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A review by jtlars7
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I have enjoyed other historical novels by this author and looked forward to this one. I didn’t get into it as much as I did those set during the Revolution and felt that while individual chapters went quickly, the book overall dragged a little. It did pick up near the end with the fight to pass Social Security legislation.
I can’t believe I never heard about this incredible woman until I read this book. Her story was inspiring and I think we should all learn about the first woman cabinet secretary and driving force behind Social Security in school. (I don’t remember ever hearing even a Women’s History Month mention!) I think it said in the Afterword that Frances Perkins has directly affected more American lives than almost any other cabinet member in our history. It was a little disheartening, though to realize that we haven’t yet eliminated the kinds of workplace misogyny that she dealt with in the 1930s.
I can’t believe I never heard about this incredible woman until I read this book. Her story was inspiring and I think we should all learn about the first woman cabinet secretary and driving force behind Social Security in school. (I don’t remember ever hearing even a Women’s History Month mention!) I think it said in the Afterword that Frances Perkins has directly affected more American lives than almost any other cabinet member in our history. It was a little disheartening, though to realize that we haven’t yet eliminated the kinds of workplace misogyny that she dealt with in the 1930s.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts