Read with Sharon - August 2024

Becoming Madam Secretary - Stephanie Dray

In Becoming Madame Secretary, Stephanie Dray offers an evocative and richly textured narrative of Frances Perkins, a woman whose determination and grit changed the course of American history. Raised on stories of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances arrives in New York City with a mission to make a difference—a mission she pursues with relentless passion.

Dray masterfully captures the essence of early 20th-century America, from the crowded tenements of Hell’s Kitchen to the vibrant social scene of Greenwich Village. Her portrayal of Frances mingling with figures like Sinclair Lewis and Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) adds a vivid layer to the narrative, illustrating the complexities of her relationships within the political and social spheres.

What stands out most is Dray’s depiction of Frances’ journey to becoming FDR’s most trusted lieutenant, a path fraught with personal and public challenges. The dynamic between Frances and FDR is particularly compelling, providing a nuanced look at their evolving partnership which eventually carried them to the White House.

This book is a brilliant tribute to a woman whose life was steeped in both triumph and sacrifice. It is an inspiring reminder of how dedication and resilience can indeed turn the tide of history. I heartily recommend it to anyone interested in the powerful stories of those who have shaped our world.

Inside this reader guide you’ll find recipes for Chocolate Walnut Fudge and FDR’s Dirty Martini as well as discussion questions for our book club meeting on Thursday, August 22 at 7 PM Eastern via Zoom when author Stephanie Dray joins us. 

Until then, I hope you enjoy Becoming Madam Secretary. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

P.S. And please post a photo of yourself reading Becoming Madame Secretary on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #ReadWithSharon

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Reviews

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.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/177192295-becoming-madam-secretary

Fictionalized biographies straddle a wiggly line. At their best, they engage the author’s imagination along with solid research to flesh out the story of a real person, without straying too far from the known truth..

https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/becoming-madam-secretary

Becoming Madam Secretary - Stephanie Dray

Book Club Questions

THE CHARACTER’S JOURNEY

  1. What did you think of Frances? How did the portrayal of her difficulty in balancing her personal and professional life make her more relatable as a character and human being?
  2. How did Frances navigate the discrimination she faced as a woman?
  3. Frances struggled with the accusation that she may have been a better American patriot than she was a mother. What are your thoughts on that?

THE STORY PLOT

  1. Frances Perkins considered herself the descendant of revolutionary patriots. How did this image of herself and her place in the American story influence her career choices?
  2. Frances Perkins’s family struggled with mental illness in a time when bipolar disease was not well understood. How might things have turned out differently for her, and for the country, if her husband’s illness could have been effectively
    treated?
  3. The evolution of the complex relationship between Perkins and FDR is a
    central plot point in the novel. What surprised you about this relationship?

SYMBOLISM AND FORESHADOWING

  1. The Triangle shirtwaist factory fire profoundly impacted Perkins. Can you think of other examples where events changed the direction of her life?

THE WRITING

  1. Use one adjective to describe the writing itself.
  2. What would you change if you could rewrite Becoming Madam Secretary?

DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC

  1. Perkins’s legacy continues to live on in our society today. With the five-day workweek, fire and food safety regulations, unemployment insurance, and Social Security, can you name the ways your own life or the lives of your family
    members have been impacted by Frances Perkins?

Becoming Madam Secretary - Stephanie Dray