Reviews

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

andreajphillips's review against another edition

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informative inspiring

5.0

I LOVED this book! Francis Perkins was a trailblazer, and this book paints a full picture of the personal cost to her of being the architect of much of the New Deal. 

aalowe86's review

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hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

kendra_seymour's review

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

creaseinthespinebooks's review against another edition

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5.0

I was not aware of Frances Perkins prior to reading this book, and was amazed by her brilliance, courage, and her legacy.

Stephanie Dray brought Perkins, FDR, and other important people to life in her well-researched book. The 519 page book seems long but I was captivated from the beginning and the chapters were short.

Stephanie Dray masterfully blends historical accuracy with emotional depth, making this novel a must-read for anyone intrigued by the untold stories of remarkable women who shaped our world.

jenniferk81's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

user322111's review

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challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

choward94's review

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informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

singergurl4life's review

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informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

jessweitzel's review

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hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Fictionalized biography is a tough genre but the author nails it. An inspiring book about women in power, social good, the politics of reforms, and complex relationships. And a reminder of what life was like for many before a social safety net that we take for granted now. Like social security and a reasonable work week? Perkins is one of the people to thank for that, yet I never learned about her before this book. 

justfara's review

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5.0

This is a very very long book, but well worth it. I've read one other book by Ms. Dray and it was fabulous as well.