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

Having never read Stephanie Dray I had no idea what to expect, but I have to say she is an amazing writer. I was caught up in the story of Frances Perkins immediately and couldn't put the book down. It's evident Ms Dray has heavily researched her subject, but the delight lies in her ability to bring the characters and the events to life in such a personal way. I felt I was seeing the history of women's rights and the claim for social justice for the first time and, perhaps, I was. Many of the advances women received back in the early 1900's through the 1940's were attributed to the efforts of men like the two Roosevelts, yet the real claim to fame should have been given to the strong, committed women who tirelessly worked to change minds and hearts. Dray, using the vehicle of historical fiction, shines a long needed light on a little known piece of history, and she does it brilliantly. Her writing pace matches the intense drama and passion Perkins and like-minded women who sought out justice and fair labor practices. Because of her ability to tell a good story while revealing significant facts about women in our history, the reader comes away from each chapter breathless for the next one. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about this historical time. In fact, I have suggested to the members of my book club we read "Becoming Madam Secretary" and look forward to a great discussion with other thoughtful women on a subject that has benefited us in our own life endeavors.

I had never heard of Frances Perkins; this book did exactly what I think Historical Fiction is supposed to do. It encouraged me to find out more about Frances. The book had all the elements I look forward to in a good read. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it caused me to read more about Frances! Thank you Stephanie Dray!

Thank you to BookBrowse and NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy of this book.

This vivid novel, told in the voice of Frances Perkins, the first female U.S. Cabinet member, brings to life this forgotten pioneer in the fight against poverty. It communicates Frances Perkins' sense of mission and of responsibility, as well as the sacrifices she made as a public servant, and re-introduces and re-establishes her as a true American hero.

Frances Perkins (1880-1965) trained in social work and economics, was part of the original, early 20th century Progressive Movement in American politics. She fought for the safety, health, and other rights of children, women, the poor and the elderly. And she conceived of "social insurance," the Social Security that became law, with her guidance, under Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1935. During this time, she had personal losses and tragedies, including the manic-depressive illness and hospitalization of her husband, which were kept from the public with the help of influential women like Eleanor Roosevelt.

Despite this, "Miss Perkins," as she preferred to be known, became a lightning rod for conservative opponents, and was often vilified in the press and hampered by powerful men in achieving her compassionate yet pragmatic goals.

A very private person, Miss Perkins did not leave much information about her own emotional life; author Stephanie Dray does a fine job of using what records remain, including love letters and poems, to describe what Miss Perkins may have experienced as she fought against misogyny and elitism to protect vulnerable people at all levels of society.

Becoming Madam Secretary grabbed my attention right from the start. The author, Stephanie Dray, has managed to bring the characters to life on the page. Through her thorough research and wonderful reimagining where necessary, Dray has recreated the fascinating life of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve as a cabinet secretary, and the amazing cast of historical figures of her time. This reader learned so much from this well-written and engaging novel. Truly a pleasure to read. I would recommend this to all who enjoy historical fiction, American history, and for the fans of Stephanie Dray.

Thank you to BookBrowse, Stephanie Dray, and Berkley Books for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of Becoming Madam Secretary.

Thank you, BookBrowse, for selecting me to review this book. I was not familiar with the author nor really knew much about Frances Perkins. What an impressive woman and she accomplished so much when women were largely ignored! Even though we have made progress, I still can't understand why a woman hasn't been elected President! If I compare Frances Perkins with some of the men running for office, I am seriously confused as to why we would settle! The author did a wonderful job with her research and by making the book a real page turner. I will recommend this book to my book clubs and everyone else I know. Highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this book. It is a good portrayal of an important woman in our history. I didn't know much about Francis Perkins and I now have great admiration for her and her accomplishments. This book was very well written and the characters were so descriptive. I think readers of all ages and topic preferences will enjoy this book.

A fast reading story of Frances Perkins leading up to her appointment by President Franklin D Roosevelt as Secretary of Labor. Prior to the appointment she began in 1910 was an activist for Women and Children wage and hour laws, Tenement owners that owned unsafe apartment buildings, unsanitary Bakeries. She later campaigned for Al Smith Governor of NY and was appointed his Secretary of Labor. At the Federal level she played a major role in implementing Social Security. She was married with one child. The author moves the story along with views of Mrs. Perkins private and professional life.

This book would be suitable for book club.

Glimpsing the everyday life experiences of Frances Perkins in the early 1900's showed me how living in a time before the views of women and workers were taken seriously instilled desires in Ms. Perkins to advocate for the rights of workers and women.

The rights and privileges we have as women, and as workers in general were not handed to us on a silver platter. Someone had to be courageous enough to take the time to care and do the dirty fighting necessary to bring the problems to the forefront of government. Working with others to envision solutions for labor and economic woes in the midst of criticism was not easy, especially when Frances had her own problems.

This was her life and the sacrifices she, and others like her, were driven to make that helped our world become a better place to live and work.