What readers think of Becoming Madam Secretary, plus links to write your own review.

This is a book that teaches so much about history in the time of FDR and the depression. Also, profound example of how difficult it was for women in those days. To live in a “man’s” world.

Becoming Madam Secretary does a wonderful job of giving us the life of Frances Perkins, one of the first women to hold high offices in both state and federal politics. I’ll admit to recognizing her name more than knowing what she accomplished. She first helped create a limit to the hours worked by women and children. She led the state’s labor department under Governor Roosevelt. Under President Roosevelt, she was the Secretary of Labor for all twelve years of his presidency and was the primary driver for the Social Security Act and helped create the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Dray provides a well rounded picture of Perkins. In her private life, she was initially determined not to marry, then had to deal with a miscarriage and a still birth. But the worst was her husband’s severe manic-depression and his suicidal tendencies.
The first person narration made it feel like Frances was speaking directly to the reader. It lent it a very personal feel. Dray gives the reader a strong understanding of the times, from the poor work conditions in the 1910s through the Great Depression. The trick with historical fiction is to put in enough relevant drafts without slowing the pace of the story. Dray does this.

This is a long book, but it felt like a quick read. And if any of us feel like some of the stunts of the Trump administration are original, this book puts the lie to that. Section 24 which had hoodlums acting as immigration agents rounding up and blackmailing immigrants and even American citizens. General Hugh “Iron Pants” Johnson was the Elon Musk of his day - someone not employed by the government but still maneuvering nefarious plots within.

I read this for my book club and envision that it will lead to an interesting discussion.

"Becoming Madam Secretary" by Maryland author Stephanie Dray tells a story that even the most informed do not know. Frances Perkins goes from workers' rights representative to Secretary of Labor. Suppose you knew little about her story, like I did, good. There is much to learn, and you will enjoy the ride through early twentieth-century American History to get there.

Perkins lived when women chose between a career and marriage, and we see her trying to achieve both. From Teddy Roosevelt to Taft to Wilson, she fought for what was right for female workers. She undergoes a miscarriage and a stillborn child after insisting that her career took precedence. She found a way to meet all her goals that she could control.

Francis enters politics, realizing she has earned her workforce position but will still need to work twice as hard for acceptance as she becomes the family's lone breadwinner. Not long after the polio diagnosis, she gained a position with FDR when he won an election in New York. Those who barely thought we could govern did not anticipate a long career.

Writers have saturated the market with feminist historical fiction. Hence, an author needs to nail the tone, and Dray does so easily. Themes like misogyny and mental health probably occurred as they did in 1930. Since FDR presided over the Great Depression and had dozens of programs to combat it, Perkins has her hands full in charge of labor.

The genre exists so that we may glimpse a day and time other than our own. Dray (an Odenton resident) excels at this essential skill for such writers. Perkins comes off as indomitable and effective, paving the way for future female hires. Even in the moments that we question FDR, we know that she is reliable and strong.

Becoming Madam Secretary, by Stephanie Dray, is an amazing story. It's all about the first female cabinet member. Frances Perkins was picked by FDR to be his Secretary of Labor when he officially became president in early 1933. We learn that right at the beginning of the book. Then Stephanie goes back to 1909 and gives us Frances' background. We learn about her husband and his difficulties, her pregnancies, her path that led to her appointment. And, later, we learn about everything she did as Labor Secretary. We see how being a woman affected her job and her ability to get things done. We learn a lot about FDR and Eleanor. it could NOT have been more interesting.

This is not a short book. it comes in at 500 pages. But, boy, did I get through it quickly. I picked it up every available minute. And, like any good historical fiction, we find out in the author notes which characters were fictional and which were real. I have to say that these author notes were particularly interesting.

So far I've only read one other book by Stephanie Dray. It's called The Women of Chateau Lafayette. And it was also a 5/5! I need to get off my keister and read more...and I will! In the meantime, please read Becoming Madam Secretary.

