really disappointed by this. The writing is not good at all. The inner monologue and explanations of the Revolutionary War is really dry and the dialogue is eye-rolling and vapid. There is absolutely no charm behind Hamilton or Eliza's characters and De La Cruz, so far, has really not fleshed them out at all.
I think my love for the musical is blinding me to enjoying this book because the versions of those characters and the sass and vivid personalities REALLY contrasts with the versions of the people portrayed in this book, and I'm torn.
I thought I would love this because it would be a cute tale of two people who I love, but it's reading more like a textbook than anything else. If I was here for that, I would just pick up Chernow's biography of Hamilton instead.
I think I'll try this one again in the future but I'm really disappointed by this. The writing is not good at all. The inner monologue and explanations of the Revolutionary War is really dry and the dialogue is eye-rolling and vapid. There is absolutely no charm behind Hamilton or Eliza's characters and De La Cruz, so far, has really not fleshed them out at all.
I think my love for the musical is blinding me to enjoying this book because the versions of those characters and the sass and vivid personalities REALLY contrasts with the versions of the people portrayed in this book, and I'm torn.
I thought I would love this because it would be a cute tale of two people who I love, but it's reading more like a textbook than anything else. If I was here for that, I would just pick up Chernow's biography of Hamilton instead.
May 7, 2022
Absolutely adorable YA historical fiction about Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler, who had a whirlwind romance back during the American Civil War. This was swoony and sweet with lots of chemistry between the two leads, and I enjoyed the cute old-fashioned courtship, historical details, and Eliza’s sass. Really looking forward to the sequel, which is coming out soon!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
April 23, 2017
BEFORE READING:
○ I don't know shit about Hamilton.
○ But I'm interested
○ SIGN ME UP
AFTER READING:
○ I still don't know shit about Hamilton.
You're probably like, "Wtf does that make sense?"
Yes, I don't know shit but you can't blame me. This book was straight up info dump. It just never ended. I found myself fighting off sleep like I couldn't pay attention AND I JUST SJHJSHJHJABMBMHSKHSKJHSJKS. I was supposed to like this because I wanted to understand the big hype over this Hamilton dude????? I ended up skimming majority of this book because my brain was like "Nope, NOT TODAY!! We're not reading this." . The only info I know about this Hamilton dude was that he was an aide-de-camp of George Washington. Now, I don't know what the fuck an aide-de-camp is and I'm 9000000% sure that somewhere within the info dump, it was explained BUT nah man I ended up relying on my dear buddy: Google.
Aide-de-camp: a military officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer.
What else do I know???? Oh, he's young, handsome, a smart cookie, poor, handsome, young, and head over heels over this chick named Eliza.
That's all I know.
I think everyone's obsession with this Hamilton dude is his love for Eliza. I don't know like that's what I think. Don't shoot me for saying this but like, the romance was cute but annoying. It was beyond cheesy. I don't mind cheesy books but I swear, I couldn't let this one go. It was a bit too much. There were moments that had me like "awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww" and then ".....................The fuck."
The plot was boring like..........I don't even know what the plot was. I just know this book was set in the time of war between the British and Americans. That's all.
For real, the only thing I learned from this book is that If I was born in the 1700s, I would've had such a wonderful life.....in jail. Nah, I'm serious. I literally imagined myself in this time period and I know 100000% sure I'm going to jail. The amount of times I found myself eye rolling at some scenes like jheeeeeez. I was like, "I'm probably going to be the reason why that trend of growing old, single and with a million cats was created."
I'm such a sassy, sarcastic human being that I'd feel like if someone pointed a gun at me; I'd just say "What you going to do???? Shoot me???"
or this
I bet y'all $500 that If I somehow stumble across a time machine, I'm going to end up on some floor of a jail. At least make my cell mate Chris hemsworth or something. I'd willingly go to jail. Hell, I'll walk myself in and volunteer to lock the door.
Well, I thought I'd jump in and become Hamilton trash but that's not happening. I seriously would've liked this book but I guess it's not meant. I really loved Melissa De La Cruz's other works, like I'm still not over the fact that they cancelled "A witches of east end". That show was amazing like who allowed it to discontinue??? Fight me ok.
I don't discourage anyone from reading this like it wasn't my cup of tea but hey, it might suit your taste. If anyone is like me then y'all should just avoid it. Or you know what, I need a cell mate because my dreams of getting Chris Hemsworth ain't going to happen so pls read this ;p
○ I don't know shit about Hamilton.
○ But I'm interested
○ SIGN ME UP
AFTER READING:
○ I still don't know shit about Hamilton.
You're probably like, "Wtf does that make sense?"
Yes, I don't know shit but you can't blame me. This book was straight up info dump. It just never ended. I found myself fighting off sleep like I couldn't pay attention AND I JUST SJHJSHJHJABMBMHSKHSKJHSJKS. I was supposed to like this because I wanted to understand the big hype over this Hamilton dude????? I ended up skimming majority of this book because my brain was like "Nope, NOT TODAY!! We're not reading this." . The only info I know about this Hamilton dude was that he was an aide-de-camp of George Washington. Now, I don't know what the fuck an aide-de-camp is and I'm 9000000% sure that somewhere within the info dump, it was explained BUT nah man I ended up relying on my dear buddy: Google.
Aide-de-camp: a military officer acting as a confidential assistant to a senior officer.
What else do I know???? Oh, he's young, handsome, a smart cookie, poor, handsome, young, and head over heels over this chick named Eliza.
That's all I know.
I think everyone's obsession with this Hamilton dude is his love for Eliza. I don't know like that's what I think. Don't shoot me for saying this but like, the romance was cute but annoying. It was beyond cheesy. I don't mind cheesy books but I swear, I couldn't let this one go. It was a bit too much. There were moments that had me like "awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww" and then ".....................The fuck."
The plot was boring like..........I don't even know what the plot was. I just know this book was set in the time of war between the British and Americans. That's all.
For real, the only thing I learned from this book is that If I was born in the 1700s, I would've had such a wonderful life.....in jail. Nah, I'm serious. I literally imagined myself in this time period and I know 100000% sure I'm going to jail. The amount of times I found myself eye rolling at some scenes like jheeeeeez. I was like, "I'm probably going to be the reason why that trend of growing old, single and with a million cats was created."
I'm such a sassy, sarcastic human being that I'd feel like if someone pointed a gun at me; I'd just say "What you going to do???? Shoot me???"
or this
I bet y'all $500 that If I somehow stumble across a time machine, I'm going to end up on some floor of a jail. At least make my cell mate Chris hemsworth or something. I'd willingly go to jail. Hell, I'll walk myself in and volunteer to lock the door.
Well, I thought I'd jump in and become Hamilton trash but that's not happening. I seriously would've liked this book but I guess it's not meant. I really loved Melissa De La Cruz's other works, like I'm still not over the fact that they cancelled "A witches of east end". That show was amazing like who allowed it to discontinue??? Fight me ok.
I don't discourage anyone from reading this like it wasn't my cup of tea but hey, it might suit your taste. If anyone is like me then y'all should just avoid it. Or you know what, I need a cell mate because my dreams of getting Chris Hemsworth ain't going to happen so pls read this ;p
June 11, 2017
I just saw the tagline for this, and now I'm annoyed:
...the rest was history...
No, this is not history. This is make believe.
I was excited about this because, after becoming obsessed with the musical, I went on to read the Ron Chernow biography of Alexander Hamilton last summer. Chernow is clearly a great admirer of Eliza as well Alexander, and the introduction is all about her in her final years. Eliza was an amazing woman, but she did in fact destroy most of her letters and any diaries prior to his affair with Maria Reynolds, so there is no information from her end about what she felt or thought during their courtship and early marriage.
Okay, fine, we do have to speculate about what she said and thought.
We don't have to speculate, or invent, however, things like dates. Dates when they met. When they married. When Angelica and John Church eloped. So why play fast and loose with the things that are ACTUAL FACTS? This was driving me wild. Eliza was the only Schuyler who did not elope. THE ONLY ONE. Because her father and mother LOVED Alexander and thought he was the finest young man they had ever met. The second he showed interest in Eliza they were like, "Welcome to the family, my boy!" This book turns her mom into kind of a crazy, I'll-go-you-one-better-Mrs-Bennet type who writes scathing letters frankly assessing her children's looks and arranging marriages for them from across the state. There is no evidence of that, and it is just . . . weird.
I feel like this is another book, a book that de la Cruz already had an idea for and decided to rework into Eliza and Alex's story due to her own love of the musical. (There are chapter headings and even lines of dialogue that are taken from the musical, which I thought was fun.) For instance, there is no indication in anything I've read about Eliza that she liked dressing plainly and modestly. In every portrait of her, she is fully powdered and painted, and in the one her family considered the best likeness, she is not only grandly dressed and made up, but wearing a gown so low that . . . well, it's pretty low. So I feel like de la Cruz had this other girl in mind and then changed her name to Eliza. Ditto Alexander, who was known as a total player (fun fact: Martha Washington did indeed name her tom cat after him!), here coming off as shy and uncertain and just mooning around Eliza for years, rather than flirting with everything in a skirt.
Speaking of flirting, both the Marquis de Lafayette and John Laurens flirt with Eliza in this book, and talk like they are fancy free bachelors. At the time both were married and fathers. The Marquis was sent to America as punishment for eloping with his 15yo betrothed and getting her pregnant immediately instead of waiting a few years, and Laurens had just had a shotgun wedding after knocking up his father's best friend's teen daughter. Fun facts!
The book is not terrible. If I didn't know anything about Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, I would have loved it. But I spent last summer reading copious amounts of nonfiction about them, and so I could not put that aside. If you love the musical, by all means, read this. Just don't use it as a source for a history report, kids!
ps- I noticed a lot of people marking this as to-read but commenting that they hope Maria Reynolds isn't in it, because they couldn't handle that. Why would she be? Were you even paying attention to the musical?! His affair with her happened after like, fifteen years of marriage, and as far as anyone can tell was the only time he was unfaithful. Why would she be in a book about their courtship? That was just such a weird reaction. Anyway.
...the rest was history...
No, this is not history. This is make believe.
I was excited about this because, after becoming obsessed with the musical, I went on to read the Ron Chernow biography of Alexander Hamilton last summer. Chernow is clearly a great admirer of Eliza as well Alexander, and the introduction is all about her in her final years. Eliza was an amazing woman, but she did in fact destroy most of her letters and any diaries prior to his affair with Maria Reynolds, so there is no information from her end about what she felt or thought during their courtship and early marriage.
Okay, fine, we do have to speculate about what she said and thought.
We don't have to speculate, or invent, however, things like dates. Dates when they met. When they married. When Angelica and John Church eloped. So why play fast and loose with the things that are ACTUAL FACTS? This was driving me wild. Eliza was the only Schuyler who did not elope. THE ONLY ONE. Because her father and mother LOVED Alexander and thought he was the finest young man they had ever met. The second he showed interest in Eliza they were like, "Welcome to the family, my boy!" This book turns her mom into kind of a crazy, I'll-go-you-one-better-Mrs-Bennet type who writes scathing letters frankly assessing her children's looks and arranging marriages for them from across the state. There is no evidence of that, and it is just . . . weird.
