13. The Firebrand and The First Lady

The Firebrand and the First Lady. Patricia Bell-Scott. 2016.

I'm going off-list next to read The Firebrand and the First Lady for the Soroptimist book club meeting next month. After that, I think I will read Last Call next.

The Firebrand and the First Lady. Not on my list, but when I hear from three sources that I should read a book, I always add it to my list. In this case, I added it to the Soroptimist book club list and it is the book for tonight's book club meeting. This is the story of the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Polly Murray, who was about 25 years younger than her. Unlike Empty Without You, which explores the relationships between Eleanor and her lover Lorena Hickock, this is a story about mentorship and how having close inter-generational relationships can impact the mentor as much as the mentee. Polly was a Black activist, who was also lesbian, a lawyer, and later a minister. Because it wasn't just a compilation of letters, but weaved narrative into the story, I found it a much more compelling read than Empty Without You. It really made me reflect on what we gain when we read out to develop friendships with folks who do not really appear similar to ourselves at all on the surface. It was a great reminder of all we have to learn from each other and all we have to give to each other. Definitely recommend this one.

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