elsiebrady's review against another edition
3.0
I give it a 3.5. It was nice light reading and very funny. Still along the lines of my poverty reading of late but I loved how the family dealt with their situation. Very inspiring:)
utdawson's review against another edition
4.0
A quick read full of optimism and hope on how one woman was able to overcome great odds while never over-looking the silver lining. Great read!
inthecommonhours's review against another edition
3.0
My mom, who has nine kids of her own and a way with words, gave me this book---and I coulnd't help thinking she wishes one of us would write as loving a tribute. (Though we had an ideal dad so the drama would be lacking).
Amazing story of her strength and the very different culture women faced at that time.
Amazing story of her strength and the very different culture women faced at that time.
alissabar's review against another edition
3.0
This woman was amazing! She raised 10 kids, put up with an alcoholic husband, won tons of contests which helped her make ends meet, and kept an upbeat, postive attitude through most of it. I had no idea that there was such a science to "contesting".
kdferrin's review against another edition
4.0
A good story of survival but I must admit I didn't get a lot of the jingles
koalachick's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a fast and fun read. It was interesting to see this era through the eyes of a child. This mother was an amazing woman who did what she needed to provide for her family.
iamshadow's review against another edition
5.0
I picked up this book on an impulse at the library, and I am so glad that I did. This is a beautiful, warm snapshot of the pre-feminist era in America, and what that could mean for women and their children in less than ideal circumstances. The Ryan family numbered twelve. The husband and 'breadwinner' was a sometimes-violent alcoholic, drinking his pay away, and the family was constantly on the edge of starvation and eviction. How did they stay afloat? Evelyn, Terry's mother, entered every contest out there. Jingles, 25 words or less, all composed at the ironing board or kitchen table. Whenever things looked too grim and overwhelming, a win would come in right when they needed it. This book manages the tricky task of being heart-warming without being saccharine, touching without being melodramatic. A must read - it will stay with you.
elusivesue's review against another edition
5.0
Watched the movie for this one first, and thought it was so well done that I'd have to read the book. The movie was closely matched to the book, which was a pleasant change from all of the movies where a lot of stuff gets thrown in to make the movie more exciting. The book has extra vignettes, though, that make reading it worthwhile, and Tuff Ryan's writing makes you feel like you were listening to her tell the stories of her mother while sitting around the living room. Sad that Terry is no longer with us, but very very grateful that she shared the marvelous story of her mom.