When I read, I have a tendency to fall asleep. But I've found a book that had the exact opposite effect on me. In fact, I'd reach for this book to keep me awake. A rarety indeed!The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan is a true story of a mother of 10, Evelyn Ryan, who works to keep her family afloat by winning various product contests. Throughout the 50s and 60s, companies like Paper-Mate or Dr. Pepper would ask consumers to finish a rhyme or describe in 25 words or less why their product was the best. Evelyn had a knack for words and her winnings showed it. This story weaves through the Father's alcohol problem, older brothers making it to the minor leagues, and the family cat raising a hen and a sparrow. And that is just the beginning. It's a tale of strength and humor, patience and fulfillment, positive thinking and reward. Three important things I gleaned from the book:
- Don't ever judge others.
- Don't waste your life being bogged down by what others have done to you. Rise above it and live your life free of their's.
- Positive thinking and a sense of humor do wonders.
If that's not a recipe for happy living, I don't know what is.
4 comments:
I loved how this book was so positive and didn't dwell on the dark side of things (which it easily could have, as I am sure there was plenty of darkness with the father's alcoholism). I loved this book.
This sounds like a great find. And it sounds like Janice liked it too. I'm going to add this to my list of books to read. Thanks for the suggestion.
This sounds awesome. I want to read it. How do you find all the titles you read?
I loved this book! The dad bothered me, but that mom was amazing!
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