Like other housewives in the 1950s and 1960s, Evelyn Ryan, was a talented “contester.” There was a uniqueness to Evelyn, though. For one thing this mother of ten used her winnings to help raise her family, often barely squeaking by at just the right moment. Told through the eyes of her sixth child, daughter Terry (Tuff) Ryan, this is a heartwarming tribute to Evelyn’s wit, talent, strength, and amazing attitude. Once, her alcoholic husband even accused Evelyn of just being “too happy.”

anyone who likes uplifting memoirs, and especially those set in the days of the “contest era.”

the good natured, compelling style. Terry did a great job introducing us to her mother and her family.

read more. I didn’t realize how absorbed I was until I knew I was finished. Then I had that sad, yet satisfied, feeling I get when I finish a good book.

feel like I have a lot to learn from Evelyn Ryan. Her unsinkable attitude about life is something I can only strive for.

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Created May 01, 2007 at 1:45pm • Submit your own review...