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. Have you ever felt compelled to advocate for a cause based on personal experiences or empathy for others? How does Frances’s dedication resonate with your values or motivations?
• Frances often had to choose between idealism and pragmatism to achieve her goals. Have you experienced situations where you had to adjust your ideals for a practical outcome? How did Frances’s approach to this reflect or differ from your own experiences?
• Frances’s friendship with Mary Rumsey and partnership with Franklin D. Roosevelt provided both support and challenges throughout her career. How have personal or professional relationships shaped your own life’s direction? Are there ways these relationships remind you of Frances’s connections?
• The tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire was a transformative event for Frances, propelling her into a career of labor reform. Is there a defining event in your life that shaped your path or values? How does Frances’s response to this event inspire or resonate with you?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• How does Frances Perkins’s career reflect the broader societal shifts of the early to mid-20th century, particularly regarding labor rights and the role of women in public service?
• In what ways does the novel address the economic and social challenges posed by the Great Depression, and how do Frances’s actions reflect the collective concerns of that period? Do these challenges remain relevant in contemporary society?
• How does the novel explore the theme of resistance in the face of systemic discrimination, and in what ways does Frances's journey shed light on the barriers faced by women in government?

4. Literary Analysis 

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does the author’s narrative structure of shifting between Frances Perkins’s personal life and professional challenges enhance the portrayal of her as a public servant and reformer?
• In what ways does Frances Perkins’s relationship with Franklin D. Roosevelt evolve throughout the book, and how does it reflect broader themes of political power and compromise?
• Discuss the development of Frances Perkins’s character from an idealistic social worker to a pragmatic government official. How does this transformation underscore the novel’s themes of resilience and social progress?
• How does the setting of the Great Depression influence the tone and mood of the story, and what impact does it have on Frances’s approach to policy reform?
• The author uses recurring symbols, such as Frances’s interactions with key figures like Mary Rumsey and Paul Caldwell. How do these relationships and symbols deepen our understanding of the sacrifices required in Frances’s work?
• Moments like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire serve as turning points in Frances’s life. How does the author use these events to deepen our understanding of Frances’s motivations and the significance of her work? In what ways do these events illustrate or symbolize the stakes of her reforms?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Imagine you are creating a historical documentary about Frances Perkins’s life and her role in shaping the New Deal. Which moments from her career and personal life would you highlight to best capture her impact on labor reform and social justice? What scenes or historical footage would you include to convey the challenges she faced and her dedication to public service?
• Design a “letter exchange” between Frances Perkins and a modern-day activist or politician inspired by her work. What questions or advice do you think Frances would offer about navigating public service, especially as a woman? How might the modern activist respond or seek guidance on issues still faced today?
• If you were to create a series of artwork or visual displays representing Frances Perkins’s achievements, what symbols or imagery would you use? Think about symbols that capture her contributions to labor reform, such as hard hats or factory settings, and consider colors or styles that might reflect her legacy. How would you want people to feel after viewing this display?

Need more inspiration for your next meeting? Browse all of our Book Club Resources.