I feel like this is another book, a book that de la Cruz already had an idea for and decided to rework into Eliza and Alex's story due to her own love of the musical. (There are chapter headings and even lines of dialogue that are taken from the musical, which I thought was fun.) For instance, there is no indication in anything I've read about Eliza that she liked dressing plainly and modestly. In every portrait of her, she is fully powdered and painted, and in the one her family considered the best likeness, she is not only grandly dressed and made up, but wearing a gown so low that . . . well, it's pretty low. So I feel like de la Cruz had this other girl in mind and then changed her name to Eliza. Ditto Alexander, who was known as a total player (fun fact: Martha Washington did indeed name her tom cat after him!), here coming off as shy and uncertain and just mooning around Eliza for years, rather than flirting with everything in a skirt.
Speaking of flirting, both the Marquis de Lafayette and John Laurens flirt with Eliza in this book, and talk like they are fancy free bachelors. At the time both were married and fathers. The Marquis was sent to America as punishment for eloping with his 15yo betrothed and getting her pregnant immediately instead of waiting a few years, and Laurens had just had a shotgun wedding after knocking up his father's best friend's teen daughter. Fun facts!
The book is not terrible. If I didn't know anything about Alexander and Eliza Hamilton, I would have loved it. But I spent last summer reading copious amounts of nonfiction about them, and so I could not put that aside. If you love the musical, by all means, read this. Just don't use it as a source for a history report, kids!
ps- I noticed a lot of people marking this as to-read but commenting that they hope Maria Reynolds isn't in it, because they couldn't handle that. Why would she be? Were you even paying attention to the musical?! His affair with her happened after like, fifteen years of marriage, and as far as anyone can tell was the only time he was unfaithful. Why would she be in a book about their courtship? That was just such a weird reaction. Anyway.
August 6, 2020
2017 rating: 4 stars
2020 rating: 4 stars
This is my second read through for this book - I enjoyed it just as much the second time around. There's something about the writing that I love and both Alex and Eliza jump off the page.
Wow! I really enjoyed this!
I'm a huge Hamilton fan, and let me be clear this is completely different than the musical, but still really enjoyable.
Full review to come.
PRE-READING THOUGHTS:
Alexander Hamilton
His name is Alexander Hamilton
And there's a million things he hasn't done
But just you wait
Just you wait!!!!
2020 rating: 4 stars
This is my second read through for this book - I enjoyed it just as much the second time around. There's something about the writing that I love and both Alex and Eliza jump off the page.
Wow! I really enjoyed this!
I'm a huge Hamilton fan, and let me be clear this is completely different than the musical, but still really enjoyable.
Full review to come.
PRE-READING THOUGHTS:
Alexander Hamilton
His name is Alexander Hamilton
And there's a million things he hasn't done
But just you wait
Just you wait!!!!
Want to read
April 20, 2017HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS!!!!
November 27, 2021
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DNF @ p.157
I snagged this book from a Little Free Library without knowing that it was about Alexander and Eliza Hamilton. r/whoosh. Also, am I the only millennial who hasn't seen the play, Hamilton? Because it kind of feels like I am. Maybe it's because I haven't exactly been super happy with the state of the country lately, but I haven't really been in the mood for patriot fanfiction, you know? I have a headache, dear.
A FOUR YEAR HEADACHE.
Anyway, I read this book and I really liked the beginning where it almost feels like a Jane Austen style comedy of manners for the kid set. Then it got boring. I read another one hundred pages because I liked the sort of "puffed up confection" style of writing, which was present in this author's other book, THE RING AND THE CROWN (which I loved-- but was sadly cancelled), but the way Eliza's patriotism and Alexander's good little soldier acts were really hammered in was kind of off-putting. It felt like propaganda.
But then, Hamilton itself kind of feels like propaganda (at least in concept and from what I've seen in clips), so, you know, if that's what you like, and it's not making you into a jerk, why not? Maybe if I'd seen Hamilton I'd appreciate this more. But when I was reading the reviews for this book, I remember thinking how weird it was that a book by a popular author had (1) so few reviews and (2) reviews that were incredibly mixed at best, and now I'm kind of seeing why. It's not badly written but it's written for a person looking for a specific kind of book, and I'm not feeling its vibe.
2 stars
Want to read
April 13, 2017i don't know anything about Hamilton™ the musical
August 12, 2017
Disclaimer : this review was written while listening to Hamilton. Of course. Who do you think I am?
Trigger warnings : sexual assault, forced marriage, ‘she asked for it’
I really liked it? I had read so many mix reviews, I didn’t expect to actually enjoy the book, enjoy at the point of giving it at least 4 stars. But I did.
Though I thought the story would cover more of their time together, I enjoyed seeing they came to fall in love.
So I checked, and the infos in this book are pretty accurate - well history speaking, no one really knows what happened between these two during February 1780, and the conversations are work of fiction - like it’s said in the acknowledgment.
Okay, let’s admit, I read this book simply because I love the Hamilton musical and just needed more content . . . also I love Eliza and Alex’s story - well the beginning at least, not the past where he cheated on her . . . but this isn’t the subject of this review.
Do you know how hard it is to imagine Alexander Hamilton as this young ginger dude when you have Lin-Manuel Miranda in your head? The struggle was read, but in the end I SUCCEEDED!
I love me some deep blushing Alex Hamilton when he sees/talks to Eliza. I forgot they were my age when they met! - which means they were babies -
It’s hard to talk about him as a character when he really existed, but for the sake of this review we’ll do as if he’s fictional, okay? Otherwise I’ll never be able to write something. Same goes for all the other characters.
Alex has no title, a name that means nearly nothing compared to some others, close to no money. His only way to shine in this life, is to fight in the war and win glory through his actions. But for the old aristocracy, glory means scarcely anything. When he meets Eliza, though he loves her, he doesn’t think he deserves her, doesn’t think he’s enough because somehow his lack of name and money defines his worth. He’s fighting against his own mind during the entirety of the book. People keep telling him he’s not even American because he comes from the Caribbean Islands, that he’ll always be a low born with no worth. How nice. Yet he’s more brilliant than all of these people reunited, more resourceful, and is actively working for their freedom and slaves’ freedom.
