I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I received an ARC e-book for the Blog Tour from Berkley/Penguin Random House. I was quite happy to read it because I am reading the alphabet in order A-Z. The idea was to clean-off my TBR bookshelf (physical books). Indeed, I started a paperback "B" book and it was my first DNF in years. I seriously average only 1 DNF per 7 or so years. It was distressing to me. BUT, it did clear a space on my shelf and I was excited to partake in the Blog Tour.

About the novel: shame on me for never knowing FDR had the first female cabinet member! What a fascinating story about this Frances Perkins! There are so many things (naturally) that she did in FDR's presidency. This book was more heavily skewed to starting Social Security. But, she also got the CCC up and running as Secretary of Labor. I would have loved to dive more deeply into the CCC because I just love seeing all the things that were built by the CCC. In fact, after finishing the book, my husband and I went hiking in a state park that has a lookout that was built by the CCC and I told him all about this book.

I, of course, was most interested in the historical aspects of the story. Dray tried to bring Frances to life as a character and gave insights into what it was like for Perkins to get married, lose a few children before they were born, endure her husband's manic depression (and then her daughter's mental illness), sexism, etc. Some of that grew tedious, but Dray was good at moving away from those tales and back into historical issues.

When this book is released in March, I can see where many book clubs will pick this and it will absolutely lead to many hours of discussions. Or, if you're not in a book club, I think this will be a fascinating read for you because it takes the reader back nearly 90 years into US history and teaches so much!

Thank you to Berkley for my copy to review.

I must admit that going into this one, I knew almost nothing about Frances Perkins. I found myself immediately immersed in her journey and her goals, particularly within my own place in the nonprofit world. I sometimes found myself getting sidetracked looking into different pieces of the story to see how much of them was accurate to the book, but that only made me respect Dray as a storyteller and writer even more.

Perkins was a very driven and fascinating woman. Her intense desire to improve the lives of everyone was admirable and she achieved so much that impacted the world around here from labor laws to the social security act.

I also liked how much of her personal life and personal struggles was woven into the stories of her work. The depictions of mental illness here were also really depressing, but fascinating.

I'd absolutely read more work from Dray!

Would you believe me if I told you that I was reading an absolute page-turner about the first female cabinet secretary in the US? You should, because "Becoming Madam Secretary" kept me reading late into the night. Stephanie Dray has written one of her best yet - creating a character in Frances Perkins who comes to life and draws you into her world from the very first page. And what a world it is - populated with colorful figures and pivotal events from American history. This is historical fiction at its best - telling a truly compelling story and reintroducing readers to a character who deserves a bigger spotlight. We should all know about Frances Perkins - and you should read "Becoming Madam Secretary."

Stephanie Dray captures the indomitable spirit of Frances Perkins in "Becoming Madam Secretary," an entertaining blend of fact and fiction. Dray enthralls us with fascinating and enlightening anecdotes about the first woman to serve as a cabinet member for an American president. The brilliant and well-educated Perkins was FDR's Secretary of Labor for twelve years. During her remarkable career, she fought for landmark legislation that would ban child labor; improve working conditions in factories; shorten the number of hours in the work week; and establish a federal insurance plan (now known as Social Security) for the elderly, disabled, and impoverished members of society. She also tried to loosen the restrictions on immigration that kept persecuted European Jews from fleeing to the United States during Hitler's reign of terror.

Perkins, who narrates, tells her story with humor, charm, and compassion. She comes across as a self-disciplined and tenacious crusader who bravely stood up to those who opposed her. Dray evocatively portrays the political, social, and economic conditions in America during the Great Depression, and highlights the role that Perkins played in helping FDR implement his New Deal. Another noteworthy aspect of this novel is the author's depiction of FDR's transformation from a "snooty, unimpressive lawyer who got by on money and good looks" to a man humbled but unbowed by his battle with polio. Perkins and FDR often disagreed, but they grew to respect one another during their long and fruitful partnership.

