Failing Up

March 26, 2018
Odom Jr., who starred as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, has written a warm and inspiring reflection on his rise to success, delivering advice to readers plotting their own career paths. He begins with a frank discussion of his upbringing in Philadelphia as a “prideful, mouthy kid” struggling to find an outlet. At 16, Odom had already discovered his passion for theater. He describes the euphoria of landing a temporary role in the Broadway production of Rent and urges readers “to think of your Big Break as an inside job instead of something that you’ll find externally. The external world will eventually mirror what you begin on the inside of yourself today.” Odom goes on to describe his time at Carnegie Mellon University, the ups and downs of auditioning, and meeting his longtime romantic partner. He eloquently expresses the challenges of being a black actor in a world of predominantly white roles, and his reverence for Hamilton and its multicultural approach to history. Odom offers a multilayered perspective on musical theater, representation, and achieving professional dreams, while urging readers to walk confidently along their own paths to self-discovery. All ages. Agent: Mollie Glick, Creative Artists Agency.

March 15, 2018
Tony and Grammy Award-winning Odom is best known as the original actor in the role of Aaron Burr in the hip-hop musical sensation Hamilton. In this part memoir, part self-help book, he bestows sage advice for aspiring performers, or anyone struggling to pursue a passion. Failing was an integral part of his journey, Odom argues, and he offers specific examples as he tracks down how failure made him the man he is today. When he misbehaved as a student, he ended up bonding with an important teacher. Through a botched mock-commercial audition, he rediscovered his modesty and verve for acting. With wit and honesty, Odom writes in a relatable, straightforward tone. Although Hamilton fans will learn more tidbits about the show, this will mainly help artists in need of extra inspiration and encouragement, especially people of color, as Odom explains how his racial background influenced the roles he played. More than anything, Odom says that artists mustn't quit until they've truly tried, and he embodies what it means to take risks, learn, and succeed.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
Musical theater superstar Leslie Odom, Jr., who originated the role of Aaron Burr in the acclaimed Broadway production of Hamilton, advises young people as to how they might follow in his footsteps. Platitudes, some spiritual affirmations, and a cheerful tone permeate the narrative. Star-struck readers and theater fans should be inspired by this autobiographical guidebook.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)