Eliza is my hero? I want to be her when I grow up? I love how strong-minded she is, she doesn’t let people tell her what she should do, she leads her life the way she wants it . . . she’s someone I admire for her strength. Eliza is my favourite sister - Angelica is hitting on my nerves, and Peggy is cute but she is ‘ and Peggy’ . . . which means we don’t know much about her unfortunately - even the face of adversity she stays true to herself and fight for what she thinks is the right thing to do. She’s conflicted between marrying someone she actually loves, or marrying a rich guy to help her family, conflicted between doing what’s best for her and her loyalty to her family, conflicted between what she thinks is her duty as her daughter and her duty to herself.
She’s my fave because she’s complex, she’s flawed - her pride knows no equal - but she’s deeply kind-hearted and generous . . . she’s someone you recognize yourself in.
The relationship between Eliza and Alex was cute, but you could see it was a YA Romance, you could all the tropes - it wouldn’t have been fun otherwise - but I didn’t really mind. I loved how Eliza always put herself first, and how Alex treated her as an equal. I loved their friendship, their playfulness, you could see they were made to be together.
One more thing I loved about this book, was the friendships! I loved the friendship between Lafayette, Laurens and Hamilton! They’re troublemakers together, you can see how deep their friendship is and how much they mean to each other! I also like the friendship between Eliza and her aunt. It was something I wasn’t expecting but I liked it! Her aunt was a true force of nature and I liked how unafraid she was when she had to protect Eliza.
Overall, I had a GREAT time reading this book! It was heavily romanticized but I didn’t really care because I liked what I read and had a great time!
“I meant does it hurt when you hide every last shred of your individuality and self worth behind acres of silk and cups of powder and smiles that never, no matter how hard you try, reach your eyes?”
Trigger warnings : sexual assault, forced marriage, ‘she asked for it’
I really liked it? I had read so many mix reviews, I didn’t expect to actually enjoy the book, enjoy at the point of giving it at least 4 stars. But I did.
Though I thought the story would cover more of their time together, I enjoyed seeing they came to fall in love.
So I checked, and the infos in this book are pretty accurate - well history speaking, no one really knows what happened between these two during February 1780, and the conversations are work of fiction - like it’s said in the acknowledgment.
Okay, let’s admit, I read this book simply because I love the Hamilton musical and just needed more content . . . also I love Eliza and Alex’s story - well the beginning at least, not the past where he cheated on her . . . but this isn’t the subject of this review.
Do you know how hard it is to imagine Alexander Hamilton as this young ginger dude when you have Lin-Manuel Miranda in your head? The struggle was read, but in the end I SUCCEEDED!
I love me some deep blushing Alex Hamilton when he sees/talks to Eliza. I forgot they were my age when they met! - which means they were babies -
It’s hard to talk about him as a character when he really existed, but for the sake of this review we’ll do as if he’s fictional, okay? Otherwise I’ll never be able to write something. Same goes for all the other characters.
Alex has no title, a name that means nearly nothing compared to some others, close to no money. His only way to shine in this life, is to fight in the war and win glory through his actions. But for the old aristocracy, glory means scarcely anything. When he meets Eliza, though he loves her, he doesn’t think he deserves her, doesn’t think he’s enough because somehow his lack of name and money defines his worth. He’s fighting against his own mind during the entirety of the book. People keep telling him he’s not even American because he comes from the Caribbean Islands, that he’ll always be a low born with no worth. How nice. Yet he’s more brilliant than all of these people reunited, more resourceful, and is actively working for their freedom and slaves’ freedom.
Eliza is my hero? I want to be her when I grow up? I love how strong-minded she is, she doesn’t let people tell her what she should do, she leads her life the way she wants it . . . she’s someone I admire for her strength. Eliza is my favourite sister - Angelica is hitting on my nerves, and Peggy is cute but she is ‘ and Peggy’ . . . which means we don’t know much about her unfortunately - even the face of adversity she stays true to herself and fight for what she thinks is the right thing to do. She’s conflicted between marrying someone she actually loves, or marrying a rich guy to help her family, conflicted between doing what’s best for her and her loyalty to her family, conflicted between what she thinks is her duty as her daughter and her duty to herself.
She’s my fave because she’s complex, she’s flawed - her pride knows no equal - but she’s deeply kind-hearted and generous . . . she’s someone you recognize yourself in.
The relationship between Eliza and Alex was cute, but you could see it was a YA Romance, you could all the tropes - it wouldn’t have been fun otherwise - but I didn’t really mind. I loved how Eliza always put herself first, and how Alex treated her as an equal. I loved their friendship, their playfulness, you could see they were made to be together.
One more thing I loved about this book, was the friendships! I loved the friendship between Lafayette, Laurens and Hamilton! They’re troublemakers together, you can see how deep their friendship is and how much they mean to each other! I also like the friendship between Eliza and her aunt. It was something I wasn’t expecting but I liked it! Her aunt was a true force of nature and I liked how unafraid she was when she had to protect Eliza.
Overall, I had a GREAT time reading this book! It was heavily romanticized but I didn’t really care because I liked what I read and had a great time!
“I meant does it hurt when you hide every last shred of your individuality and self worth behind acres of silk and cups of powder and smiles that never, no matter how hard you try, reach your eyes?”
April 26, 2017
This book makes me angry. Not because it's a YA re-telling of how Alexander Hamilton met Eliza Schuyler but because it's so poorly researched. I’m a history major who has the major interest in the American Revolution. So learning about the war, and the people who played either central roles or roles in general, comes as a second nature. Also being a history major alone means I spend a lot of my time researching and I understand how researching can get. But if you’re writing a historical fiction novel, especially it being 2017 with the resources available at a click of a button, YOU HAVE TO RESEARCH. I get that writing historical fiction facts get bent a bit to make the story work or make drama happen or whatever but you still need to sit down and research. And getting your facts from a musical that has already messed with the facts to fit the narrative being told is not researching. That’s being lazy. This book has so many blatant mistakes in the narrative, of not even their love story, but of lives of the characters and the events of the American Revolution. The author does not care about the characterization of these historical figures, she erases their sexualities and has no respect for history and historical fact. I could over look some things but when I reached the chapter where Alexander Hamilton I honestly couldn’t sit any longer with the book. Please do not read this book and find another historical fiction book with an author that actually cares about fact and the figures.