Furthermore, we learn about Perkins' troubled personal life and the painful sacrifices she made in order to carry out her professional responsibilities. Readers of this excellent book will be awed by Perkins' courage, hard work, and fierce determination to afford her fellow citizens the opportunity to make a decent living under safe and humane conditions. Frances Perkins was a dynamo—a pioneer for women's rights, an exceptional speaker, and an effective campaigner—who overcame daunting obstacles during her rise from social worker in the tenements of New York City to one of FDR's most trusted advisors.

Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray was a fascinating historical fiction read about Frances Perkins, the first ever female Secretary to serve in a President’s cabinet. She served as Secretary of Labor for FDR. Frances, aka Frankie, is a highly inspirational woman who played a huge role in creating and making several of FDR’s notable programs like social security and the Civilian Conservation Corps happen. Before her role as Labor Secretary, she also had made a huge difference in the State of New York by helping to improve labor conditions for factory workers.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was very interesting to learn about this important woman and her journey to becoming Madame Secretary. It was a bit of a longer read that took me awhile to get through, but the author was very thorough in telling a fictional account of Frances’ life. I also appreciated the author’s note at end to learn more about which parts were true and which parts were purely fiction.

Frances Perkins was the first female U.S. cabinet member. She was a tireless advocate for the poor and took a strong stand on workers’ rights and helping the needy. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was faced with saving the country after the Great Depression left so many destitute. He used projects like The New Deal to improve things for the working class and chose Frances as his Secretary of Labor. She had known FDR for a number of years and her first impression of him was not favorable, but she saw him became more serious about improving the state of the country and agreed to join his cabinet.

Her impact is impressive. Every day she faced men who were ready to dismiss her. She would not be bowed by them or dissuaded from her beliefs. Her determination to make significant strides toward helping the downtrodden led to programs and legislation that changed history. She is an example of a women who made a difference, but whose story has been overlooked by those who wrote America’s history.

Dray highlights another unknown hero who rightly deserves the gratitude and admiration of all people who benefitted from her crucial work that resulted in a better America. Frances is a woman ahead of her time. She set a precedent that paved the way for future women to play a crucial role in managing the country. Fans of historical fiction and of women’s history will be delighted with this novel.

Becoming Madam Secretary is the story of Frances Perkins the first woman secretary in the president's cabinet, a woman of great importance (she was responsible for social security), but I knew very little about her. Her life was full of really high highs, but also very low lows. Probably the most interesting relationship in this book was her long relationship with Franklin Roosevelt, that lasted from the beginning of his career to his death. Although the book is a novel, I believe Ms. Dray did a lot of research so that after completing it the reader has a pretty accurate picture of Secretary Perkins' life. The book reads like a novel, with a lot of details and personality. This book also gives a picture of the times and a segment (labor and politics) of the 20s and 30s, going into the 40s. Even if you are not a history lover, you will find the story fascinating and eye-opening.
** In a note at the end the author does explain any liberties she took with Ms. Perkins' life story and the men and women that populated her life to authenticate the her story.

Frances Perkins was an indomitable woman who transformed the US in the 1930s and set up social security benefits that are still helping older Americans today. I found her story beginning to end fascinating. She saw a fire kill woman factory workers because they dared to support her labor ideals. She witnessed a little girl's hand cut off from a machine, and the owner wouldn't even help her get medical attention. All these incidents and more shaped the woman who became Madame Secretary, the first woman to work in a United States cabinet position for President Roosevelt.
This is a detailed and well researched novel by one of my favorite historical fiction authors. I think everyone should read this incredible work of fiction.

I don't often read historical fiction books, but I was lucky enough to be given this copy as part of the #BerkleyBesties program. I went into this book blind and a bit nervous: it's a 500-page dozy about a woman that I had never even heard of. And after reading it, all I can say is this: everyone needs to know who Madam Secretary Frances Perkins is.

