I have been familiar with Helen Steiner Rice as an author since my dad introduced me to her writing long ago. I have tried to collect as many of her books as I can. This one happens to be a "Collector's Edition" of which I'm very proud! Her books are not always easy to find.
She writes poetry/prose/essays that are all about her experiences with her family, but also her extended family which included her many friends, co-workers, her readers, their children and associates, and some successors. She was especially close to her two sisters, and her husband, Franklin, who died very early in their marriage. "You can't read a poem by Helen Steiner Rice Without some of the inspiration and love touching you" Virginia J. Ruehlmann
This particular book took into account all of the aspects of her life, up until she was realizing she wasn't going to be on earth much longer. It was divided into parts: Her family, Helen the Friend and Giver of Gifts, Helen the Poet and the Person, Helen the Comforter, Helen the Businesswoman, Helen the Environmentalist and the Patriot, and Helen the Benefactor. She writes of John F. Kennedy's assassination. She writes about Watergate and the corruption in government. A lot of what she speaks to hits home with the times that we are experiencing in 2025.
Simple illustrations are on every page, but the words in the writing strong. It's not a book that everyone would pick and want to read, but those of us that do read her books feel stronger.
I wish so much that I could have met this wonderful woman. She had the personality to match her lovely poetry. Her love for the Lord pointed others to Him. It sounds like she was one dear woman. Her poetry has delighted me for years, and it was wonderful to learn a little bit about her.
There is no better Christian Author than this woman. Her work touches my heart. May her work live on forever. Pity the younger generation don't know of her spectacular work, or just more people overall! :(