Eleanor

David Michaelis gives the world a deeply compelling--and timely--look at a unique figure in American political--and humanitarian--history. The story of Eleanor's amazing life, in the author's deft hands, reveals how difficult it was for even this child of the very uppermost strata in American society (Teddy Roosevelt was her uncle) to emerge as an independent woman, not a mere wife. Do not be daunted by this book's length, as its 548 pages fly by, given both the unbelievably rich life ER led and Michaelis's skill in making this a highly personal account of her unending life of both public accomplishment and personal emotional turmoil. The word "indefatigable" was never more accurately applied than to this human dynamo; during the first five years of FDR's presidency, she drove over 150,000 miles (!) to see just how America was suffering during the Great Depression--mostly at the wheel herself and with only a Smith & Wesson .22 as protection. In 1935, she began writing her syndicated column "My Day"--producing about 600 words a day, six days a week, for nearly all of the remaining years right up until her death. The author carefully avoids plowing the well-worn ground of FDR's political history, focusing on ER as a woman who overcame the the strictures of her time. She died in 1962, just before the term "feminist" came into vogue. But this biography shows how Eleanor was a true path breaker in a world relatively hostile to any signs of real independence in a woman, especially the wife of a beloved public figure. The story of both her emergence as her own public figure and her struggles to access an inner emotional life separate from her husband unfolds briskly in the author's hands. Michaelis presents her romantic and indeed physical attachments to several women with a rare combination of candor and discretion. Perhaps the most revealing story told here, unknown to even many Roosevelt scholars, was her late-in-life passionate love for a Jewish Holocaust refugee doctor fifteen years her junior. While he showed her great affection and admiration for the last 16 years of ER's life, the love itself was sadly unrequited. But the doctor remained her constant companion during the last splendid chapter of ER's life, when her foundational work with the UN's Human Rights Commission gave her worldwide recognition and indeed adulation as a true humanitarian. This book may be the life of someone who was born in the late 19th Century and died nearly 60 years ago. But the chaotic times we as Americans are experiencing today makes this a beautiful reminder of what our country once was--and can become again--utterly timely. If one doubts this, may I offer one quotation from Page 439 of "Eleanor": "The idea of superiority of one race over another must not continue within our own country, nor must it grow up in our dealings with the rest of the world." Thank you, Mr. Michaelis, for restoring Eleanor Roosevelt to her deserved high place in the affections of those generations born too late to experience her warmth directly.

I encountered this book during a Facing History interview with David Michaelis two months ago. I encountered the Eleanor Roosevelt I admired but never before knew so well in this most intimate and telling biography that spanned not only her life but her world, her hopes, fears, loves and lovers, accomplishments, contributions, and her unstoppable commitment to a world that works. Kudos to David Michaelis and his tenacity to uncover, explore, and develop this wonderful portrait from the many treasured sources for this fine book. Michaelis lifts the shade on our knowledge and understanding of Eleanor’s early years and the upbringing that started her off on a trajectory that she defied, reshaped and reformed into the legacy I have long admired. I am moved, touched and inspired by the history revealed in Eleanor: A Life. Five stars is not enough.

Couldn’t wait to read each evening. An unbelievable woman for her time. She had so much energy and talent. Her story was fascinating.

It takes a couple of chapters to get used to this book. The writing style is uneven, the author at times using obscure references or words possibly as dramatic effect. Other times it flows, especially when there is dialog. By page 200 I was comfortable with it. Loaded with historic detail and facts, it is obviously well- documented. 3 and a half stars.

Bought this for my book club reading and found it to be fascinating. There was so much more to this woman than I ever knew and I ended up admiring her. It’s long but worth it.

Eleanor: A Life! There are parts in this book that drag on. They got the point across that Eleanor had a TERRIBLE childhood. Do they need to go on and on and on about it? I think the reason they drag on about this fact is so that we can appreciate who Eleanor became. She isn't the first person who had a bad row and turned her life around. Many great leaders come from humble beginnings. Eleanor was a great leader! She had optimism to spare which is kind of surprising when you think she must have been born with it rather than received it from her family. Look at Obama, he had great grandparents and a great mother....but not anything from his biological father. A father that was an alcoholic. Did it stop Barack Obama? No, he is without question, the best President in my lifetime. Eleanor did so much for the USA in the role she played. She had FDR's ear. She helped shape this Country at a time when it was in a condition that is very similar to how it is now. Poverty, Homelessness, People Dying, Shattered Economy, Businesses Bankrupted, etc. Read about our history and the woman who helped shape it. Read this book and read "A Promised Land" by Obama. You'll learn all about the obstacles that a leader has to work with. In Eleanor it's the same thing. The obstacles that she had to endear but still went on the help many others.

This book reveals the 'real" Eleanor. A well-educated lady who overcame a terrible childhood, a terrible marriage, to become one the most outstanding ladies of the world in our time. A woman ahead of her time who persevered living in the shadow of one our great presidents to become exactly the lady this country needed at exactly the right time. This book is an excellent history lesson and a page turner that was difficult to put down.

I know it must be incredibly hard to organize all the material and tell a compelling story about someone with this long and publicly engaging life, but I found this wanting. Parts were wandering or overly complicated, names were introduced without any real sense who they were or what their role was in her life. I don’t pretend I could do it better, but it was painful and dry to read. Still, I knew little of her life, but knew it would be fascinating and so plugged away since this is the book I happened to have.

The book arrived on time and in EXCELLENT condition! It was even shrink-wrapped in plastic so it has no bent edges (unusual lately). I haven't started to read it yet, so can't review the book itself, but the seller deserves every one of the 5 stars!!

Leider sind beide Bücher ziemlich beschädigt angekommen. Als Weihnachtsgeschenk eine Entäuschung weiterzugeben. Schade.

Loving this book. Incredible First Lady whose life is captured in an easy to read biography.