Christian Living
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The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters
"Readers will be inspired by Gaines' desire to find strength in self-discovery." -Publishers Weekly
Joanna Gaines invites us on an authentic and vulnerable journey into her story, a story of doubt and belief, shame and acceptance; a journey from insecurity to self-discovery, and finding truth on the other side of lies.
Star of Fixer Upper and New York Times bestselling author, Joanna grew up in a multiracial family, the product of a unique and beautiful love story between her Korean mother and her American father. Experiencing regular teasing as a child because of what made her different, it wasn't until later in life that she started to see those differences as the most beautiful part of her story.
From stories that brought shame and her soul's deepest insecurities to the page to stories about healing and hope and having just a little bit more fun, join Joanna as she journeys through the years of becoming a wife, mother of five, and business owner-looking back to mend what's broken and gain clarity in places that are cloudy so she can look forward with grateful and certain eyes, believing that every chapter has its purpose. The Stories We Tell reminds us that every piece of our story matters to who we are today and who we'll become tomorrow.
"This book is not an autobiography. I still have too much to learn and discover about myself, and I feel as though I am only halfway there. This book also is not a how-to, because I certainly don't have all the answers. What I hope this book is for you is an invitation to come as you are. To join me, with a vulnerable and open heart, as we connect the chapters of our life stories, and figure out where we go next, learning to move forward from within.
The only way to break free was to rewrite my story. Because something would happen every time my pen stopped: it was like my soul was coming back to my body. Like the deepest parts of me that got knocked around and drowned out by all the crap I let the world convince me about who I was came back to the surface. And what was left was only what was real and true. I was, finally, standing in the fullness of my story. I felt hopeful. I felt full. Our story may crack us open, but it also pieces us back together. I'm grateful to have found truth on the other side of lies. Vulnerability on the other side of fear. Empathy on the other side of pain. This is how I know that every season has a purpose, and that holding, even when it leads to letting go, is what clues us into the bigger story being told."
-Joanna Gaines
Joanna Gaines invites us on an authentic and vulnerable journey into her story, a story of doubt and belief, shame and acceptance; a journey from insecurity to self-discovery, and finding truth on the other side of lies.
Star of Fixer Upper and New York Times bestselling author, Joanna grew up in a multiracial family, the product of a unique and beautiful love story between her Korean mother and her American father. Experiencing regular teasing as a child because of what made her different, it wasn't until later in life that she started to see those differences as the most beautiful part of her story.
From stories that brought shame and her soul's deepest insecurities to the page to stories about healing and hope and having just a little bit more fun, join Joanna as she journeys through the years of becoming a wife, mother of five, and business owner-looking back to mend what's broken and gain clarity in places that are cloudy so she can look forward with grateful and certain eyes, believing that every chapter has its purpose. The Stories We Tell reminds us that every piece of our story matters to who we are today and who we'll become tomorrow.
"This book is not an autobiography. I still have too much to learn and discover about myself, and I feel as though I am only halfway there. This book also is not a how-to, because I certainly don't have all the answers. What I hope this book is for you is an invitation to come as you are. To join me, with a vulnerable and open heart, as we connect the chapters of our life stories, and figure out where we go next, learning to move forward from within.
The only way to break free was to rewrite my story. Because something would happen every time my pen stopped: it was like my soul was coming back to my body. Like the deepest parts of me that got knocked around and drowned out by all the crap I let the world convince me about who I was came back to the surface. And what was left was only what was real and true. I was, finally, standing in the fullness of my story. I felt hopeful. I felt full. Our story may crack us open, but it also pieces us back together. I'm grateful to have found truth on the other side of lies. Vulnerability on the other side of fear. Empathy on the other side of pain. This is how I know that every season has a purpose, and that holding, even when it leads to letting go, is what clues us into the bigger story being told."
-Joanna Gaines
Editorial Reviews
'An earnest testament to the healing power of writing.' -- Kirkus Reviews
'Readers will be inspired by Gaines's desire to find strength in self-discovery.' -- Publishers Weekly
'Readers will be inspired by Gaines's desire to find strength in self-discovery.' -- Publishers Weekly
Readers Top Reviews
Chad Watkins
A look into Joanna's earlier years and the stories she told herself in later years. Reevaluating those stories and asking if they are true. A deeper dive into Joanna's journey and what drives her both then and now. Things she has held onto in the past and holds onto now. The journey includes importance of things in her life as her kids grew up and enjoying the moments with them. Being intentional with time. One of my biggest take always from the book is continuously asking myself the same questions she asked herself. Digging deeper. Learning about yourself and asking the question, "Why". The book has already started multiple conversations with my wife and I and our business. I suppose we all get something different from a book.
J.KDawn
I made quick work of this book. I was a follower of the Gaines from 2012 until 2018. When they went to streaming I gave up since I refuse to pay for shows I’ve already paid. Gaines’ book is about reflection on self improvement. She uses the word intentional quite a bit. Her writing is like her: purposive, straight forward, and inspiring. She interspersed a few stories within the reflections, but I was hoping for more of her stories. I think she has learned to slow down and enjoy the ride instead if rushing to the next thing. I did miss out on portions of sentences due to the publisher’s notification on every page, a sentence would become fragmented and I had no idea what the next line was.
RF
The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters by Joanna Gaines is a great memoir that gives us a deeper look into the mind and life if a truly inspiring woman. I have been a fan of Joanna Gaines for quite some time. I was super excited to jump at the chance to read more about her life, thoughts, past, and experiences. In this memoir, we are able to get more insight into what Joanna has felt, experienced, and her outlook and determination through the ups and downs she has been handed throughout her life. Some moments were lighter than others, and while I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a few more of the “deeper” moments would have been welcomed. Still a great read for any fan of Joanna and her family. 4/5 stars
Michelle Herzing
If you are looking for more cute Chip and Joanna stories, this is not the book for you. If, however, you are looking for deep reflection on Joanna's life, what makes her tick, and how she works to overcome insecurities, you are going to love this book. I struggle with placing The Stories We Tell in the genre of memoir, as it includes only a few stories from Joanna's life, and is comprised mostly of her inner dialogue as she has worked through emotional pain from childhood bullying and the lifelong self-doubt it inspired. The professional persona Joanna Gaines presents to the world as a coping mechanism is contrasted with the person she is in her innermost thoughts and dreams. The result is an easy-reading, almost conversational, look into the emotional growth of a woman who has lived the larger part of the last decade in the spotlight. Once I got over my expectations for this book, I enjoyed reading, and will likely reread in the future for personal inspiration and self-growth. Overall, I grew to respect Joanna Gaines more as a flawed, yet inspirational human. Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Select for the digital ARC of The Stories We Tell. The opinions in this review are my own.
Kimberly D. LoiselHE
Not very substantive. If you're younger it's good advice.