September 3, 2020
this book had me helplesssssss from the start! would highly (highly!!) recommend to all hamilton fans, as it left me über satisfied.
September 10, 2021
♪♫♬ ♪♫♬ We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal ♪♫♬ ♪♫♬
Oh my poor husband. Good thing I’m a quick reader because that poor sumbitch had to endure a whoooooooooooooooooooooooole lotta Hamilton singing the other day hahahahaha.
How did I not know this existed????? Be still my Lin Manuel Miranda loving heart. And by the author who wrote all the Blue Bloods books I gobbled up back in my teenage vampire book addiction days? #nomnom
Alex and Eliza is the fictional retelling of the romance of everyone’s favorite bastard, orphaned, son of a whore and a Scotsman and the middle Schuyler sister. Historical liberties have most definitely been taken, but this was exactly what I needed in my life and hadn’t even realized. To those of you who are like me and not really keen on books in a series – please note this works just fine and dandy as a standalone.
Melissa de la Cruz?????
You done aiiiiiiight, girl.
Oh my poor husband. Good thing I’m a quick reader because that poor sumbitch had to endure a whoooooooooooooooooooooooole lotta Hamilton singing the other day hahahahaha.
How did I not know this existed????? Be still my Lin Manuel Miranda loving heart. And by the author who wrote all the Blue Bloods books I gobbled up back in my teenage vampire book addiction days? #nomnom
Alex and Eliza is the fictional retelling of the romance of everyone’s favorite bastard, orphaned, son of a whore and a Scotsman and the middle Schuyler sister. Historical liberties have most definitely been taken, but this was exactly what I needed in my life and hadn’t even realized. To those of you who are like me and not really keen on books in a series – please note this works just fine and dandy as a standalone.
Melissa de la Cruz?????
You done aiiiiiiight, girl.
September 19, 2017
i really really loved this book! i'm not sure how accurate it is to history but as a HUGE fan of Hamilton the musical i knew that i was going to love this (and i did)⭐️
November 13, 2017
3.5*
Going into this, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I've not watched Hamilton the musical (although I adore the soundtrack and have listened to the album uncountable times) neither do I have much knowledge of American history, as it's not something that was covered in my history classes in the uk. Therefore, I didn't have many preconceptions of what this story would entail. I also can't be sure how historically accurate this was or where the facts finished and the creative liberties started. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I adored the characters, Eliza's character, sass and guts was particularly fun to read. I absolutely loved the historical aspects and really appreciated the amount of information given, whilst also not feeling 'info-dumpy' or overwhelming. It was a little slow in places and I wish some of the characters had been fleshed out a little more but overall, this was a lovely historical fiction read and has me even more jealous of everyone who's been able to watch the musical. *pleads to the musical theatre gods for Hamilton tickets*
Going into this, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I've not watched Hamilton the musical (although I adore the soundtrack and have listened to the album uncountable times) neither do I have much knowledge of American history, as it's not something that was covered in my history classes in the uk. Therefore, I didn't have many preconceptions of what this story would entail. I also can't be sure how historically accurate this was or where the facts finished and the creative liberties started. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I adored the characters, Eliza's character, sass and guts was particularly fun to read. I absolutely loved the historical aspects and really appreciated the amount of information given, whilst also not feeling 'info-dumpy' or overwhelming. It was a little slow in places and I wish some of the characters had been fleshed out a little more but overall, this was a lovely historical fiction read and has me even more jealous of everyone who's been able to watch the musical. *pleads to the musical theatre gods for Hamilton tickets*
June 10, 2017
This was a really cute story. I am not usually a reader that looks for historical romances but I love this author so wanted to read it as soon as I heard she was releasing a new book. I enjoyed it immensely. As some one who is not into historical romances I do not really pay any mind to historical accuracy.
September 26, 2017
Trigger warnings: war, attempted rape, medical procedures.
It should surprise literally none of you that this was one of my most anticipated books of the year, because I am the Queen of Hamiltrash and I bow to no one. So when I saw that there was a YA book about Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler's romance coming out, I was S.O.L.D.
Except.
This is honestly one of the most boring books I've ever read. Like, it drags on and on and ON and deals with so much random other stuff that was happening that it barely features Alex and Eliza on the page together at all.
Frankly, I've read Ron Chernow's biography of Hamilton and he does their love story justice while also making it incredibly interesting. This...was like reading an encyclopaedia entry.
And don't even get me started on the fact that every single chapter begins with a location and date when at least 60% of the chapters take place in the same location at the same time as the chapter before! Here are the locations for the first five chapters:
- "The Schuyler Mansion - Albany, New York - November 1777"
- "Eliza's bedroom and the hallway, the Schuyler Mansion - Albany, New York - November 1777"
- "Outside the Schuyler Mansion - Albany, New York - November 1777"
- "Stairs Behind the Landing - Albany, New York - November 1777"
- "Schuyler Ballroom - Albany, New York - November 1777"
OH MY GOD, WE GET IT. IT'S NOVEMBER 1777 IN ALBANY. JFC.
Add in the fact that Laurens and Lafayette show up for all of two seconds and more because teens who love Hamilton will expect to see them more than anything and the fact that Angelica is...a raging bitch any time she's within earshot of AHam and the fact that we're told Peggy is the youngest pretty much any time she appears OH MY GOD DID YOU KNOW THAT PEGGY IS THE YOUNGEST OF THE THREE and you've got yourself a pretty terrible time.
