The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio

A few years ago, a friend gave me this book for my birthday. "This is one of those encouraging books that just help keep you going," she said.

And she was right. The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio: How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words or Less is truly a prize. So good, I just re-read it recently (by listening to my library's audio book, read by the author).

It is the true story, set in the 1950's and 60's, of a plucky, positive lady who, despite the obstacles of a large family and a husband who drinks up his salary, provides for her family in a most unusual way--by "contesting," or writing jingles, slogans and poems to advertise products, like the famous Burma Shave signs. This woman had a way with words (as well as twelve family members' names to use on different entries, increasing her odds). But it's still hard to believe, as the story unfolds, how many appliances, miscellany, cars and cash she won, sometimes at such opportune times that it seems likely that her Catholic faith was another factor in her favor.

It's also the story of a difficult marriage, in an era when women and children had few options, even when they were in danger of bodily harm. Despite her husband's unpredictable moods and paychecks, they have a cordial marriage and somehow manage to raise ten children in an intact family--no small feat even in ideal conditions--and most of those children go on to lasting marriages and impressive careers. This testimony renews one's faith in marriage--even imperfect marriage--and by comparison, most of us will realize we have little to complain about!

And that's the encouraging thing about this story. You can't help but feel, "If that woman could do what she did, then surely I can manage the small challenges in my marriage, in my budget, in my children, and in my house. How can I muster up that same kind of creativity, hope and positive thinking in my situation?"

As a Christian, I can't help but think that God helped this faithful woman to raise and provide for the children He gave her, even when their earthly father did not. The author only implies, at the very end, that God had anything to do with it--but that ending is well worth reading all the way to the end for, when the enormity of their mother's sacrifice becomes known to her children.

All in all--an unmistakable winner.

***

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I noticed that there are plenty of used copies available through Amazon, some for as little as a penny plus shipping and handling. (Please consider entering through the portal in my sidebar.)


Also, has anyone seen the movie? I just discovered there was one made in 2005. Is it good?