The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio "How my mother raised 10 kids on 25 words or less." by Terry Ryan

I first published this review on February 24, 2010

Biography and Autobiography

     Terry Ryan is the sixth of Evelyn Ryan's ten children. Her book tells the story of her mom making ends meet in a household of 6 sons, 4 daughters, an alcoholic - sometimes violent husband. This was in the 50's and 60's when women were often made to feel powerless. Evelyn changed that attitude in her home by overcoming the "bad" with determination and a great outlook.  The book has inspired a major motion picture in 2005 with Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson. 

     Ryan presents to us a mother that has an incredible gift for writing - she uses her talent with wit and humor to write jingles, poems, and compositions - and she wins  prizes with her writings - More importantly she teaches her children that miracles are an everyday occurrence.

                        I've put one of her poems in my book of quotes:

"Every time I pass the church

I stop and make a visit

So when I'm carried in feet first

God won't say 'Who is it?'"

     This is a fun book to read. The true life story isn't always a pretty story, but Evelyn Ryan's look at life makes the book enjoyable. At the back of the book Ryan lists each of Evelyn's children and what they are doing now.  Evelyn Ryan left a legacy of fun, hope, success - more than she would ever have imagined.

A wonderful example of what one woman accomplished before  they  were "allowed" to accomplish anything. 
                  

                                                       

    When Playtex sponsored a contest, Evelyn sent these in:

The fashion model's slim and sleek points

coincide with all my weak points.

 Playtex ignored the poem so she sent another:

Growing old gracefully's
Less of a hurdle
Since science perfected
The three-way stretch girdle.

I highly recommend this book.