Look, I applaud Melissa de la Cruz for saying "My kid was interested, I did a bunch of research and then wanted to put it to good use." But this was lacking in emotion, humour, and anything even remotely interesting.
And now I'm stuck with a physical copy I don't know what to do with. Ordinarily, I'd take it to work and catalogue it. But I already know that even the mad keen Ham fan teens won't read this one because it's Just. So. BORING.
(Actual genuine question: was George Washington really referred to as "Your Excellency" during the Revolution?? That's...fucking weird.)
It should surprise literally none of you that this was one of my most anticipated books of the year, because I am the Queen of Hamiltrash and I bow to no one. So when I saw that there was a YA book about Alexander Hamilton and Eliza Schuyler's romance coming out, I was S.O.L.D.
Except.
This is honestly one of the most boring books I've ever read. Like, it drags on and on and ON and deals with so much random other stuff that was happening that it barely features Alex and Eliza on the page together at all.
Frankly, I've read Ron Chernow's biography of Hamilton and he does their love story justice while also making it incredibly interesting. This...was like reading an encyclopaedia entry.
And don't even get me started on the fact that every single chapter begins with a location and date when at least 60% of the chapters take place in the same location at the same time as the chapter before! Here are the locations for the first five chapters:
- "The Schuyler Mansion - Albany, New York - November 1777"
- "Eliza's bedroom and the hallway, the Schuyler Mansion - Albany, New York - November 1777"
- "Outside the Schuyler Mansion - Albany, New York - November 1777"
- "Stairs Behind the Landing - Albany, New York - November 1777"
- "Schuyler Ballroom - Albany, New York - November 1777"
OH MY GOD, WE GET IT. IT'S NOVEMBER 1777 IN ALBANY. JFC.
Add in the fact that Laurens and Lafayette show up for all of two seconds and more because teens who love Hamilton will expect to see them more than anything and the fact that Angelica is...a raging bitch any time she's within earshot of AHam and the fact that we're told Peggy is the youngest pretty much any time she appears OH MY GOD DID YOU KNOW THAT PEGGY IS THE YOUNGEST OF THE THREE and you've got yourself a pretty terrible time.
Look, I applaud Melissa de la Cruz for saying "My kid was interested, I did a bunch of research and then wanted to put it to good use." But this was lacking in emotion, humour, and anything even remotely interesting.
And now I'm stuck with a physical copy I don't know what to do with. Ordinarily, I'd take it to work and catalogue it. But I already know that even the mad keen Ham fan teens won't read this one because it's Just. So. BORING.
(Actual genuine question: was George Washington really referred to as "Your Excellency" during the Revolution?? That's...fucking weird.)
April 19, 2017
This one I picked up on a whim at work when I wasn't in the mood for my current reads. I was just scanning the shelves, thinking Pick Something! when I came to this book. I remembered hearing about this one briefly and GR having a couple giveaways for it but other than that, I didn't know much about it. Reading the summary on the jacket, I figured What the hell? and decided to take a chance on it.
I loved the vibe this one had going for it... reminded me of My Lady Jane in that way only (this one I liked alot better). The writing kept me interested the whole time, and the picture she painted of everything and everyone was done well. I fell in love with the budding romance between these two :).
I was laughing, shaking my head, and side-eyeing one character in particular (still want to give him a swift kick) while mentally HulkSmashing him... for one reason more than others, but the second highest reason steam was coming out of my ears as well.
A few points near the end parts did feel like the last act of a romantic comedy in a way, my impatience did show there and I made myself slow down and not skin those parts (written well but still)
The ending was sweet and I wanted to hug them both but it fizzled out for me a bit too in some ways.
I would recommend still... a compulsively readable novel that I had fun with, despite my quibbles with it. Has inspired me to add the Hamilton soundtrack to my wishlist :).
If they make this a movie one day, will be interesting to see who they would cast.
I loved the vibe this one had going for it... reminded me of My Lady Jane in that way only (this one I liked alot better). The writing kept me interested the whole time, and the picture she painted of everything and everyone was done well. I fell in love with the budding romance between these two :).
I was laughing, shaking my head, and side-eyeing one character in particular (still want to give him a swift kick) while mentally HulkSmashing him... for one reason more than others, but the second highest reason steam was coming out of my ears as well.
A few points near the end parts did feel like the last act of a romantic comedy in a way, my impatience did show there and I made myself slow down and not skin those parts (written well but still)
The ending was sweet and I wanted to hug them both but it fizzled out for me a bit too in some ways.
I would recommend still... a compulsively readable novel that I had fun with, despite my quibbles with it. Has inspired me to add the Hamilton soundtrack to my wishlist :).
If they make this a movie one day, will be interesting to see who they would cast.
Shelved as 'dnf'
April 11, 2017DNF @ 25%
While the narrator was fine, there is nothing she could do to save this book. I think reading a textbook might be more enjoyable than reading this book. The writing is really cliché and uninspired. The story is really slow and melodramatic, and considering the subject matter, it shouldn't be this way. This is the only time I've seen Hamilton depicted as inarticulate, and it's painful...
While the narrator was fine, there is nothing she could do to save this book. I think reading a textbook might be more enjoyable than reading this book. The writing is really cliché and uninspired. The story is really slow and melodramatic, and considering the subject matter, it shouldn't be this way. This is the only time I've seen Hamilton depicted as inarticulate, and it's painful...
March 18, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by this one! I had pretty low expectations, and it's only because the arc arrived on my doorstep that I decided to pick it up.
While it wasn't prize winning literature, it was really fun and easy to just sit down and read. I was delighted by the slightly old-fashioned writing, and all of the descriptions of dresses and manors and wigs were just fun. Sort of like a sillier knock off of Pride & Prejudice? The history elements included were interesting to follow along with, and I think the author actually did a very nice job portraying the time period.