Becoming Madam Secretary is all about the life of Frances Perkins, the first ever woman to serve on a presidential cabinet as she served as the Secretary of Labor under FDR. It's a character-driven story as we follow along on her political journey. There's a lot of NY politics involved in this, but we also see glimpses of Frances's personal life as a wife, mother and a friend to many influential political figures (namely FDR).

I wasn't expecting this book to make me cry, but I sobbed like a baby after the death of a certain character. In fact, I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did but it's an easy 5 star read for me. Stephanie Dray does an amazing job of creating such a distinctive voice for France: I would easily believed this was an autobiography based on how immersed I was.

This book has now led me to want to try to read a little bit more historical fiction now and then and I'm excited to explore a genre I don't know much about!

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for this advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

"Madam Secretary" by Stephanie Dray is an absolute triumph in historical fiction, offering a captivating and illuminating portrayal of Frances Perkins, a figure whose monumental contributions to American society have too often been overshadowed. Dray's meticulous research shines through every page, bringing Perkins to life in a narrative that is as inspiring as it is enlightening.

From the moment Frances Perkins steps onto the bustling streets of New York City at the turn of the century, readers are drawn into her world of determination and resilience. As she navigates the complexities of society, from the crowded tenements of Hell's Kitchen to the vibrant social scene of Greenwich Village, Perkins emerges as a force to be reckoned with, challenging the status quo with unwavering resolve.

What sets "Madam Secretary" apart is its portrayal of Perkins' multifaceted life, not only as a groundbreaking political figure but also as a woman grappling with love, marriage, and motherhood. Dray expertly captures the intricacies of Perkins' relationships, particularly her historic partnership with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, revealing the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shaped a nation.

Throughout the book, Dray skillfully weaves together historical events with intimate personal stories, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. As Perkins confronts the Great Depression and navigates the treacherous waters of politics, readers are treated to a portrait of resilience in the face of adversity.

"Madam Secretary" is more than just a historical novel; it is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Frances Perkins and the countless women who have paved the way for progress. Stephanie Dray has crafted a masterpiece that deserves a place among the classics of historical fiction. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking insight into the remarkable life of a true American hero.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I requested Becoming Madam Secretary as background reading for a First Impressions Program (early reader program + extensive promotion from pub date) we ran for the book. Our member-reviewers were extremely positive in their opinions, so in addition to the First Impressions coverage, we also ran a "Top Picks" recommendation. Personally, I thought it excellent and will continue to recommend it widely.
https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/reviews/index.cfm/ref/91306752/becoming-madam-secretary#reviews

Stephanie Dray's "Becoming Madam Secretary" dives deep into the life of Frances Perkins, painting a rich and detailed portrait of a woman whose influence on American policy and the New Deal is both profound and underappreciated. Dray, known for her lively historical narratives, skips the preamble to Perkins' life, plunging straight into the heart of her political and social work, beginning in Hell’s Kitchen. This isn't just a recounting of Perkins' achievements but an engaging exploration of her contributions to FDR's economic strategies, making for a surprisingly delightful read. Critics have noted Dray's knack for balancing extensive research with imaginative storytelling, creating a narrative that's both enlightening and immensely readable.

This novel not only adds depth to our understanding of a key figure in American history but also serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Perkins' work on current labor laws and social welfare policies. Through Dray's storytelling, readers are encouraged to see Frances Perkins not just as a historical figure but as a trailblazer whose life and work continue to inspire.

While Historical Fiction isn't necessarily the first thing we read, we couldn't put this one down. A page turner because of the writers unique style. She captivates you and tells you history in the most unique way - through the characters history. It feels like the two are intertwined, where most historical novels have them as seperate characters. This book ripped me apart, but found a way to leave me at the end feeling like that is the best possible thing I have read in a long time. Such a must read.

This is a fascinating book about a fascinating woman. Becoming Madame Secretary is the story of Francis Perkins, the economist and workers' advocate who was the first woman to serve as a presidential cabinet member. Ms. Perkins was appointed by FDR as Secretary of Labor and was instrumental in the New Deal and social security. She fought to ban child labor and improve fire safety.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the electronic copy.

