Becoming Madam Secretary

By: Stephanie Dray

Narrated by: 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.

Her perseverance

Liked the time frame. Very good Discriptions of people and placesWas gret to see a woman given that muchpow

Fabulous book! A must read!!

This book should be a requirement for every young person considering the sacrifices of public service. Stephanie Dray hit out of the ballpark!

A well told story with current political overtones!

It seems we keep fighting these same battles over and over again. Thank goodness we had Francis Perkins when we did and she wouldn’t allow the country to be sold out to the millionaire class. It seems we’re headed into the same direction again and the truth is that if you don’t give the working class people something they will look for an authoritarian and it would appear the United States is right back where they were before World War II let’s just hope the rules put in place back in Roosevelt’s time and Francis Perkins time will hold

A beautifully told story about a woman clearly ahead of her time.

I liked the parallels between those times and today in the United States. The war, the depression, the dust bowl, and human rights remain as themes with which we continue to struggle. The story felt accurate and current and righted the heroes of the day.

So Good - without the author taking too many liberties (pun intended)

You will enjoy this book and the performance of it. A very enjoyable story line based on historical events and an easy listen.

Amazing History and Story

I loved the narration. Interesting to listen to this following the Presidential Election of 2024. I will not easily forget the story of this incredible woman Francis Perkins!

Captivating and well written

A fascinating story about an extraordinary woman. Very inspiring and well written. Outstanding in the genre of historical fiction.

Torn from the history books

I knew nothing about Frances Perkins’ role in history and becoming the first female cabinet member. Fascinating read!

Outstanding

I love stories that show us about little known yet important people in history. I learned a lot.

Great narration.

A Piece of history.

I haven't been a big fan of historical books but I really enjoyed this one. I like how it was told from Francis's perspective. i do like how the author explained differences in the book Vs actual life. And what she found in her research.