The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio introduces Evelyn Ryan, an enterprising woman who kept poverty at bay with wit, poetry, and perfect prose during the "contest era" of the 1950s and 1960s. Standing up to the church, her alcoholic husband, and antiquated ideas about women, Evelyn turned every financial challenge into an opportunity for innovation, all the while raising her six sons and four daughters with the belief that miracles are an everyday occurrence.
Download and start listening now!
"This was a touching biography. People who enjoy words games would especially enjoy reading this as it includes MANY MANY excerpts of her actual entries. It helps me respect what women went through many years ago in hard (alcoholic/poor) marriages, and what women may still go through."
— Jen (4 out of 5 stars)
“Prize Winner is the most charming and inspirational book I’ve read in a long time. It bursts with stories of soul, humanity, cunning, courage, and humor in the face of desperate times.”
— Anne Lamott, New York Times bestselling authorNabs first prize in the memoir genre" -- People (Book of the Week)
“The wonderful wacky story of Terry’s mom, Evelyn Lehman Ryan, is a kitsch spin on the classic victim-turned-victor tale that Hollywood so loves.”
— Daily Telegraph“Nabs first prize in the memoir genre.
— People“Ryan inherited her mother’s way with words and had written this loving and upbeat—and very funny—memoir. Because of that, we are all winners.”
— Dallas Morning News“This book is a well-aimed kick in the pants for anyone who says they don’t have time to pursue their passion.”
— Calgary Herald" Cute book about a woman married to an alcoholic who supported her family by entering jingle contests in the 1950's. Everybody has a story, and I enjoyed reading hers. I'm impressed by her determination and attitude. "
— Laura, 2/19/2014" with a dad who was a drunk, the mom took it on her self to win contests to help her family live. amazing mom... "
— beth, 2/16/2014" This was a really interesting book. "
— Rosanna, 2/15/2014" I watched the movie "The Prizewinner" with Julianne Moore a few years back. I knew that it was based on a true story, but did not realize that there was already a book. I really enjoyed the movie, and was struck with the positive and optimistic outlook this woman had despite her married and financial circumstances. She still managed to be a joyful mother, and I'm not sure I could have! So when I saw the book, I wanted to read it. It was a good story, but for some reason I think I liked the movie better than the book this time...maybe because I saw it first? Now I want to watch it again to see if I'm remembering right. "
— Amy, 2/9/2014" Truth be told, I liked the movie better than the book. "
— Kurtamyd, 2/8/2014" This was an enjoyable and fairly quick book to read. I loved the mother's optimism, inventiveness and perseverance. She never gave up no matter how much adversity she faced. It was also fun to read some of the jingles. "
— Robyn, 1/26/2014" This woman was simply amazing. "
— Renae, 1/20/2014" I really liked this book. I'm no good at wiritng reviews but recommend reading it to all. It was a fast read with an interesting story of beating all odds, never giving up, patience, and just life in general. Thanks Maggie :) "
— Marci, 1/18/2014" This was an easy read. I enjoyed hearing what life was like for this family. It's amazing how the tone of the book was so lighthearted even though so many bad things happened to them. I think a positive attitude can make a true difference during stressful times. "
— Jeni, 1/18/2014" I loved this book, not because it was the best book I ever read, but because it was Midwest all the way. A great story of hope and triumph. "
— Amy, 12/8/2013" it was a good light read. i liked the ending especially. "
— Krista, 12/6/2013" Great read for every mom. "
— Enid, 10/18/2013" So uplifting and entertaining! Overall just a cute memoir that I really enjoyed. I want to know how many jingles and slogans are still around that were written by contest-entering moms in the '50s! "
— Erin, 10/12/2013" I really liked it. Very entertaining. "
— Ariane, 9/11/2013" Meh. Much, much too long for what it was; some cute stories about the author's mom and her "contesting" abilities. "
— Laura, 6/5/2013" This is the fascinating and beautifully written book about a mother who survived poverty and abuse through her witty words. "
— Kirsti, 5/17/2013" It was fun to read all of her contest entries and a touching story about a strong woman. "
— Kallie, 4/12/2013" Fun little anecdotes about this woman's life. Some parts of this book reminded me of the book Cheaper By the Dozen. It was entertaining and quick--nothing spectacular, but I enjoyed it. I often giggled throughout. "
— Heather, 3/28/2013" Once I finished reading, I thought there was no way this was a true story. It was just too good to be true. I love that it was all true, however, which made it even more amazing. Great book, would recommend to anyone! "
— Krystal, 11/4/2012" This was a great nonfiction storye "
— Debbie, 10/24/2012" This book is about a Mom who earned money by competing in contests. It was enjoyable to read and makes you appreciate your life and your family. "
— Kyla, 7/27/2012" I really enjoyed this book. A "feel good" story about a family going through some difficult times. "
— Perri, 7/13/2012" Clever and captivating story. I loved the ingenious way this woman managed to not only help her family survive, but also to instill amazing character traits that resulted in productive, loving, morally aware persons. "
— Maribel, 3/24/2012" I would give this a 3 1/2 star if I could. Great book. "
— Maureen, 10/15/2011" I thought this really captured the feel of the time. Being from a big family, I could relate to it, and also related as a mother who loves to write. I found it very inspiring. "
— Andrea, 5/14/2011" I really liked this book. A daughter's tribute to an amazing mother. "
— Karen, 5/10/2011" Forthcoming ruminations on parallels between contesting in the 1950s and 1960s and couponing (as seen on TLC's "Extreme Couponing") soon. Preview: there are many! "
— Torea, 5/9/2011" A very entertaining read. It was amazing what her mom accomplished! "
— Ali, 5/6/2011" Great, quick read! It's hard to put this book down... it's fascinating to learn about the contesting that used to go on. A lot of amusing anecdotes about life in the Ryan household abound, but it does not gloss over life's trials and tribulations. "
— Marissa, 4/24/2011" Enjoyed reading about this remarkable mother and her family. I didn't know what to make of the father and I wished the author included something in the after word about Aunt Lucy. I liked the honest stories of growing up and the ingenuity and creativity of the mother. I would give it 3.5 stars. "
— Ellen, 4/14/2011" Inspiring to see and hear about the difference a mother and mom can make in a house. "
— Gabrielle, 4/9/2011" Awesome true story of the power of positive thinking and never giving up no matter the adversity put in your way! "
— Shannon, 4/8/2011" A mother who supports her family with her ingenuity and the advertising contests of her era -- a time when mothers stayed at home in working class America. "
— Lily, 4/7/2011" I loved this book. Here is a women who had many obstacles and she found great joy in writing jingles and getting the things she needed in spite of it all! Loved it! "
— Joan, 4/4/2011" The energy and focus of this mother is absolutely inspiring! It's just sad WHY she had to do these things. "
— Jessica, 4/4/2011Terry Ryan, the sixth of Evelyn Ryan’s ten children, was a consultant on the film adaptation of The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. She also wrote the San Francisco Chronicle’s long–running cartoon T. O. Sylvester and two books of poetry. She lives in San Francisco.