Jungle Rumble

Gerber, Robin.  Eleanor vs. Ike.  New York: HaperCollins, 2008.

Love her or hate her, we have a woman running for President.  Her opponent is a decorated war hero.  There is an unpopular war raging in a foreign land and most people want us to pull out.  Health care, equal rights, and traditional values are all major issues.   Those who speak out against the government are labeled a liberal or communist.  Sound like the election of 2008?  Think again it is 1952!

Eleanor Roosevelt, former first lady and UN Goodwill Ambassador, is tapped to run for President, after Adlai Stevenson dies at the Democratic Convention, against Republican General Dwight D. Eisenhower.  The book raises an interesting and timely question:  Could a woman become President of the United States?

Although historical fiction, Gerber based the narrative on known meetings, speeches, political figures, and events.  She even commissioned a poll to project who would have won in 1952 had Eleanor run against Ike.  I won’t give away the victor, but will say it took me off-guard.  Eleanor vs. Ike is a brilliant, face paced read full of Political intrigue, KKK assassins, and campaign scandals.  An excellent choice for anyone following the current elections!