The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less by Terry Ryan
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Book Reviews of The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less
Book Review: the prizewinner of defiance ohio
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is a real-life account of growing up in a large family with limited financial means and often rocky family dynamics. The matriarch of this clan is the prizewinner of the title. While raising 10 kids and keeping the wolf from the door, she hits upon a way to generate income by entering any/every contest that comes along. She frequently does win, of course, very often in the nick of time. The book was written by a daughter, who ably recounts the challenges and rewards of growing up in a family that lives so close to the edge. Her mother is a gritty, funny, honest-to-god domestic goddess. She is a prize-winner in so many ways--it makes this book uplifting without being sappy--good read.Book Review: The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
Summary: 4 Stars
I saw the movie based on the book first. Once I found out it was a book, I had to read it. I couldn't put it down. Book Review: Interesting to think what could have been
Summary: 4 Stars
I thought this was a wonderful book that came to my attention only after the author had died. The story revolves around a family of 10 kids, an alcoholic father and how the mother (sporadically) supports them by winning contests and jingles she (Evelyn) has written.
While the story wouldn't hold up in this century - I thought it was a great slice of life of the 50's. Evelyn's journals and contest entrys are well preserved and entertaining to read. She must have kept everything!
Underneath all the entrys and journals is a smart woman. She knows the power of the written word and also hooks up with a group a ladies that also enter such contests. These women are smart as whips - yet somewhat stymied by their roles in life - housewives. Contesting offers them a way to challenge their wits and writing.
The father is a somewhat disappointing character - but somehow he even redeems himself, but you have to read the book to find out how!
Book Review: As good as I thought it would be
Summary: 4 Stars
I first heard of this book on the Today Show. Then I happened to run across the movie on HBO. It is a good quick read.Book Review: An absolute joy of a read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I typically enjoy fiction, but the title of this book caught my attention. And soon after starting the book, Evelyn Ryan became one of my heroes! I won't offer any spoilers, but the book generated within me, and many others who have read it, genuine feelings for Evelyn, including respect, compassion, sympathy, and encouragement. If the measure of a good story is the ability to arouse that many emotions, then this is a really good story!