Up-and-coming women leaders read about those who came before

She rose to political power through marriage, and ended up First Lady of the United States. No one would dispute that she was smart, assertive and energetic. Her critics worried that she exerted too much power behind the scenes. Her supporters were enthusiastic, seeing her as a strong role model for women, and were glad to have her in the White House.

But she wasn't from Little Rock.

Eleanor Roosevelt, who played a key role in her husband Franklin's presidency and later served in America's delegation to the United Nations, was the subject of discussion last night at the first meeting of a new book club organized by the Organization of Women Leaders.

The meeting, which took place at Triumph Brewery, was the club's first ever. Participants read selections from "Eleanor and Harry: The Correspondence of Eleanor Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman," which contains the 254 letters exchanged between Truman and Roosevelt after FDR's death.

OWL co-President Jessica Brondo '03 and Culture Chair Erin Moxely '05, the club's organizers, led last night's discussion."A lot of the things that are leveled against Eleanor Roosevelt are the same things that are leveled against Hillary Clinton," said Moxely in an interview before the discussion. "Eleanor had to break herself in at first. Is there a reason why Hillary is so hated and Eleanor is so loved?"

Brondo thought that the book selection would allow the conversation to delve into deeper themes. Eleanor Roosevelt and Hilary Clinton both show that women are capable of holding responsible posts at the highest levels, begging the question of why so few are elected to national office, she said.

Last night, about 18 members took part in the discussion. The analogy between Eleanor and Hillary was one central theme.

"There were several mentions of Hillary Clinton, how the poublic reactions were different. While Eleanor was popular, Hillary is not liked," said participant Wonha Kim '04.

"There was a comment about how [Eleanor] kept a column in the newspaper, which would be controversional today," Kim said.

"It's very rare that we get to read books outside of classwork, and this gives us an opportunity to discuss a book with other students," she added. She said she plans to participate in future months.

"I wouldn't have come across [the book] on my own" said participant Nicoletta Mueller-Vogg '05. "I think it's nice that they get books that you normally don't hear about or think abou reading outside of class."

Mueller-Vogg said she plans to continue her involvement in the group, and would recommend it highly to others.

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"One boy was there, but it's not exclusive for girls in any way," she said. "For anybody who enjoys reading, and who is interested to some extent in women's isses... I think it's worth it for anyone."

Last night's discussion was entirely student led, but the group is considering other formats. "We are currently toying with using a professor as a facilitator," Brondo said. Next month's discussion will be led by a professor, and will focus on "Lives of the Muses: Nine Women & the Artists They Inspired." Professors Kiki Jameson Margaret Daniel have expressed interest in serving as discussion leaders, Moxely said.

Brondo hopes that the club's membership will eventually reach about thirty members who will meet monthly for discussions of the readings.

Moxely said the meetings are timed carefully to fit in with the considerable amount of reading already expected of most Princeton students. This month, the books – which were paid for out of OWL's budget, largely supplied by an anonymous benefactor – were distributed just before fall break, so that students could read them while at home."Lives of the Muses" will be distributed to members just before Thanksgiving, she said.

Inspiration for the book club came from a successful OWL event last year, Brondo said. Members read the book "Manifesta" – a treatise on "third wave" feminism targeted specifically to young women – and had dinner with coauthor Amy Richards, a former editor of Ms. Magazine.

The club is about more than just socializing, Brondo said. "Our goal is to get members of OWL to think about women in our culture today, and how they relate to feminism."