I really enjoyed Becoming Madam Secretary. I knew a little about Frances Perkins but learned so much more reading the book. Her legacy spans many years, famous personalities, and social issues. She was influential in reforms on child labor, maximum working hours, standard
…more minimum wage, and a Social Security safety net for American laborers. There are so many things that we take for granted today that she championed during her career. She encountered many famous people working and found a way to work with all of them to advance her revolutionary ideas. McManus of Tammany Hall, Al Smith, FDR and the author Sinclair Lewis all are woven into Secretary Perkins story. She worked alongside Jane Addams, Florence Kelley and Mary Harriman Rumsey for the rights of children and women in the workforce. She was a very private woman, but her own personal story is very moving. Her support of her husband and daughter during their struggles with mental illness and her deep friendships attest to her strength of character. The author, Stephanie Dray did an excellent job of bringing Frances Perkins to light in this book. (less)