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The First Ladies

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About this listen

 The Instant New York Times Bestseller!

A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian.

The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is awestruck and eager to make her acquaintance. Initially drawn together because of their shared belief in women’s rights and the power of education, Mary and Eleanor become fast friends confiding their secrets, hopes and dreams—and holding each other’s hands through tragedy and triumph.

When Franklin Delano Roosevelt is elected president, the two women begin to collaborate more closely, particularly as Eleanor moves toward her own agenda separate from FDR, a consequence of the devastating discovery of her husband’s secret love affair. Eleanor becomes a controversial First Lady for her outspokenness, particularly on civil rights. And when she receives threats because of her strong ties to Mary, it only fuels the women’s desire to fight together for justice and equality.

This is the story of two different, yet equally formidable, passionate, and committed women, and the way in which their singular friendship helped form the foundation for the modern civil rights movement. Biographical Fiction Genre Fiction Roosevelt Family Civil Rights Fiction Feel-Good Funny Tearjerking Inspiring Friendship First Lady Franklin D Roosevelt
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What a magnificent account of the relationship between two highly talented women living during the early 1900s. One was the First Lady of president Roosevelt while her friend was a black woman educator of high acclaim. The story of their relationship during WWII and II was well researched and excellently written. Of note, the narration was top notch.
You will be educated about the times as you enjoy the depiction of women’s lives. Enjoy!

The First Ladies

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Although I very much enjoyed this story, I felt the voice acting and casting detracted from it's impact. The voices did not make me want to listen to the story. Eleanor's voice came across as particularly whiney and irritating, and their accents did not ring true for me. I wish I had just read this book instead of listened to it because at times I wasn't listening to the words but focusing on the voices.. Having said that, this book is an account of two very different and incredibly powerful, resilient women, who both broke ground politically and racially and who defied traditional female roles as activists, mothers, human rights crusaders and in Eleanor's case,lesbian and gay ally. I have even more respect for Eleanor Roosevelt and now having learned about her, Mrs Mary McLeod Bethune.

Woman who's actions changed the world

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