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. The inspiration for a major motion picture, Evelyn Ryan's story is told by her daughter Terry with an infectious joy that shows how a winning spirit and sense of humor can triumph over adversity every time.
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"This is a great book about the indominatable spirit of one woman who was determined to make the best of an impulsively poor choice in a husband. It was the 1950's, the era of contests and jingle submissions for housewives to make extra money. She kept the family together, staring down bills at the "11th hour" when the postman brought the prize money to the door. A great read showcasing the strong spirit of a woman. The movie is great, too." — Kathie (5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great book about the indominatable spirit of one woman who was determined to make the best of an impulsively poor choice in a husband. It was the 1950's, the era of contests and jingle submissions for housewives to make extra money. She kept the family together, staring down bills at the "11th hour" when the postman brought the prize money to the door. A great read showcasing the strong spirit of a woman. The movie is great, too."
“This plucky Middle American chronicle, starring an unsinkable, relentlessly resourceful mother and her Madison Avenue-style magic, succeeds on many levels—as a tale of family spirit triumphing over penury, as a history of mid-century American consumerism, and as a memoir about a woman who was both ahead of her time and unable to escape it.”
“This well-told, suspenseful tale is peppered with examples of Evelyn's winning poems and slogans, taken from the years of notebooks that she saved and passed on to her daughter, and has a fiction-worthy climax that will keep listeners laughing even as they're glued to Ryan's tale.”
“Nabs the first prize in the memoir genre.”
“Ryan's unconventionality and sense of humor triumphed over poverty, and her persistence makes the listener cheer her on. This story is delightful.”
“A Good-natured memoir as compelling as a commercial jingle.”
" Another Good Read lent to me by a friend. "
" I'm particular about reading memoir, and this one raised the bar. Sweet and truthful, without becoming morose. "
" It was amazing what this woman did to provide for her family. Reading these kinds of stories seem to empower me. To help me believe that in a crisis I could do something to make my family able to survive. "
" Such an inspirational story, but funny and entertaining at the same time. If you haven't read it run, don't walk to get a copy. "
" Awesome true story of the power of positive thinking and never giving up no matter the adversity put in your way! "
" 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. "
" so effing cute. so effing true. "
" LOVED this book. It's such a typical story for it's time period but it's written in a very personable and humorous way that's very easy to read. Evelyn is a new personal hero of mine, probably because she reminds me a lot of my mother. "
" This is a great read. So clever and fun. Makes you feel like you can do anything good that you want to and it will be worth it. "
" Good, fun reading book. Nothing too overwhelming, but worth the time and causes a few smiles. "
" I must admit - I didn't finish this book - didn't love the jingles but thought the story was interesting. Too much to read on my list - this one just became a low priority I guess. "
" This book is proof that you don't have to be a Disneyland mom to make a huge impression on your children. This type of mom is my hero: resilient, resourceful, and flexible. The narrator's voice is matter of fact and thus more credible. "
" I would give this a 3 1/2 star if I could. Great book. "
" This was a charming story about a mother who used her wits and good humor to surmount big obstacles. Along the way, she teaches 10 children how to persist and conquer Life's biggest challenges. "
" Be happy and treat others with kindness- this just proves the theory, what goes around comes around.... "
" This book tickled every box for me. I love the idea that this woman was making ends meet despite the drunk she married. I only wish it was still possible to share it with my mother-in-law. "
" I really liked this alot it made me cry. A mother enters contests to earn money to raise her 10 kids. This family was very poor and the husband is an alcoholic. The mother gives her children hope. This is very sweet and uplifting. "
" 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. "
" A good read. Brutal in it's portrayal of just how damaging a father can be, but funny and triumphant in how resourceful and good a mother can be. Also gives some insight into life as a child with LOTS of siblings (there were 10 kids in the family). A good read. "
" What a fun memoir! Inspiring story of how a mother keeps her family of 10 children and alcholic husband fed, clothed and housed by entering jingle contests in the 50's and 60's. "
" What an amazing optimistic mom through so many scary ordeals. I wish I could be more optimistic in my not as poor and destitute life as this mom was. "
" I don't often think movies are better than the books they're based upon, but if you want to experience this story in the best way possible, the movie is much more heartwarming and interesting to watch. "
" Although this book was emotionally a "hard read" for me, I found the main character's courage, devotion, and positive attitude inspiring. "
" What an amazing women she was! "
Terry 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.
Carrington MacDuffie is a voice actor and recording artist who has narrated over two hundred audiobooks, received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards, and has been a frequent finalist for the Audie Award, including for her original audiobook, Many Things Invisible. Alongside her narration work, she has released a new album of original songs, Only an Angel.
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