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Archive 08-19 GR Discussions
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Alexander Hamilton summer chunky with reading schedule
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I am starting it today because the buddy read convo really sparked my interest. I typically don't do well with nonfiction so I may just jump in where I can.
I just joined and really want to read this. I've started it on my own but I think doing it with a group would keep me a bit more motivated.
Plus having a schedule to stick to would also help keep me on task.
Plus having a schedule to stick to would also help keep me on task.
Thank you, Meg . I was reading this on my ipad this morning, and saw 2 different areas about the same book in the group . I just got on my computer to see if I missed some of the directions .
Are there 2 different groups reading the book ?
Sorry, I'm new in here so it'll take me awhile to get the hang of things .
Are there 2 different groups reading the book ?
Sorry, I'm new in here so it'll take me awhile to get the hang of things .
There is on group that started a few months ago we start in August
I haven't been on here in a very long time because I have gone back to school; however, I graduate in December and need a break from studying. I have the month of August off and just last week I was in the book store holding this book trying to tell myself I would have time to read it but put it back. After looking back on here, I downloaded the book. I am looking forward to reading it with others.
Ok this is the beginning of our reading. As a kickoff let 's start with some things we think we know about Hamilton
I saw on TV that he was one of nine immigrants that signed the Declaration of Independence. I am still confused about this because I thought everyone was an Immigrant at that time
In the first few pages we learn that he was born in a tiny little island called Nevis. To give you an example of how small and remote the island is I will share a story with you. About 25 yrs ago I took my family to the island for vacation. We had to get a cab ride to get to our hotel. On the way the cab driver took us to a spot on a tiny farm. He wanted us to see this spot because a few days ago a cow had given birth via C-section and it was the most remarkable thing that happened on the island. I never forgot that
I'm almost done with the book, but to answer your question, the only thing I knew prior to the book (or musical) was that Hamilton was shot in a duel by Aaron Burr. There's so much more to him than that!!
In the reading we learn about Hamilton's difficult life before he went to America. Why do you think he was able to overcome his life to overcome it all?
Is anyone interested in this discussion? If not we will close it
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Ok so we can put the reading on hold until you get the book and then start the schedule. How does that sound?
Anyone surprised about Hamilton's supposed bisexuality and how nonchalantly it is treated?
Yes and yes! The letters he wrote seemed to imply a level of intimacy that is only between two people in love. I do not know a lot about how men wrote to each other in that time period, so I'm not sure if I'm reading between the lines. It's very strange that no one seemed upset about it, especially in that day and age.
Well the author talked about it so you aren't reading into it. I read this book called The Miniaturist that takes place during the beginning of the 1700s in Holland. In that book any one guilty of homosexuality was put to death so I am pretty sure it was criminal in NY as well. I can't understand how it was overlooked like that!
Are you surprised about the amount of slaves in New York? When I was a kid in school we were never taught that New York had slaves
I knew NY had slaves, I think pretty much everywhere did at some point. I don't know if you're this far yet, but I was more surprised at the abolitionists who owned slaves! I couldn't understand how they could talk about the evils of slavery and then go home to a meal cooked by a slave!
Well the comments that when Hamiltons hosted dinners and people thought it sad that they didn't have slaves to help them with the dinner was strange. Then when they did get slaves that really surprised me
I am a little bit behind and just started. I know very little about Hamilton, although I have read his Federalist Papers and really enjoy his writing. However, I was shocked to find out about how hard his childhood was with his mother dying, his estranged father, and how he was so incredibly impoverished. It is fascinating that an individual who came from such a violent and poor background became such an intelligent writer.
I agree with you Chelsea. It is amazing how someone can rise about all that and become so accomplished and be brilliant
I also think it is interesting that whenever I mention to someone that I am reading Alexander Hamilton's bio, or they see me reading it, people tend to have a negative reaction. Most have some political opinion about his operations as treasurer and the federal reserve. I myself did not have a great impression, as I have have read a couple of biographies on John Adams, and his feuds with Hamilton, in which Hamilton was depicted as a "bad man".However, after reading about Hamilton's childhood, I am much more empathetic to who he was and his role in the creating of our country. Just goes to show how important it is to keep an open mind!
Interesting. All I knew about Hamilton was the duel with Burr and that he had something to do with setting up the country's financials. Most people I know just remark about the size of the book!
That too! 800 plus pages does not make for a little, quick read!
I really liked Hamilton's ideas of President in America. Having 3 presidents from three different areas is a very interesting idea. I wonder if that could ever work
August 7 read through Chapter 5
August 14 discuss through Chapter 5 read through Chapter 10
August 21 discuss through Chapter 10 read through Chapter 16
August 28 discuss through Chapter 16 read through Chapter 20
September 4 discuss through Chapter 20 read through Chapter 27
September 11 discuss through Chapter 27 read through Chapter 34
September 18 discuss through Chapter 34 read through Chapter 43
September 2 5 discuss through Chapter 43 finish book
October 2 final discuss