That said, it definitely wasn't a perfect novel. We had a few info dumps on history, and although the author told us of the Schuyler sisters' intelligence, the majority of what saw of them was silly and shallow. Eliza had her moments, but we saw none of the whip-sharp intelligence by Peggy or Angelica that we've come to know through our beloved musical. The plot also dragged a bit, the affairs sometimes verging on ridiculous.
All in all, however, I think this book is worth a read. If you're looking for an enjoyable, not-too-deep romance with a fun bit of history thrown in, I would definitely recommend you pick this up. :)
While it wasn't prize winning literature, it was really fun and easy to just sit down and read. I was delighted by the slightly old-fashioned writing, and all of the descriptions of dresses and manors and wigs were just fun. Sort of like a sillier knock off of Pride & Prejudice? The history elements included were interesting to follow along with, and I think the author actually did a very nice job portraying the time period.
That said, it definitely wasn't a perfect novel. We had a few info dumps on history, and although the author told us of the Schuyler sisters' intelligence, the majority of what saw of them was silly and shallow. Eliza had her moments, but we saw none of the whip-sharp intelligence by Peggy or Angelica that we've come to know through our beloved musical. The plot also dragged a bit, the affairs sometimes verging on ridiculous.
All in all, however, I think this book is worth a read. If you're looking for an enjoyable, not-too-deep romance with a fun bit of history thrown in, I would definitely recommend you pick this up. :)
April 1, 2018
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RATING
★★★½ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ (3.5 out of 5.0 stars)
REVIEW
So it's been a few weeks since I read Alex and Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz. And my views on this book has shifted slightly.
I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction but I am a huge fan of Hamilton. I knew from the beginning that this book wouldn't be identical to the musical or you know...historically accurate. But I gave it a chance because the cover was beautifil.
Here's the truth: I liked it. However, it wasn't until I completely separated the characters from Alex and Eliza from the musical or anything I knew about the real people. After I did that I was able to enjoy it because I wasn't comparing. So fair warning everyone: do not go into this book thinking it's accurate. You want a book that tells the true story of Hamilton check out Alexander Hamilton (p.s. I haven't read this yet but I hear it's fantastic).
Anyways, I compiled a list of things I liked and didn't like (with no major spoilers).
LIKES
- ELIZA HAMILTON! Independent! Badass! Helping with the revolution
- Stephen, aka Peggy's fiance. He's precious and I would 100% read a book with just him
- Aunt Gertrude. What a great character
- Cheesy romance. Honestly it's cheesy and cliche but sometimes you need that in your life ya know?
- Alexander Hamilton. Swoon worthy. Slightly cringy. It happens
- The other officers. I really liked Laurens but he's barely in the book
- Peggy & Angelica. I'll get to them (well...Angelica) in a moment. I liked the relationship of the sisters I just wish it was more
- The writing. I loved Melissa de la Cruz's writing style
DISLIKES
- The history. I know it was supposed to be a historical YA book but c'mon. Sometimes it drags on. Especially when you know it's not accurate. I liked most of the history but toward the end I was over it
- Okay so look back in that time ago you marry is incredibly important especially if you have a high place in society. But Peggy
-
- Cringy attempts at romance. 95% of this book is adorable but 5% is just...too much
- Laurens. Not the character himself I just want him in the book more
The second book is supposed to come out later this month and even if I didn't enjoy so that much I'll still read it. Because I'm a piece of trash who loves cheesy and cliche romance.
FAVORITE QUOTES
“I meant does it hurt when you hide every last shred of your individuality and self worth behind acres of silk and cups of powder and smiles that never, no matter how hard you try, reach your eyes?”
“And at last, the lonely young man who belonged to no one finally belonged to someone, forever, and the practical girl who would not settle for less than a love story for the ages found the lifelong romance she had yearned for all her life.”
“And while a pretty face is nice to wake up to, an adoring face is so much more rewarding.”
“Medicine is a bit like love," Aunt Gertrude began. "There are the theatrical outer forms gone through by the players-the bandages and injections and extractions, the flowers and love notes and dances-but the real work is always happening out of sight. In here," she added, tapping herself on the heart.”
June 23, 2017
3.5 rounded to 4
In the midst of the American Revolution, the Schuyler family throws a ball. Colonel Alexander Hamilton is on the guest list. Though he has some rather unfortunate news to deliver, he is none-the-less happy to be there. When he gets the opportunity to dance with Eliza Schuyler (one of the three Schuyler daughters), he is awe struck by her presence. Thus begins a legendary love story.
Once upon a time, I took AP US history in highschool and studied the American Revolution in depth. Fastforward ten plus years, I had to google quite a bit, but for some reason I do recall the Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton duel quite well. Alexander Hamilton is an iconic American figure. One of the founding fathers, a lawyer and the very first Secretary of Treasury of the United States. Having said this, this novel deals not with his political achievements but with his courting and eventual marriage to Eliza Schuyler (this is not a spoiler).
While I do not usually associate fun and whimsy with historical fiction, this novel does combine those elements quite well. The American Revolution is the background but the love story added levity to the narrative. The love Hamilton had for Eliza is documented through his letters but Melissa de la Cruz did take some liberties (she explains at the end that the inspiration for the book was Hamilton, the play). I gotta say I quite was taken in by the book and while it was not heavily saturated with history, it was an insight into a different aspect of Hamilton. Eliza Schuyler too was quite a character. She wa able to render of the the most eloquent man speechless. Overall, this was a pleasantly surprising read. Now, I really want to go see Hamilton!
In the midst of the American Revolution, the Schuyler family throws a ball. Colonel Alexander Hamilton is on the guest list. Though he has some rather unfortunate news to deliver, he is none-the-less happy to be there. When he gets the opportunity to dance with Eliza Schuyler (one of the three Schuyler daughters), he is awe struck by her presence. Thus begins a legendary love story.
