I’m a history nerd so it is hard to not love a book. I also adore the 1930s and 1940s, so there’s no way I wouldn’t have loved this book. I’ve read so much on FDR and yet this brought something new to the story of the man I know so well. It makes me want to go back for another visit to Hyde Park, although I’ve already been twice! Excellent story, highly recommend.

I loved Master of His Fate, but I’ve been obsessed with FDR and biographies since I was a kid. I thought the unique take on FDR’s life, focusing on the years in which he had polio up through winning the presidency, was a really interesting way of learning about him. I believe this will be a book for a certain niche of reader however; probably a reader who, like me, loves biographies or FDR.
E ARC provided by Netgalley. #netgalley #masterofhisfate

The story of Franklin Roosevelt’s struggle with infantile paralysis is well-known, yet Master of His Fate manages to keep the story fresh by blending historical narrative, medical expertise and psychological analysis. Master of his Fate reads like a well-researched historical novel, and Mr. Tobin’s insightful comments and detailed explanations make this an interesting and easy read for young and old alike.

After he was struck by polio in 1921, thirty-nine-year-old Franklin Roosevelt was singularly focused on one thing: re-learning how to walk. Mr. Tobin effortlessly weaves together politics and disability history; if FDR ever wanted to run for office again, he would have to learn how to get around without scaring people. While FDR rarely talked about his disability, Master of His Fate does a wonderful job conveying the feelings he must have experienced as he tried to regain his health. While it will never be known how much polio truly affected him, there is no doubt FDR was a changed man after 1921, not only physically, but emotionally as well.

Whether you like him or not, there is no denying that FDR’s struggle to overcome polio and become president of the United States is one of inspiration, grit and perseverance. Even though his priorities changed when he re-entered politics in 1928, until the day he died, FDR still held out hope he would one day be able to throw away his cane and braces and walk unaided. If there is one thing we can learn from Franklin Roosevelt, it is to never give up hope, to take charge of your life, to become master of your own fate.

Despite reading The Man He Became, James Tobin’s first book on FDR’s battle with polio, I read Master of his Fate with equal pleasure and interest. One doesn’t have to be between the ages of 9 and 14 to enjoy Master of his Fate; I was actually unaware this was geared towards middle-graders when I began reading. The only give-aways were the shorter chapters and paragraphs, and the way the author addresses the reader. For those who think the material a little too dry for young adults, the book includes many photographs to bring FDR’s struggle to life.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review

I know the story well.

First, because I had read James Tobin's biography The Man He Became: How FDR Defied Polio to Win the Presidency. And from reading numerous other books about Franklin Roosevelt.

And yet, I felt the tension and expectation stirring as I read Tobin's middle school biography of how Franklin Roosevelt met the challenge of infantile polio with extraordinary perseverance.

As Al Smith pressured FDR to run for governor of New York State in a desperate bid to maintain Democratic votes for his presidency, Missy LeHand, FDR's secretary and 'office wife' whispers "Don't you dare!" for she knew what was at stake.

With more time in therapy at Warm Springs, FDR might walk again. If he returned to his home state and full time work, his chances to walk without crutches or braces was nil.

FDR had to choose between his personal goal to beat polio and his political hopes. The moment was now--was it worth the cost?

Tobin's ability to describe the medical information about polio and how it affected FDR's body is excellent. Young readers will understand the science and the emotional and social impact of the disease. FDR being 'crippled' meant he had to defy compartmentalization by society, politicians, and especially by voters.

There was no hiding his disability. He had to wear heavy leg braces, use crutches, canes, and wheelchairs, and had to be lifted into cars.

He turned the indignity into a demonstration of his strength and positive energy. He lifted his head, smiled, kept an upbeat attitude, communicating that being 'lame' did not affect his mind and his ability to work hard. In fact, he inspired people.


"Through those twelve dark years of pain and upheaval, Roosevelt's leadership was the beacon in the darkness. Because he evidently believed that all would be well in the end, people took hope. And it was no small thing that they knew he had come through a great personal ordeal."~Master of his Fate by James Tobin
Tobin informs about FDR's failings, including his troubled marriage, his distance as a father, times he became angry. He was not perfect. But that is the wonderful thing--imperfect humans can impact and change the world for the better.

The book is also a political history, tracing FDR's career and how his political relationship with Al Smith, and his nomination speech, brought him to public attention.

Franklin Roosevelt is consistently rated as one of our greatest presidents for leading the country through perilous times and for social programs that we take for granted today.

Young readers will understand how polio changed FDR's life and made him a better person, and that we can rise above the cards we have been dealt.

I was given a free ebook by the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.