Annette S. (annette-s) reviewed on 5/6/2013 + 49 more book reviews

The full title of this book is The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less by Terry Ryan. That pretty much sets the premise of the book, which is based on the true story of Evelyn Ryan who raised a hungry brood on contest winnings in the 1950s and 60s. Her husband was an alcoholic who contributed very little to the family. In fact, his inability to provide for his family, coupled with his abusive temper was a hindrance that Evelyn had to work around. Undaunted, Evelyn armed herself with humor and an indomitable spirit and plowed forward to support her family the best she could. She did that by writing snappy little jingles for products like Dial soap, Lipton Soup, Heinz ketchup, and more. And she was good at it. She would set up her ironing board, get out her note cards, and write lines like: Dial is wonderful, gently repealing what most fresheners just succeed in concealing. She won many, many prizes: money, food, toys, and appliances just to name a few. It was because of her winnings that her kids were able to enjoy roller skates, pogo sticks, sleds, and boots. One of the most memorable scenes in the book is when she won a shopping spree at a local supermarket. Weeks before the scheduled ten-minute spree she strategized on ways to make the most of the assault. She shot through the store like a missile and hauled in $411.44 worth of goodies (about $3,000 today)! This book is a true love letter to a mother who gave all she had to keeping her family fed and happy! Read other reviews at http://readinginthegarden.blogspot.com

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