Here is the author and other info about the book -
Helen's Temper is by Mrs. George Gladstone
Helen's Temper is published by Lamplighter Publishing
Written in 1872, it has 123 pages
One of the things I have come to realize from this book is that if I don't get a hold on my anger, the results could be the same as what happened to Helen when she let her anger control her.
That is the description from the Lamplighter Page for Helen's Temper. That right there pretty much sums up what this wonderful little book is about. But I will tell you some of what I thought about it.
What I learned from Betty was how to be kind to my neighbor and help them when they need it, even when you are scrubbing filthy floors and washing windows. She spends hours cleaning a crippled child's home because she can't do it herself, and her mother is too tired and busy when she gets home from doing her washing. Betty also is an example of giving her old things to the poor. The clothes she can't wear she makes to fit Louisa (the crippled) so she can have some nicer clothes. Betty makes Louisa's family much happier by what she does for them. I want to follow her example and give what I don't need to the poor. I have limited what I buy so that I don't have a bunch of things I don't need around my room. And if someone else besides me could use something, let them have it. Betty has taught me a useful lesson. Thank you Betty!
Helen has also taught me how devastating the consequences can be if I don't get a grip on my anger. How not to give in to selfish ways. And if you do hurt someone, not to try to hide it and make up lies about it. Could there be anything worse than to be at fault and then to lie about it when you are caught? No! I think not. You must pray that God will help when you get angry.
The time era of this story is similar to the one in A Little Princess. It's about the same time, and you notice that Helen thinks that Louisa is not in her 'class'. During this time era, there were different 'classes' that one was in. Helen and Betty are in the wealthier class, while Louisa is in the beggar's class. That is part of the reason why Helen hates Louisa so much.
This would a great read-aloud book and you could even have the girls tell you what they think about what Helen did and what Betty did. You could ask what Helen should have done, and how she should have acted toward Louisa. I think the age for the read-aloud would be around 7-8-year-olds, and read-by-themselves is about 9-10-year-olds. I know my little brother who is 10 and my little sister who is 8 really enjoyed this book. My sister even wanted to do an article about what she liked about this book.
It was really inspiring to me to be able to read a book that can help me with my walk with the Lord. It can help you too, in seeing an example that Mrs. Gladstone gives. Thank you for such a wonderful book, Mrs. Gladstone!
"Helen and Betty could not be more different in their perspectives of the destitute people that live around them. When Helen, the old sister, hears the story of the Good Samaritan she is rewarded for her classroom achievements, while the other sister chooses to live the example of the Good Samaritan. As Helen lives for herself and is constantly worried about the opinions of others, Betty searches for ways to be a blessing to others. When faced with the realities of living the life of the Good Samaritan, Helen reveals the treachery of her own heart as she mercilessly withholds good from a dirty street urchin. This is a story that reaches the heart, especially when you read how Helen responds to unexpected mercy and forgiveness she did not deserve."
Do you have any old favorites that encourage you in your walk with the Lord?
With much adieu,
Other books by this author that you can get from Lamplighter:
Tom Gillies
Stick To The Raft
1 Comment(s)! Please Leave A Comment!:
I also enjoyed reading Helen's Temper and still find myself pondering how to be more like Betty. What a model of Christian love and blessing her character is!
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