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little_miss_marmite's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
2.0
Initially, I thought that this might be a useful guide filled with homely, slightly old-fashioned advice which I would, nonetheless, fit into aspects of my own homely, slightly old-fashioned life. Unfortunately, although this is an interesting and well-written book, I can only really appreciate it as an historical artifact and very much a product of its own time.
Mrs Roosevelt draws on her own experience of growing up at the end of the nineteenth century and explains very eloquently how that childhood training formed her as an adult individual well able to exercise self-control and personal responsibility as First Lady of the United States and, later, in her work for the United Nations.
Much of the book is taken up with her views on the training of children such that they also will be able to exercise these qualities and become useful members of society during their lifetimes. While this is an admirable goal, I do not believe that the end justifies the means suggested in this book which, in my opinion, border on emotional neglect if not actual abuse.
I have flagged this book for mild racial slurs. Again, it is a product of its time and I should point out that the questionable phrases are generally related by Mrs Roosevelt in the form of anecdotes about what other people said. I feel that Mrs Roosevelt does make the case for racial equality – perhaps in a way that would have itself been unusual at the time of writing.
Overall, I felt uncomfortable as I read this book. Mrs Roosevelt was clearly a woman of razer sharp intellect and I did not like feeling that some of my less agreeable characteristics might have drawn her attention should we ever have met. However, most of my discomfort arose from her methods of teaching children self discipline and what she would likely have termed ‘emotional resilience’.
That said, the author’s voice is clear, her explanation of her views is outstandingly well reasoned and explained and I felt I was in the hands of a strong and competent writer. I did like getting the peek into the past which this book gives and, as I said, I can appreciate it as an historical artifact even if, as ‘self-help’ it falls down for this
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs
wyvernfriend's review against another edition
4.0
Although some of the information is a little dated, largely this is an interesting and informative read on her philosophy of life and how to live a good life. It's like listening to a wise older woman who doesn't take your nonsense and will not brook any poor me-ing. She's quite interesting and occasionally shows where she fell down, but believes whole-heartedledy in learning from mistakes and keeping going.
aimalicious811's review against another edition
3.0
Some good suggestions, but very out of date. Couldn't finish it.
leasummer's review against another edition
4.0
Good wisdom that is timeless. Although some of the advice is a little outdated - organizing your servants and household employees - all of her wisdom is still relevant today. She gave a lot of advice aimed at raising children. Her stories were a highlight for me and I wish she had included more.
If you a fan of Eleanor, you will enjoy this endearing book of her pearls of wisdom.
Aptly, this book was a gift from my mother.
If you a fan of Eleanor, you will enjoy this endearing book of her pearls of wisdom.
Aptly, this book was a gift from my mother.
aileenmaria's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
laurapoulosky's review against another edition
4.0
It was interesting to read the former First Lady's perspectives on how to lead a productive, worthwhile life. Her writing style is simple and direct (so yes, sometimes a little dry for me). Her wisdom, gained by her broad life experience and no-nonsense approach, is evident on every page.
jmarchek's review against another edition
4.0
October 2017 Book Club,
Good discussion, lots of bits of wisdom that are still applicable today.
Good discussion, lots of bits of wisdom that are still applicable today.