Lately I’ve been listening to one thing and one thing only: HAMILTON THE MUSICAL. I go to bed listening to Hamilton, I wake up singing Hamilton, and every time I hear something resembling any of the lyrics my mind automatically thinks of the corresponding song. I cannot express to you how much I love this musical: it combines my love for United States history and the Founding Fathers with stellar vocal and instrumental performance, incredibly catchy tunes, and some ridiculously brilliant lyrics. Clearly, Lin-Manuel Miranda is genius.

To spread my love for Hamilton, I’ve decided to create my first ever original book tag!!

Here are the rules:

• Thank the person who tagged you and link back to their blog
• Link back to the original post (this one)
• Match each song listed with a book of your choice based on the criteria given
• Tag tag tag!
• Let people know that you’ve tagged them

1. Alexander Hamilton: A book with an underdog protagonist

I think that Mark in The Martian by Andy Weir takes the cake for this one. Poor Mark– no one is prepared to have to survive on Mars by himself, especially with little hope of being rescued.

2. My Shot: A book that made you want to RISE UP and tell everyone about it

I know I mention Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta all of the time, but it’s truly the books that always comes to mind. After a recent reread of this I actually tried to tell my mom the entire plot… needless to say, it didn’t sound nearly as good as it does in Marchetta’s own words!

3. The Schuyler Sisters: A book with some kick@$$ sisters

The Bennet sisters in Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen are not ones to back down from a challenge, especially when that challenge involves a man. You go get him, sister!

4. You’ll Be Back: A book you’ll know you’ll read again

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton is way too good to not reread at least a few more times. Sure, I know the ending, but the crazy twists and adventures along the way will undoubtedly make it as suspenseful and exciting as it was when I read it for the first time.

5. Helpless: A book that you couldn’t help but buy

As soon as I heard about Mindy Kaling’s second book Why Not Me? I knew that I would have to buy it and read it ASAP. I absolutely adored her first book, but I loved this one ever more!

6. Dear Theodosia: A book that blew you away

I’ve mentioned All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr a million times and I’ll mention it a million times more: THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE. If you like historical fiction or a story with stunningly beautiful writing, then this is the book for you!

7. Non-Stop: A book that you couldn’t stop reading

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff is the definition of a gripping, suspenseful, and entertaining story. It also helps that the unique format of this book makes it feel like a super fast read!

8. Cabinet Battle #1: A book that you would always defend in an argument

I loved Great Expectations by Charles Dickens when I read it for my AP English class in high school, but since then I’ve noticed that people either seem to really like it or really hate it. With that said, I will always defend this book as the masterpiece of literature that it is!

9. The Room Where It Happens: A book with a unique setting

London, England might not sound like the most original setting for a story– but how about a bunch of magical, color-coded Londons? In A Darker Shade of Magic, V.E. Schwab adds her own fantastical twist to this famous city, making it a setting I’ll always want to revisit.

10. It’s Quiet Uptown: A book that left you speechless

Beloved by Toni Morrison is one of those books that just leaves you at a loss for words with its raw emotion and powerful story. You really have to read it and experience it for yourself in order to understand how impactful and hard-hitting it can be.

11. The Election of 1800: A book revolving around a competition

What better book to match with this song than The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins? Without the idea of competition, this book would basically have no point whatsoever.

12. Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story: A book with a memorable narrator

I love the way Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte is narrated as a sort of autobiography by Jane Eyre herself. The framework of the story ties it all together, especially at the end when she really brings in her older perspective about her life.

Tag, you’re it! (If you haven’t listened to Hamilton before, a) go listen to it NOW   or b) don’t worry about doing this tag!)

• Bella @ Ciao Bella!
• Evi @ Adventuring Through Pages
• Cristina @ My Tiny Obsessions
• Marie @ Drizzle and Hurricane Books
• Joey @ Thoughts and Afterthoughts

And YOU! Yes YOU! If you love Hamilton, feel free to join in this tag!

What is your favorite Hamilton song? What do you think of the books I’ve picked? Let me know in the comments section below!

Yours,

HOLLY