Becoming Madam Secretary

De: Stephanie Dray

Narrado por: Cassandra Campbell

She took on titans, battled generals, and changed the world as we know it…

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating and dramatic novel about an American heroine Frances Perkins.

Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City at the turn of the century, armed with her trusty parasol and an unyielding determination to make a difference.

When she’s not working with children in the crowded tenements in Hell’s Kitchen, Frances throws herself into the social scene in Greenwich Village, befriending an eclectic group of politicians, artists, and activists, including the millionaire socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, the flirtatious budding author Sinclair Lewis, and the brilliant but troubled reformer Paul Wilson, with whom she falls deeply in love.

But when Frances meets a young lawyer named Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a tea dance, sparks fly in all the wrong directions. She thinks he’s a rich, arrogant dilettante who gets by on a handsome face and a famous name. He thinks she’s a priggish bluestocking and insufferable do-gooder. Neither knows it yet, but over the next twenty years, they will form a historic partnership that will carry them both to the White House.

Frances is destined to rise in a political world dominated by men, facing down the Great Depression as FDR’s most trusted lieutenant—even as she struggles to balance the demands of a public career with marriage and motherhood. And when vicious political attacks mount and personal tragedies threaten to derail her ambitions, she must decide what she’s willing to do—and what she’s willing to sacrifice—to save a nation.

©2024 Stephanie Dray (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Becoming Madam Secretary is a proud anthem to a forgotten founding mother. . . . Stephanie Dray's love and respect for this American heroine shines from every page, as does her impeccable research. Unputdownable!"—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club

“Stephanie Dray is one of my absolute favorite authors of historical fiction, and her new novel Becoming Madam Secretary shows why. . . . Dray‘s unique skill is telling the big picture of Frances’s life, while at the same time making her a completely relatable wife in a difficult marriage and a working mother when that phrase was unheard of. I couldn’t stop turning the pages in this novel, which is both an inspiration and a triumph!”—Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling author of Loyalty

"Stephanie Dray takes readers on an enthralling journey as Frances Perkins rises to become the country's most important cabinet member during a crossroads in American history, one with lasting ramifications. Hers is a name we should all know, and this is a novel we should all read."—Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling co-author of The First Ladies

Outstanding!

I have no complaints. This far exceeded my expectations, which were high to begin with because I love her books!

Read this book!

Should be part of every HS students literature readings! Francis Perkins history is American history.

A woman we all owe a debt to.

The author presented Francis Perkins as a fascinating and likable human being, and made her record of accomplishmentsunforgettable

narrator was so good!

The story was riveting but the narrator brought it to life and was so good it MADE the audio book. very good

Topic that augments my knowledge of important legislation engineered by Frances Perkins

She is a role model. So happy to learn about her work and relationship to FDR.

A bit of history

I liked learning more about things that took place before I was born and still a toddler. There is not enough well rounded, unbiased history taught in schools now.

Should be required reading

One of the most striking aspects of this audiobook is how it underscores the relative obscurity of Frances Perkins in the public consciousness today. Despite her instrumental role in shaping key policies like Social Security and labor laws, Perkins remains a largely forgotten figure in political history. Becoming Madam Secretary is a timely reminder of the importance of revisiting and recognizing the impact of women like Perkins who have paved the way for future generations.

One of the best books I've ever read

inspiring, informative, interesting storyline with the best narration possible. Such a fantastic book. Loved this untold and inspiring story!

Loved it

These stories are so important especially in our current political climate. I’ve listened to several SD books and really enjoyed the things I learned and enjoyed the great story telling but Madame Secretary really inspires me to get in the fight for our country and the most vulnerable among us. It’s sad we still must fight for basic rights, but the battle for common decency still rages against greed and the power hungry. Thank you Francis Perkins for your compassion which fueled your tenacity and love for our country. Thank Stephanie Dray for bringing her story to life!

A Woman History needs to remember

What a surprise it was for me to learn the details of what Francis Perkins accomplished. I have to admit that I had no idea of her role as labor secretary, and in the creation of the Social Security program. This is an excellent story that starts a little slowly in her early years, but onceshe becomes Labor Secretary, it’s captivating and holds your attention.

Her work to save Jews before the holocaust started is another aspect of her life that I had no idea that she did. Her relationship with Roosevelt was also extremely interesting

Everyone should read this book for an eye-opener into how the Social Security program was created and the role that this woman played in it