If you are currently receiving any kind of government benefit, such as Social Security or Medicare, then the novel "Becoming Madam Secretary" by Stephanie Dray is an absolute must-read. This captivating work of historical fiction provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of Frances Perkins, who made history as the first female cabinet member under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. Dray's meticulously researched and vividly written narrative takes readers on a journey through Perkins' remarkable career, chronicling her rise from a passionate social reformer to a trailblazing figure who helped shape some of the most significant New Deal programs that laid the foundations for the modern American social safety net.

Despite the book's impressive length, it is structured in a highly accessible way, with short, fast-paced chapters that flow seamlessly in chronological order, making it an effortless and immensely satisfying read for lovers of historical fiction. As you delve into Perkins' story, you'll be struck by the depth of her intellect, the strength of her convictions, and the profound impact she had on shaping the social welfare policies that continue to benefit millions of Americans to this day. Ultimately, "Becoming Madam Secretary" is a powerful and enlightening novel that reminds us of the critical role that visionary leaders can play in driving positive social change, and the importance of learning from the lessons of history. Whether you're already familiar with Perkins' legacy or discovering it for the first time, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire a deeper appreciation for the trailblazers who paved the way before us.

Stephanie Dray weaves a captivating and dramatic narrative in Becoming Madam Secretary. The novel introduces us to Frances Perkins, an American heroine whose impact reverberates through history. Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances arrives in New York City at the turn of the century, armed with her trusty parasol and an unyielding determination to make a difference.

As she immerses herself in the crowded tenements of Hell’s Kitchen, Frances also throws herself into the social scene in Greenwich Village. There, she befriends an eclectic group of politicians, artists, and activists, including the millionaire socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, the flirtatious budding author Sinclair Lewis, and the brilliant but troubled reformer Paul Wilson, with whom she falls deeply in love.

But it’s when Frances meets a young lawyer named Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a tea dance that sparks fly—though not in the right direction. She sees him as a rich, arrogant dilettante relying on his famous name, while he views her as a priggish bluestocking and insufferable do-gooder. Little do they know that over the next two decades, they will form a historic partnership that will carry them both to the White House.

Frances’s destiny unfolds in a political world dominated by men. As FDR’s most trusted lieutenant during the Great Depression, she faces immense challenges. Balancing her public career with marriage and motherhood, she becomes a force behind Social Security and helps launch the Civilian Conservation Corps. Her unwavering commitment to improving lives shapes the course of American history.

Dray’s meticulous research shines through, providing behind-the-scenes historical details that immerse readers in Frances’s world. However, the novel occasionally portrays Frances as almost too good to be true—too smart, too brave, too loyal. Yet, real or fictionalized, Frances Perkins was indeed a hard-working, visionary heroine. From defying conventions in New England to advising both Smith and Roosevelt during their governorships, she blazed trails.

The New Deal and Frances’s appointment as the first woman to head a federal Cabinet department were groundbreaking. The former challenged traditional views of the American government’s role, while the latter faced opposition due to gender norms. Perkins’s legacy endures through her contributions to Social Security and her unwavering dedication to public service.

While historical fiction isn’t the first genre I typically go for I do enjoy it a lot, and I especially love stories like that this that take a piece of history that is not typically focused on. I will admit I didn’t know Frances Perkins or all that she did to change America. While I knew we didn’t always have fair labor laws or social security I didn’t understand the work she went through to make them happen. I also will admit I didn’t know as much as I should have about Franklin Roosevelt. I thought the book was well written and the voice it gave Frances was very believable. I will say it’s a hard book to read because there are a lot of sad turns, but life is sad and to shy away from that is a bigger shame. I did think the story moved slowly at times and it was a long, but overall I greatly enjoyed it. 5 stars rounded up for helping educate me while I was also being entertained

An intriguing book about a forgotten woman who was instrumental in shaping American history as well as the lives of everyone today. Part 1 of the book was fascinating in detailing her early life and crusades for shorter working hours, work safety as well as child labor laws plus the bonus of women suffrage movement. Francis Perkins was a complex woman living during a rapidly changing time period. The author touches on the challenges of her marriage, mental health and being the first woman cabinet member. The evolving dynamics between Francis and FDR keeps the reader interested. However Francis Perkins is the star- a wonderful woman who should not be forgotten in America history. Very enjoyable read.