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There are currently 33 member reviews
for Becoming Madam Secretary
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Laurie M.
Becoming Madam Secretary
Becoming Madam Secretary grabbed my attention right from the start. The author, Stephanie Dray, has managed to bring the characters to life on the page. Through her thorough research and wonderful reimagining where necessary, Dray has recreated the fascinating life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve as a cabinet secretary, and the amazing cast of historical figures of her time. This reader learned so much from this well-written and engaging novel. Truly a pleasure to read. I would recommend this to all who enjoy historical fiction, American history, and for the fans of Stephanie Dray.
Thank you to BookBrowse, Stephanie Dray, and Berkley Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of Becoming Madam Secretary.
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Ricki A. (Enfield, CT)
Amazing Read
Having never read Stephanie Dray I had no idea what to expect, but I have to say she is an amazing writer. I was caught up in the story of Frances Perkins immediately and couldn't put the book down. It's evident Ms Dray has heavily researched her subject, but the delight lies in her ability to bring the characters and the events to life in such a personal way. I felt I was seeing the history of women's rights and the claim for social justice for the first time and, perhaps, I was. Many of the advances women received back in the early 1900's through the 1940's were attributed to the efforts of men like the two Roosevelts, yet the real claim to fame should have been given to the strong, committed women who tirelessly worked to change minds and hearts. Dray, using the vehicle of historical fiction, shines a long needed light on a little known piece of history, and she does it brilliantly. Her writing pace matches the intense drama and passion Perkins and like-minded women who sought out justice and fair labor practices. Because of her ability to tell a good story while revealing significant facts about women in our history, the reader comes away from each chapter breathless for the next one. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about this historical time. In fact, I have suggested to the members of my book club we read "Becoming Madam Secretary" and look forward to a great discussion with other thoughtful women on a subject that has benefited us in our own life endeavors.
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Dorothy H. (Folsom, CA)
Historical Fiction of the First Female Secretary in Federal Government
A fast reading story of Frances Perkins leading up to her appointment by President Franklin D Roosevelt as Secretary of Labor. Prior to the appointment she began in 1910 was an activist for Women and Children wage and hour laws, Tenement owners that owned unsafe apartment buildings, unsanitary Bakeries. She later campaigned for Al Smith Governor of NY and was appointed his Secretary of Labor. At the Federal level she played a major role in implementing Social Security. She was married with one child. The author moves the story along with views of Mrs. Perkins private and professional life.
This book would be suitable for book club.
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Terrie J. (Eagan, MN)
Great read on a piece of history
I really enjoyed this book. It is a good portrayal of an important woman in our history. I didn't know much about Francis Perkins and I now have great admiration for her and her accomplishments. This book was very well written and the characters were so descriptive. I think readers of all ages and topic preferences will enjoy this book.
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Joanne V. (Phoenix, AZ)
Excellent Historical Fiction
Thank you, BookBrowse, for selecting me to review this book. I was not familiar with the author nor really knew much about Frances Perkins. What an impressive woman and she accomplished so much when women were largely ignored! Even though we have made progress, I still can't understand why a woman hasn't been elected President! If I compare Frances Perkins with some of the men running for office, I am seriously confused as to why we would settle! The author did a wonderful job with her research and by making the book a real page turner. I will recommend this book to my book clubs and everyone else I know. Highly recommend!
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Celia P. (Lakeland, FL)
Glimpse of Frances Perkins Life
Glimpsing the everyday life experiences of Frances Perkins in the early 1900's showed me how living in a time before the views of women and workers were taken seriously instilled desires in Ms. Perkins to advocate for the rights of workers and women.
The rights and privileges we have as women, and as workers in general were not handed to us on a silver platter. Someone had to be courageous enough to take the time to care and do the dirty fighting necessary to bring the problems to the forefront of government. Working with others to envision solutions for labor and economic woes in the midst of criticism was not easy, especially when Frances had her own problems.
This was her life and the sacrifices she, and others like her, were driven to make that helped our world become a better place to live and work.
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Rosanne Sharkey
Madame Secretary
As an historical fiction reader, I enjoy books that introduce me to people or events I didn’t know of. This book taught me about Frances Perkins one of the most outstanding women in U S Government.
With her usual attention to detail, research and exceptional writing Stephanie Dray has brought Ms Perkins to my attention and surely to many who will read this book.
We often take things for granted and social security is one of those things. We have Ms Perkins to thank for her diligence in pursuit of making it a reality. I’m sure no one is aware of the battle she waged to have it become a bill. The sacrifices she made in her personal life for the sake of others were monumental. What a truly incredible woman she was.
I think Madame Secretary should be read by everyone but especially those of us who are enjoying the benefit of social security. The author has done an amazing job; one I believe Frances Perkins would approve of.
Thank you BookBrowse for giving me the opportunity to read this incredible book.
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