The First Ladies

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How did the portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune as dual protagonists shape your overall experience with the book? Did one of their stories resonate with you more strongly, and if so, why?
• Reflecting on the friendship between Eleanor and Mary, what aspects of their relationship left the strongest impression on you? Were there any elements of their bond that surprised or challenged your expectations?
• The book weaves themes of civil rights activism, personal resilience, and social justice. How did these themes influence your engagement with the story and its characters?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune both dedicated their lives to fighting for social justice despite societal obstacles. Reflect on a time in your life when you had to stand up for your beliefs or support a cause. How did this experience shape your perspective on advocacy and change?
• The friendship between Eleanor and Mary transcends racial and cultural barriers, highlighting the power of unity. Can you relate to a friendship or relationship in your life that has bridged significant differences? How has this relationship impacted your views on collaboration and empathy?
• Mary’s journey in the book emphasizes resilience in the face of racial discrimination and limited resources.