Becoming Madam Secretary is a fictionalized tale about the life of Frances Perkins - the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet under FDR as his Secretary of Labor.
I honestly don’t recall if I learned about Frances Perkins in school but if I did, it was so long ago that I didn't even recognize her name which is disappointing. If you don't know or remember anything about Frances, the authors notes are a MUST! Frances was truly a pioneer for not only women, but for human rights.

The book is quite detailed which I appreciate but for me, it felt a bit long at times. When I first started reading this at the beginning of March, I flew through the first 60% but while I never completely lost interest I found myself wanting to read something else so I temporarily put it down. I'm glad I took a break before picking it up again because I really enjoyed learning more about the woman behind Social Security - as well as all of her other accomplishments.

Frances accomplished so much during a time when a woman in politics was unheard of so you can't help but admire her strength and determination to fight for what she believed in.
Dray did a phenomenal job bringing Frances to life. If you enjoy well-researched historical fiction based on real people, I can't recommend this enough!

Becoming Madame Secretary is a fascinating look at the real life of the first woman to hold a Presidential cabinet position. We follow Frances Perkin's early career with impoverished babies and how those experiences affected her entire career trying to help the poor and disenfranchised.

Miss Perkins worked to end child labor and have a 54 hour workweek for women early in the 20th century. She headed commissions for the state of New York under two governors, becoming close confidants of both. When Gov. Roosevelt won the presidency, he convinced her to come to Washington, DC with him to be the first female Secretary of Labor. As a member of FDR's cabinet, she was instrumental in The New Deal and as portrayed in the book, instrumental in passage of Social Security for Americans.

Miss Perkins also had to deal with her personal life which included a husband dealing with mental illness. I feel the author did a great job in fictionalizing what must have been a very difficult time, there was so little known about mental illness at the time and it was not accepted so she needed to hide what was ailing her husband.

I loved this book and so appreciated learning about a woman who was able to take a hammer to the glass ceiling.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

We picked this book for our March favorite at my bookstore. A welcome historical fiction novel about Frances Perkins, who created social security and was the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet. Inspiring read about balancing a public career, motherhood and marriage at the time of the New Deal and FDR.

This is a fascinating and brilliant. Look at Frances Perkins. I love seeing her life and how it led to the greatness she would achieve. Her personal life was fascinating, but was more interesting to me was her relationship with Franklin Delanor Roosevelt. It’s also interesting to see the time. And how she was viewed by others while she became a powerful force. It’s a fascinating book that keeps you hooked start to finish.

Becoming Madam Secretary by Steph Dray! I listened to the audiobook and Cassandra Campbell and Stephenie Dray make an excellent team! This is a well written and brilliant! There is so much history with FDR and Francis Perkins that I didn't know and what better way to get to know the story through the talented hands of Stephenie Dray! This book is well researched and beautifully brought to life in a way that draws me into time and period.

was already familiar with Frances Perkins (remember the line from Dirty Dancing where Baby tells Johnny her parents named her Frances after the first woman in the Cabinet?) but I was very glad to get to read more about her, even though the story is somewhat fictionalized.

Becoming Madam Secretary is a great book, not only covering so many important parts of the American political and historical scene for the first half of the 20th Century, but also as a reminder of the struggles women went through to gain acceptance for privileges, we think nothing of now.

If you know much about Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt then you know a lot of the stories depicted in the book are either true or based on fact, which gives me great respect for the amount of research that went into the writing of this book. I have read other books of Dray's, but this one covered a period I am more familiar with, so I knew what I was reading was accurate.

I enjoyed reading back stories on Tammany Hall and Al Smith -- I feel strongly the more we all know about American history, the better, and these eras and people are part of our political story that don't have as much light shone on them as is needed.

If you like American historical fiction I recommend Becoming Madam Secretary.