The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio (Abridged): How my mother raised 10 kids on 25 words or less Audiobook

" 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. "

" with a dad who was a drunk, the mom took it on her self to win contests to help her family live. amazing mom... "

" This was a really interesting book. "

" 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. "

" Truth be told, I liked the movie better than the book. "

" 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. "

" This woman was simply amazing. "

" 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 :) "

" 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. "

" 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. "

" it was a good light read. i liked the ending especially. "

" Great read for every mom. "

" 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! "

" I really liked it. Very entertaining. "

" Meh. Much, much too long for what it was; some cute stories about the author's mom and her "contesting" abilities. "

" This is the fascinating and beautifully written book about a mother who survived poverty and abuse through her witty words. "

" It was fun to read all of her contest entries and a touching story about a strong woman. "

" 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. "

" 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! "

" This was a great nonfiction storye "

" 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. "

" I really enjoyed this book. A "feel good" story about a family going through some difficult times. "

" 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. "

" I would give this a 3 1/2 star if I could. Great book. "

" 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. "

" I really liked this book. A daughter's tribute to an amazing mother. "

" 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! "

" A very entertaining read. It was amazing what her mom accomplished! "

" 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. "

" 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. "

" Inspiring to see and hear about the difference a mother and mom can make in a house. "

" Awesome true story of the power of positive thinking and never giving up no matter the adversity put in your way! "

" 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. "

" 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! "

" The energy and focus of this mother is absolutely inspiring! It's just sad WHY she had to do these things. "