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

Frances Perkins was just a name. When the first chapter hinted at her accomplishments I knew this was a must read.

Frances struggled with family issues and for a public service career at a time when women were just gaining suffrage. Franklin Roosevelt appointed her to be his Secretary of Labor, making her the first woman to hold a cabinet position and the catalyst for his New Deal policies.

Reading historical fiction always makes me wonder what is history and what is fiction. The "author notes" section makes this description clear. Ms Dray writes turning bigger than life fictional figures into people I would like to meet.

While the book is informative it is foremost a lively well written novel.

Frances Perkins was the first woman in a presidential cabinet and secretary of labor for Franklin D. Roosevelt. She made major accomplishments through the New Deal. I enjoyed reading about her personal and professional life. I was unfamiliar with her prior to reading this book. At times, the book was slow. I am impressed with her empathy and solutions to many of the problems that arose during the early 1900's through the Great Depression. I received an ARC copy from Bookbrowse and the publisher. Thank you! I am interested in reading more about Frances Perkins.

This is an interesting look into the life of Frances Perkins, the first female Secretary of Labor, under FDR. Took me a while to get through it but I really enjoyed a peek into the politics of the time, as well as the persevering spirit of Miss Perkins. The author's note at the end is particularly interesting as it outlines many factual details that the author was unable/unwilling to write into the story. Well done!

By a weird coincidence, the day I started reading Becoming Madam Secretary a post about Frances Perkins popped up on my Facebook memories! I had read and shared a short biographical post about her a few years ago. I had been aware that she was the first woman to serve in the Cabinet, but I didn't know much else.
Stephanie Drey's historical novel about her career was well researched, well written, and very interesting. Perkins' interest in social welfare, her determination, and political connections changed people's lives even before she became Secretary of Labor for FDR. Every American owes her a debt of gratitude.

Dray is one of my favorite historical fiction writers for her highly detailed yet readable looks at hidden women from history. Uncovering the life story of Frances Perkins was so interesting, especially since I had always heard her name in the musical "Annie" with no idea who she was! Dray follows Perkins from her early twenties as a child labor crusader in the horrific early 20th century New York City factories to her appointment as the first woman on a presidential cabinet. What an amazing woman!

I like how Dray set up Perkins' relationship with FDR; it didn't start out as positive but it became the most important one of her life. My favorite relationship was her friendship with Mary Harriman, the founder of the Junior League. Reading through the turmoil in Perkins' own personal life was so sad, and I was amazed that she could focus on her work and the plight of others with these struggles.

Perkins' legacy is one that affects us all in our day-to-day lives from labor laws to Social Security. I am glad that she is getting her time in the spotlight.

I enjoyed this book. This book will appeal to fans of Marie Benedict or anyone who loves historical fiction about strong women.

Miss Perkins was a woman who defied societal norms to fight for change in American society. Raised in modest circumstances she became friends with a group of New York elite women who shared her passions and helped her achieve many outstanding achievements that changed the lives of every American. If you thought child labor barbaric, she fought and succeeded in having it outlawed. Safer workplaces, Social Security & many other programs that protect workers, children and the elderly were ideas she proposed to leaders, including President Roosevelt.
The author has availed herself of much existing research and brought this admirable woman and her work to life. At times her characters felt rather flat, and the tone seemed superficial. Miss Perkins' life was not an easy one, but she was resilient and committed to social change. She deserves to be well-known, her story shared and taught in schools. The novel was a bit long, but there was so much territory to cover. This was an easy read, interesting and informative.

Becoming Madam Secretary demonstrates how persistent, patient and effective Frances Perkins was in her personal and professional life and how it helped her navigate her way in government and to ultimately effect great change.

The book reads quickly and keeps the reader's attention. It starts at a challenging crossroad in Ms. Perkins life, and takes us back to her young adulthood and through her time as Secretary of Labor. Stephanie Dray conducted extensive research in preparing to write this book and it shows.

How interesting that everyone in America knows about Social Security, but few know about the architect and tireless woman is behind it. And it's only one of Francis Perkin's many accomplishments.