Becoming Madam Secretary

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What are your initial thoughts on Frances Perkins as depicted in the book? Consider her character development, personal challenges, and how she navigates the male-dominated political landscape of her time.
• How did your preexisting knowledge of the Great Depression and the New Deal influence your view of the book? Did it enhance your understanding of the challenges Frances faced, both personally and professionally?
• In what ways did the author successfully (or unsuccessfully) bring to life the complex balance between Frances’s personal sacrifices and her public achievements? Reflect on how well the book illustrated the tension between her roles as a family member and a reformer in government.

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Frances Perkins faced numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated political environment. Have you ever encountered a situation where you felt challenged due to societal expectations? How did you respond, and how does your experience connect with Frances’s journey?
• The novel shows Frances balancing a demanding career with the complexities of her family life, particularly her husband’s and daughter’s health challenges. How do you relate to the theme of balancing personal and professional life? What connections can you draw from Frances’s experience?
• Frances’s commitment to labor reform is deeply rooted in her empathy for workers’ struggles.