The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio by Terry Ryan, is a delightful look into the Ryan family during the 1950s and 1960s. Mr. and Mrs. Ryan had a full house with 10 children and lived in a very small income. To supplement her husband's modest salary, Mrs. Ryan made a career of entering all kinds of contests, winning everything from $1.00 to a new dryer to a shopping spree at the local grocery store.
In addition to detailing the various contests her mother won, the author gives us an insight into their family life, which wasn't always so rosy. Her anecdotes are endearing and heart warming, and I have found it difficult to put the book down. I highly recommend this one!
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Book review: Happy Birthday Kit! (from the American Girl series)
"American Girl? Aren't those dolls like a hundred dollars a piece? Why would Michelle being talking about those on a website for free stuff? Is she crazy??"
Answer: Yes, I am actually crazy. But that's not important right now. We're talking about a book, not my mental health, right?
If you are looking for an entertaining story that incorporates a wholesome message along with lots of great frugal tips for living, Happy Birthday Kit! is your book. One of many books in the American Girl series, this will appeal to young girls and women alike. I read it to my six year old twin daughters and I think I enjoyed it just as much as they did!
Kit, who is a 10 year old girl living during the 1930's, learns a lot about frugal living from her Aunt Millie, who comes to stay with Kit's family for an extended visit. At times Kit is embarrassed by her aunt's flagrant frugalness, but in the end she learns about living simply doesn't have to be a burden.
Here are some of the things I learned in the book:
* Collect dandelion greens from your yard while the dew is still fresh and have a free salad (don't do this if you put chemical fertilizer on your lawn!)
* When your bedsheets wear out in the middle, cut them in half down the middle (where the worn part is). Then sew the outside edges together. Good as new!
* You can remove the collar and cuffs from a shirt and sew them back on reversed to hide the wear.
* Go to the bakery right before they close and they will sell you the day's remaining goods at a reduced price.
You can find the book for FREE at the library. As soon as I return it, that is. :-)
Answer: Yes, I am actually crazy. But that's not important right now. We're talking about a book, not my mental health, right?
If you are looking for an entertaining story that incorporates a wholesome message along with lots of great frugal tips for living, Happy Birthday Kit! is your book. One of many books in the American Girl series, this will appeal to young girls and women alike. I read it to my six year old twin daughters and I think I enjoyed it just as much as they did!
Kit, who is a 10 year old girl living during the 1930's, learns a lot about frugal living from her Aunt Millie, who comes to stay with Kit's family for an extended visit. At times Kit is embarrassed by her aunt's flagrant frugalness, but in the end she learns about living simply doesn't have to be a burden.
Here are some of the things I learned in the book:
* Collect dandelion greens from your yard while the dew is still fresh and have a free salad (don't do this if you put chemical fertilizer on your lawn!)
* When your bedsheets wear out in the middle, cut them in half down the middle (where the worn part is). Then sew the outside edges together. Good as new!
* You can remove the collar and cuffs from a shirt and sew them back on reversed to hide the wear.
* Go to the bakery right before they close and they will sell you the day's remaining goods at a reduced price.
You can find the book for FREE at the library. As soon as I return it, that is. :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)