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katemoxie's review
2.0
I found this book disjointed. Too much jumping from here to there - as in 1960 in one paragraph and 1956 in the next.
A family tree would have been very helpful for trying to figure out who fit in where.
A family tree would have been very helpful for trying to figure out who fit in where.
paigewetzel's review
4.0
This I thought for me because I don't typically gravitate towards biographies. Like at all. But this was a good one. I knew essentially nothing about Eleanor Roosevelt before reading this and now I understand the iconic nature of her place in US history. It's interesting how she was so solitary in so many ways throughout her life and how she stands alone in such a monumental legacy. I appreciated the mix of emphasis on her relationships, world-changing activities, and overarching politics. I felt oriented to her world but not overwhelmed with information.
katyhilbs's review
4.0
This biography is extremely thorough and well-written. I appreciate how details are not withheld, and every side of Eleanor is explored. This is a must-read for anyone interested in American political history.
specialk136's review
4.0
On three separate occasions, I have tried - and failed - to get past the first 100 or so pages of any biography on Eleanor Roosevelt. Well, this was the one that finally stuck! Michaelis has an engaging way of writing and he's very good at bringing in emotion. And for a volume of 500+ pages (not counting footnotes), it's surprisingly breezy. He doesn't waste time with unnecessary details, and I like that. WWII, for example, is dispatched in just over one chapter.
What I liked most about this book was seeing Eleanor's personal growth as she grew in confidence and found her voice and unique contribution. Though beloved by millions, she struggled to find love on a personal level. It's sad, she went through a lot, and put a great deal upon herself. But hers is not a sad story in the end: maybe because she went through so much, and became a woman of great opinion and influence. She's relatable and real, and I appreciated the chance to get to know her better here.
What I liked most about this book was seeing Eleanor's personal growth as she grew in confidence and found her voice and unique contribution. Though beloved by millions, she struggled to find love on a personal level. It's sad, she went through a lot, and put a great deal upon herself. But hers is not a sad story in the end: maybe because she went through so much, and became a woman of great opinion and influence. She's relatable and real, and I appreciated the chance to get to know her better here.
gajeam's review
2.0
If a biographer is a cinematographer then Michaelis is a freshman at film school. He zooms in on moments, far from the action of Eleanor’s life, and holds the camera there. He is sparse in his establishing shots, leaving those of us who grew up outside the cultural legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt confused about what her impact on the world really was. Every once in a while Michaelis deftly gestures to a motif but they never lead to anything interesting. Yes, nobody’s life fits neatly into a three act structure, but that doesn’t mean a biography has to be this aimless and distractable.
naluju's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0