On My Own

On My Own chronicles Eleanor Roosevelt's life and activities after leaving the White House following her husband's death in 1945. The memoir details her transition from First Lady to UN delegate, columnist, and independent public figure in the post-war period. Roosevelt documents her continued work in politics and social activism during the 1950s, including her role as US representative to the United Nations and her newspaper column "My Day." The book covers her travels, speaking engagements, and ongoing advocacy for civil rights, women's equality, and international cooperation. Roosevelt writes about adapting to life without FDR, maintaining her own residence in New York City, and pursuing her personal and professional interests. She addresses the challenges and opportunities of charting her own course after decades of supporting her husband's political career. This memoir examines themes of personal reinvention, civic responsibility, and the evolving role of women in American public life. The work stands as a testament to Roosevelt's independence and continuing influence in the years after her time as First Lady.

Readers found this memoir to be an intimate look at Eleanor Roosevelt's later years after FDR's death. Many describe it as a more personal and vulnerable account compared to her other writings. Readers appreciated: - Her candid discussion of grief and rebuilding life as a widow - Practical advice on finding purpose in difficult times - Details about her UN work and continued public service - Her reflective and honest writing style Common criticisms: - Some sections focus too heavily on daily routines - Writing can be repetitive - Less political insight than expected Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (396 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (62 ratings) Sample reader comment: "She writes with remarkable honesty about her struggles to find her footing after decades of being defined as FDR's wife." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "I wanted more about her UN experiences and less about her household management." - Amazon reviewer

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🌟 She wrote "On My Own" while still grieving the loss of her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt, who died in 1945, making the memoir particularly poignant and personal. 🌟 During her time at the UN (1945-1952), which she discusses in the book, Eleanor Roosevelt served as the first chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights and played a crucial role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 🌟 The book was published in 1958, during a time when few women of her social standing wrote so openly about their personal struggles and experiences with widowhood. 🌟 When Eleanor Roosevelt describes her life after the White House, she was living at Val-Kill in Hyde Park, NY - the only property she ever personally owned and the first National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady. 🌟 Despite being part of America's social elite, Roosevelt chose to earn her own income after FDR's death through writing, speaking engagements, and radio broadcasts - all of which she details in the memoir.