Eleanor Roosevelt's Life of Soul Searching and Self Discovery

From a childhood plagued with drunks and drama queens, Eleanor discards her dependency on Franklin and faces off with her grand dame mother-in-law. Refusing to cave in to society’s rules, Eleanor’s exuberant style, wavering voice and lack of Hollywood beauty are fodder for the media.

First Lady for thirteen years, Eleanor redefines and exploits this role to a position of power. Using her influence she champions for Jews, African Americans and women.

Living through two world wars Eleanor witnesses thousands of graves, broken bodies and grieving families. After visiting troops in the Pacific she says:

“If we don’t make this a more decent world to live in

I don’t see how we can look these boys in the eyes.”

She defies a post war return to status quo and establishes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights within the UN. She earns her way to being named “First Lady of the World.”

The audacity of this woman to live out her own destiny challenges us to do the same. After all, it’s not about Eleanor. Her story is history. Her life shows us how to live.

‘Context and Commentary’ at the start of each segment gives a brief look at the social/political status quos of the day that tested Eleanor’s integrity and challenged her perseverance.

‘Reflections for the Reader’ at the end of each segment are observations and analogies using Eleanor’s life as a ‘how to’ guide for our own personal growth.

Table of Contents

Part I: A Bitter Beginning

Context and Comments

Chapter 1 - Childhood

Chapter 2 - Adolescence

Chapter 3 - Marriage

Chapter 4 - Crisis

Reflections for the Reader

Part II: Awakening

Context and Comments

Chapter 5 - Emancipation

Chapter 6 – Compassion

Chapter 7 - Causes

Chapter 8 - War

Reflections for the Reader

Part III: Political, Public and Personal Storms

Context and Comments

Chapter 9 - Critics

Chapter 10 - Refuge

Chapter 11 - Blindsided By Family

Reflections for the Reader

Part IV: Life After Death

Context and Comments

Chapter12 - Pragmatic Plans For Peace

Chapter 13 - United Nations – An Oxymoron

Chapter 14 - Elanor aka Eleanor

Included in the book are:

Photos from the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Library