In the Vineyard of the Lord

by Helen Steiner Rice

The autobiography of America's inspirational "Poet Laureate" is accompanied by photographs, letters, and selected poems

Genres: Poetry, Devotional, Biography

127 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1979

Reviews

[Sheri Hathaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each chapter in Rice's autobiography focusses on a different stage in her life and includes a corresponding poem by her, an ingenious method for a poet's memoir. She grew up in my parents' generation, making it very interesting for me but her memories were far different from any of my parents' experiences. Considering she lived through both great wars, her father's early death, the Great Depression, and her husband's suicide, she doesn't reflect on feelings of helplessness or depression, always sounding upbeat and happy but I'm sure that wasn't the case in reality. If she had described her reaction to each catastrophe, she would have connected closer with readers. Her trust in God upheld her throughout all and her poems of faith are inspiring, which is how she became famous.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

She's from Lorain.

[Barbara]

Colored pencil.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book filled with poetry and biography of the inspirational poet, Helen Seiner Rice. My grandparents bought me her little poem booklets from Wal-Mart and the Hallmark stores in the card sections. I loved those poems and read them every night as a child. I am now collecting as many volumes as I can find and give them as gifts. This particular book was published just a few years before her death in 1981. People were requesting an autobiography from her. She was hesitant but then decided to write one with each section telling a different part of her life in narrative and verse. There are three sections: Early Life, Middle Life and Later Life. In each section are short chapters, on different topics and life experiences. She came to fame by her poems being read on the Lawrence Welk show. It is a beautiful book filled with wisdom and she gives all the glory to Jesus. It was a lovely read and I will certainly read it again.

[Stephanie Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

My family gave this book to my grandmother in 1982. She has since passed away and I acquired it after going through her son's belongings. I'm really glad I did. I have always loved Helen's poetry. It is simple, clear and compassionate.

This book is her story but is also filled with her poems because that was part of her. I enjoyed reading it. It was a great testimony of a woman who used her talent for God's glory.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Helen Steiner Rice, full of poetry and small stories as her life unfolded. I loved her hats!