The autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt

by Eleanor Roosevelt

The long and eventful life of Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) was full of rich experiences and courageous actions. The niece of Theodore Roosevelt, she married a distant relative and Columbia University law student named Franklin Delano Roosevelt; he gradually ascended throughout the world of New York politics to reach the U.S. presidency in 1932. Throughout his three terms, Eleanor Roosevelt was not only intimately involved in FDR's personal and political life, but led women's organizations and youth movements and fought for consumer welfare, civil rights, and improved housing. During World War II she traveled with her husband to meet leaders of many powerful nations; after his death in 1945 she worked as a UN delegate, chairman of the Commission on Human Rights, newspaper columnist, Democratic party activist, world-traveler, and diplomat. By the end of her life, Eleanor Roosevelt was recognized throughout the world for her fortitude and commitment to the ideals of liberty and human rights. Her autobiography constitutes a self-portrait no biography can match for its candor and liveliness, its wisdom, tolerance, and breadth of view—a self-portrait of one of the greatest American humanitarians of our time.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education

454 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2005

About the author

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political leader who used her influence as an active First Lady from 1933 to 1945 to promote the New Deal policies of her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, as well as taking a prominent role as an advocate for civil rights. After her husband's death in 1945, she continued to be an internationally prominent author and speaker for the New Deal coalition. She was a suffragist who worked to enhance the status of working women, although she opposed the Equal Rights Amendment because she believed it would adversely affect women. In the 1940s, she was one of the co-founders of Freedom House and supported the formation of the United Nations. Eleanor Roosevelt founded the UN Association of the United States in 1943 to advance support for the formation of the UN. She was a delegate to the UN General Assembly from 1945 and 1952, a job for which she was appointed by President Harry S. Truman and confirmed by the United States Congress. During her time at the United Nations chaired the committee that drafted and approved the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. President Truman called her the "First Lady of the World" in tribute to her human rights achievements.
She was one of the most admired persons of the 20th century, according to Gallup's List of Widely Admired People.

Reviews

[Sassy Cupcakes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read the book Raising Boys instead, even if you only have daughters. That book is great and full of interesting insights into how children grow and develop and what their needs are over time. This one is one woman telling the rest of the world that if they dare let their daughter watch tv or eat a chocolate bar her life will be ruined and they are the worst parents in the world. I honestly didn't find anything helpful in this judgmental pile of crap.

[Jroc · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like this book at all. Most of the time I was thinking to myself "that's your opinion, not mine". Didn't get anything out of reading this. Would not recommend to anyone.

[Patrice · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, this is quite possibly the worst parenting book I have read, and I've read a lot. About a quarter of the way in I realized how horrible it was and just skimmed the rest, and really couldn't stand it. Very anecdotal, no real cohesive message, and pushing her personal agenda. Ugh.

[Alee Hofman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall great book. There were a few points in which seemed entirely outdated, but with the book being written in 2006, I can understand that. This helped me to see the psychology behind not only girls, but boys as well, and learn to appreciate the differences. Understanding = empathy.

[Geysa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book somewhat informative, but basic.

[Emma Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty basic. Raising boys was much better.

[Ruth Godwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A resource I will keep handy as my daughter ages

[Mette · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not a good book to read for any first time parents. It is one persons very personal opinion of the world, children and parenting rather than a well-founded scientifically based work on which to make your own informed decision. The book is poor in source references, and I have e.g. not been able to find any research to back up the authors claim that human females skin is ten times more sensitive to touch than males. There are several points like this throughout the book. Also, the suggestion to go with your daughter to collect herbs to treat period pains instead of using traditional medicine is a typical example of the authors advice style, and unless this is completely up your line of thinking this will not be a book for you. (Also, if you have a daughter with pain so severe she faints or gets fever this might be a pretty bad suggestion). I never throw out books, even if I really dislike them, but this one goes in the bin: I really don't want a first timer to take this as the gospel.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is very much one author's perspective on effective parenting, it contains many useful prompts for conversation and exploration of one's own beliefs and values. From reading this I have developed a better understanding about myself as a parent, and gained a different perspective on my daughters.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with all parenting manuals, how you parent and what you believe in determines what you take away from any parenting books. I found it interesting, with some good ideas and I shall use the bits that I agree with. In parts it also reinforces that what I'm doing is right for us.

[Arhewin · Rating 2 out of 5]

good book to learn about little girls and the reason behind their action and reaction.

[Emma Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

I acutally pick this book up time and time again, just to look up different chapters that are relevant at the time. Love it, makes me laugh, makes me cry.

[✿ ♥ Heather ♥ ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought I'd check out Chris's book seeing as I'm now a Step Mum :) Pretty good book.

[Fiona Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a book to pick and choose what you need agree with - as there is a lot of personal opinions of the author as opposed to researched advice. Read with a highlighter pen.

[Dawn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretentious and preachy. Opinionated. Very alternative life-style, and dismissive of other points of view.

Not for me.

[Marina Winkler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has helped me prepare for the years ahead in my daughter's development.

[Adrian · Rating 1 out of 5]

The blurb on the back says it offers "practical ways" to help your daughter grow but instead you get a lot of unhelpful psychobabble. Definately a disappointing book.

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this, found the author's voice gentle and easy, as though she was in conversation. Wise and thought-provoking.

[Riverina Regional Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Members of Riverina Regional Library reserve your copy now

[Bec · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok. Some interesting stuff. Mostly common sense or extra... And dated.

[Ren Ata]

...didn't like it.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely terrible book. Do not read.