Monday, March 5, 2018

Review : Better Than New by Nicole Curtis

Better Than New: Lessons I've Learned from Saving Old Homes (and How They Saved Me) by [Curtis, Nicole]

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher
Artisan 
Release DateOctober 18, 2016
Pages: 224
Source: Own

The Story:

For the first time, Nicole Curtis, the star of the megahit HGTV and DIY Network show Rehab Addict, reveals her private struggles, her personal victories, and the inspiring lessons we can all learn from them.

Nicole Curtis is the tough, soulful, charismatic dynamo who for the past twenty years has worked tirelessly to restore historical houses, often revitalizing neighborhoods in the process. And also, in the process, drawing millions of fans to her television show, Rehab Addict, where they follow each step of the hard work and singular vision that transform the seemingly lost cause of a run-down building into a beautifully restored home. But there is so much more to this self-taught expert and working mom. With hersignature irresistible honesty and energy, Curtis writes about a project that every reader will find compelling: how she rehabbed herself. Better Than New reveals what’s not seen on TV—Curtis’s personal battles and her personal triumphs, her complicated relationships, her life as a single mother, the story of how she got started remodeling houses, and the consuming ins and outs of producing a megahit television show while keeping up with two kids, two rescue dogs, and countless tasks on her home renovation punch lists. Followers of the show will get an inside look at some of her most famous restorations, including the Dollar house, the Minnehaha house, the Campbell Street project, and the Ransom Gillis mansion.

Part inspirational memoir and part self-help guide, Better Than New is a journey ineight chapters—each pinned to the story of a house that Curtis has remodeled, each delivering a hard-fought lesson about life—that takes readers to the place we all want to be: home.
via Amazon

Rating






One-word ReviewINSIGHTFUL


Reading Tune Game of Survival  - Ruelle


Opening Line:

My parents didn't exactly jump for joy when I decided to drive headfirst into adulthood by moving south with my boyfriend right after my high school graduation.

My Review

I have always enjoyed shows the centered on renovation as well as my love for old houses. Years ago, while  Better Than New is genuine, informative and inspiring. An engrossing page turner, I could not put the book down.


While not the most fantastical writing, the story is genuine and perhaps what makes it so compelling.


Reader get an exclusive peek into in the tell-all of Curtis’ life like never before.
Curtis’ voice is that if an old friend telling stories of days past over steaming cups of hot chocolate. While I read the book, I felt as if Curtis was talking directly to me.
Her voice was real, honest. She did not hold back. Not even the embarrassing moments or romantic blunders.

If you are a Rehab Addict addict then you will be obsessed with Better than New.


All in all, Better Than New is fresh, real and insightful. A real treat for fans of Rehab Addict -- or any who desires to behind-the-scenes account. Read Better Than New, you will not be disappointed.

Meet the Author:



Nicole Curtis is the host of the HGTV and DIY Network megahit show Rehab Addict, which has been on the air since 2010. Nicole, a native Michigander, was born and raised in a small town outside Detroit. Nicole has spent more than 20 years working in construction and preserving old homes. She has gone from struggling single mom to host of a hit television show and has inspired people across all ages and demographics to find the courage from within to follow their dreams.


***Check out Nicole Curtis' website for more information about her and Better Than NewHERE

Happy Reading!

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Top Secret Bookish Project!

Hey Bookies!

I know it has been a while, but I have been busy with work and classes. To make up for my hiatus, as of January, I have been working on a Top Secret Bookish Project!


After countless man-hours, and time lost sleeping and reading, I am excited to launch the product sometime during the week of February 12th. Once, I have more definitive date of launch I will be sure to post on the blog, Twitter and Instagram.

As we get closer to launch day and once Phase 3 is completed, I will remove the shroud of mystery from the Bookish Project.

Please keep a look out for the unveiling of the Secret Bookish Project to come.


Secret Bookish Project - Phase 1
           *Research, design development, focus polls

Secret Bookish Project - Phase 2:
           *Purchase materials, finalize designs



Secret Bookish Project - Phase 3:
           *Product production, set up Etsy store

Secret Bookish Project - Phase 4:
           *Launch product




Secret Bookish Project - Phase 5
           *Customer feedback


I would love to hear any of you guys' guesses, please comment them down below!

Happy Reading!

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Spread the Word Sunday #10


Spread the Word Sunday is a meme hosted by The Tattered Page to announce some sort of book related news or cause.

This go around will be my fourth time attending ALA and I am so excited. I am excited about all of the new books and visiting a new state and city. Let's go Denver!



For those who do not know what the American Library Association convention is, I provided some info below:

"With more than 900 exhibiting organizations, multiple pavilions and stages featuring the hottest authors, and numerous related fun events, the exhibit floor is an integral part of your learning, professional development, and networking. The Exhibit Hall offers you the opportunity to explore and discuss with expert vendors the breadth and depth of new and favorite library products, services, books, online services, tools, and technologies.
The ALA Annual Exhibits will be held in McCormick Place, Chicago.

Exhibit Hours
February 9th: Friday Opening Reception on the Exhibit Floor5:30pm - 7:00pm
February 10th: Saturday9:00am - 5:00pm
February 11th: Sunday9:00am - 5:00pm
February 12th: Monday Exhibits Closing Events - Wrap Up / Rev Up Celebration     9:00am - 2:00pm

As I mentioned in my posts, ALA Midwinter 2016 Recap & ALA Annual 2016 RecapALA Conferences are quite similar to BookExpo America. More like a lowkey version of BookExpo America. And I am so grateful to be able to have attended!

If you're a fellow book blogger or someone who loves books and will be attending this year's Annual Conference, look me up!

*For more info, check out the official website for the 
ALA Midwinter 2018 Meeting & Exhibit*

IF you have some free time aside from ALA check out Things to Do in Denver:

St. John's Cathedral

Colorado Ballet



Happy Reading!