Failing Up How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning

Rating - 4.5 stars Surprisingly, I enjoyed this book! Odom writes in a captivating way, causing you to not want to stop reading. And when you put it down for a minute and pick it up again, you're immediately drawn back into the stories of his life and the wisdom he sheds. This book is an encouragement to not give up, even when things get difficult, and strive to do your very best, even if it may cost you something. Challenge yourself to take risks because you never know what you can do until you try and seek to find mentors who will push and encourage you no matter what direction you may go. He emphasizes to not stop trying but try harder. The many stories of Odom's life that he implemented throughout the book helped to make it more personal, as if to show that he too is human, just like everyone else in the world. He had doubts, failures, successes, etc., but nothing stopped him from aiming higher. I would highly recommend this book to perfectionists (such as myself) and to those who want to give up. Reach for your dreams and don't shy away from the challenges...everything you face will help you to grow into a better person.

I've been a huge fan of Leslie's since he was on Smash, and I've followed his career since. When I heard that he was releasing a book I was ecstatic and knew that it would be at the top of my to be read list until I got to read it. The whole book took me about 2 hours to read, and in those two hours Leslie's writing took me on a journey. Reading his story of how he got to where he is now was so wonderful, it was like listening to a friend. I laughed, I cried and I felt moved and inspired. If you're a fan of theatre, Hamilton or Leslie, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy for yourself.

It was very well written and easy to read.

Hamilton is a favorite in our house. The musical is a beautiful, inspiring vision of America. It affirms that the ideals of the founding fathers still resonate, but through a lens of issues for today: immigration, diversity, the role of power, etc. Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr) was an important part of that musical and that journey. This is essentially a self-help book. Ordinarily, I prefer my self help content in more subtle forms. Yet, Odom is likable, his story is appealing and his advice is relatable. His questions resonate: "What are you ignoring today? What did you do to help yourself today? Who did you call? What did you read? Did you take one step toward something that makes you come alive today?"