Note: I received an ARC from the publisher. ( )

This book describes the impact and influence of Dolley Madison, one of the most memorable First Ladies, and how her actions helped break gender barriers.

Dolley Madison was the wife of James Madison and a memorable First Lady of the United States of America. The author wrote this biography in chronological order from Dolley Madison's birth to her death. It focuses on how she fought for what she believed in and brought people together. Before reading this book I didn't realize how much Dolley Madison influenced others. ( )

In the picture book Women Who Broke the Rules: Dolley Madison, Dolley is described as “zesty” woman who is always full of energy and incredibly sociable. Everyone loved Dolley because she was an extremely personable, and even Thomas Jefferson, who believed women should have no place in politics, couldn’t resist her. He eventually made Dolley his secretary of state, which was unheard of during the time period. In all honesty, I hated this book for several reasons. One, the book used strange language when describing characters or their emotions. In one example, the author is describing how Dolley must have felt to wear jewelry for the first time, “How delicious to wear jewelry for the first time!” This odd phrase, among many others written throughout the biography, came off cheesy and often unimaginative. I wish the author would have done a better job describing how characters felt instead of saying ridiculous or tacky phrases to describe the brilliant Dolley Madison. ( )

Although I find this book fascinating, I did not like the overall message it sends to young women about their role, especially as a "first lady". Dolley Madison start with a modest life as a Quaker, not owning slaves, wearing plain clothes, and living within their means, however life changed for her when she married her second husband James. However, when she became a part of the political lifestyle, she became obsessed with her new roles as a socialite and "mother of the country". I do believe she did some meaningful things within her time in Washington; i.e- promoting literacy and saving money for the poor and for the country but her main obsession was her "squeezes" (Wednesday parties). One huge contribution she made to the White House was saving the George Washington painting that was such a beloved piece within the historic home. She literally cut the painting from the frame and hid it in a nearby barn during the war of 1812 when Great Britain burned the White House down. Luckily, America defeated Great Britain and America was finally safe, so the painting returned to the White House where it belonged. Madison was always known as an American lady and was the founding mother of the term "First Lady". She remains an inspiration to First Ladies to this day. Overall, I wish the book focused more on the things that she did with literacy and money for the country, instead of just parties. ( )