Free event!
Length of documentary: 56 minutes • Year released: 2020 • Rated PG
What: Tracy leads the Armchair Adventure Book Club. At the October book club meeting (Wednesday, October 28, 2026), we will be discussing the historical novel Becoming Madam Secretary, written by Stephanie Dray. Attendees may read the book OR listen to the audio book to prepare for this book club meeting. [Event page for the book club meeting: https://www.potluckdinner.org/?p=e&ID=1043 ]
Prior to the book club meeting, everyone is welcome to watch the documentary "Summoned: Frances Perkins and the General Welfare" at a watch party. The novel is a fictionalized account of the life of Frances Perkins, who was the first woman to serve in the U.S. Cabinet. The documentary we will be watching is not an adaptation of this book, but it is about the same real-life person. We don't want to say that the documentary is a substitute for the book. But we think it will be interesting to watch prior to the book club meeting.
Featuring interviews with David Brooks, Nancy Pelosi, Amy Klobuchar, Lawrence ODonnell and others, this film explores the history of women in politics, Social Security, and attitudes toward immigration, poverty, Socialism, and the role of government. This heroic story enriches and informs our current debate, as Americans continue to live and work under the enduring legacy of Frances Perkins.
Fun Fact: Frances Perkins was raised as a Congregationalist, but joined the Episcopal Church as an adult, in 1905. She remained a devout Episcopalian whose faith deeply inspired her lifelong dedication to social and labor reform. In 2009, the Episcopal Church officially added her to its calendar of saints, commemorating her life as a public servant and prophetic witness with a feast day on May 13.
Anyone can come to the watch party, even if they aren't planning to go to the book club meeting.
Guests are welcome to bring any type of food or snack they want to share. This is completely optional. The host will be providing pizza and popcorn popcorn.
RSVP required in order to attend: To RSVP, use your standard PotluckDinner.org RSVP buttons, or use the form at the top of this page, or email: rsvp@potluckdinner.org [or] text: 480-269-5823
Items guests have signed up to bring:
S. M: TBD
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P. H: pizza; popcorn