
STRAY THOUGHTS FOR GIRLS
L. H. M. SOULSBY
DEDICATED TO - GIRLS AT THE "AWKWARD AGE."
PREFACE
PREFACE TO NEW EDITION
LINES WRITTEN ON BEING TOLD THAT A LADY WAS "PLAIN AND COMMONPLACE" - THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN - MAKING PLANS - CONVERSATION - AUNT RACHEL; OR, OLD MAIDS' CHILDREN - "GET UP, M. LE COMTE!" - A FRIDAY LESSON - A HOME ART; OR, MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS - ESPRIT DE CORPS - ROUGH NOTES OF A LESSON - HOLIDAYS - SUNDAY - FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE - A GOOD TIME
LINES - WRITTEN ON BEING TOLD THAT A LADY WAS "PLAIN AND COMMONPLACE."
THE END. - WORKS BY L. H. M. SOULSBY
A warm and thoughtful companion for girls caught between childhood and adulthood, this collection offers gentle, often poetic counsel for the “awkward age” that many experience between thirteen and twenty‑seven. Through a blend of personal reflections and quiet humor, the author acknowledges the uncertainties of finding one’s place while encouraging self‑kindness and practical confidence. The tone feels like a kindly mentor speaking directly to the reader, urging her to trust her instincts even when the world asks puzzling questions.
The volume is organized into short, accessible essays on everyday topics such as making plans, carrying on lively conversation, the rhythm of a Sunday, and the subtle art of friendship and first love. Interspersed with verses and modest anecdotes, the advice is grounded in everyday experience rather than lofty doctrine, making it easy to apply to school life, family duties, or budding independence. Listeners will find a steady, encouraging voice that helps turn ordinary moments into stepping stones toward a fuller, more assured self.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (259K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Jan 13, 2005
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1856–1927
A formidable English educator and essayist, she spent her career shaping girls’ schools while arguing fiercely for a traditional view of women’s education. Best remembered for leading Oxford High School for Girls, she also wrote on character, religion, and social questions.
View all books
by Dorothea Beale, J. F. (Jane Frances) Dove, Lucy Helen Muriel Soulsby

by Herodotus

by Maria Edgeworth

by Dallas Lore Sharp

by Ernest Thompson Seton

by I. T. (Ida Treadwell) Thurston

by James Otis

by Francis W. (Francis Wayland) Parker, Nellie Lathrop Helm