Once upon a time, I took AP US history in highschool and studied the American Revolution in depth. Fastforward ten plus years, I had to google quite a bit, but for some reason I do recall the Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton duel quite well. Alexander Hamilton is an iconic American figure. One of the founding fathers, a lawyer and the very first Secretary of Treasury of the United States. Having said this, this novel deals not with his political achievements but with his courting and eventual marriage to Eliza Schuyler (this is not a spoiler).
While I do not usually associate fun and whimsy with historical fiction, this novel does combine those elements quite well. The American Revolution is the background but the love story added levity to the narrative. The love Hamilton had for Eliza is documented through his letters but Melissa de la Cruz did take some liberties (she explains at the end that the inspiration for the book was Hamilton, the play). I gotta say I quite was taken in by the book and while it was not heavily saturated with history, it was an insight into a different aspect of Hamilton. Eliza Schuyler too was quite a character. She wa able to render of the the most eloquent man speechless. Overall, this was a pleasantly surprising read. Now, I really want to go see Hamilton!
Want to read
November 7, 2016I personally didn't really like Eliza as a character in Hamilton - which, I know, isn't a true representation of her, but will this be either? THOUGH, I'm so excited for this and need it as badly as I need a burrito (very badly).
April 4, 2017
3.5 stars
I might be a little biased because I love the Hamilton musical so much but I really enjoyed Alex and Eliza. Musical aside, I thought this was such a fun historical fiction and you don't have to be a fan of the Hamilton musical to enjoy this book.
I wasn't sure what to expect with Alex and Eliza but this book was actually way better than I thought it would be. I haven't been a big fan of the Melissa de la Cruz books I've read in the past but this was the best book I've read from her by far.
I wasn't totally sold on the love story aspect of the story. It was fine but I was actually way more interested in pretty much everything else that was going on. I know it's supposed to be focused on the love story aspect but I think it could have been more engaging.
There was a few places that I found a bit slow and boring but I think that goes back to the fact I wasn't sold on the love story.
I did love the overall concept and the characters. I really loved seeing different side of the characters compared to the musical. This book is different from the musical and is just inspired by it so if you go into this book thinking they're one in the same, like I did, you might be disappointed.
Overall, I really enjoyed Alex and Eliza. I think it could have better written but considering I'm usually not a fan of the author's writing style, it was 10x better than I expected. This is one of the better historical fiction books that I've read and I think it's worth reading.
I might be a little biased because I love the Hamilton musical so much but I really enjoyed Alex and Eliza. Musical aside, I thought this was such a fun historical fiction and you don't have to be a fan of the Hamilton musical to enjoy this book.
I wasn't sure what to expect with Alex and Eliza but this book was actually way better than I thought it would be. I haven't been a big fan of the Melissa de la Cruz books I've read in the past but this was the best book I've read from her by far.
I wasn't totally sold on the love story aspect of the story. It was fine but I was actually way more interested in pretty much everything else that was going on. I know it's supposed to be focused on the love story aspect but I think it could have been more engaging.
There was a few places that I found a bit slow and boring but I think that goes back to the fact I wasn't sold on the love story.
I did love the overall concept and the characters. I really loved seeing different side of the characters compared to the musical. This book is different from the musical and is just inspired by it so if you go into this book thinking they're one in the same, like I did, you might be disappointed.
Overall, I really enjoyed Alex and Eliza. I think it could have better written but considering I'm usually not a fan of the author's writing style, it was 10x better than I expected. This is one of the better historical fiction books that I've read and I think it's worth reading.
June 22, 2017
Actual rating: 3.5
I know some people don't like this author's writing but I'm not one of them. I've loved this author since I read her Blue Blood series like a decade ago... Goddess I feel old. I just checked the Goodreads page for Blue Bloods and it has been a decade. I can't even believe that. Time flies when you're sick I guess... Anyway, read the Blue Bloods if you haven't, it's a wonderful series.
Anyway, that being said, I like this author's writing and after finishing Sad Perfect, I needed a light and fluffy book. Something happy after the dark realness of the other book. So I loved this book! It's just a cute love story between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. I know that the author claims that she wrote it because her daughter wanted to know more after they saw the musical.... but I'm also sure it was a cash grab. Either way, that doesn't bother me. Cash grab or not, I still enjoyed it.
I love the writing style, the banter between the two, and I loved seeing Eliza have a good relationship with her sisters. That doesn't happen often in YA, the good family kind of thing so it was nice to see here.
So now a love story does describe this book to a T. It's got the smallest amount of politics but that's it. It's just a light and fluffy love story and I loved it for that. I knew that going in so I wasn't disappointed at all, I know some might be wanting more but don't. You're getting what the book said.
So if you're a fan of Hamilton or clean love stories, this is for you. You'll love it!
I know some people don't like this author's writing but I'm not one of them. I've loved this author since I read her Blue Blood series like a decade ago... Goddess I feel old. I just checked the Goodreads page for Blue Bloods and it has been a decade. I can't even believe that. Time flies when you're sick I guess... Anyway, read the Blue Bloods if you haven't, it's a wonderful series.
Anyway, that being said, I like this author's writing and after finishing Sad Perfect, I needed a light and fluffy book. Something happy after the dark realness of the other book. So I loved this book! It's just a cute love story between Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler. I know that the author claims that she wrote it because her daughter wanted to know more after they saw the musical.... but I'm also sure it was a cash grab. Either way, that doesn't bother me. Cash grab or not, I still enjoyed it.
I love the writing style, the banter between the two, and I loved seeing Eliza have a good relationship with her sisters. That doesn't happen often in YA, the good family kind of thing so it was nice to see here.
So now a love story does describe this book to a T. It's got the smallest amount of politics but that's it. It's just a light and fluffy love story and I loved it for that. I knew that going in so I wasn't disappointed at all, I know some might be wanting more but don't. You're getting what the book said.
So if you're a fan of Hamilton or clean love stories, this is for you. You'll love it!
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