Monday, December 12, 2016

Review - The Magnolia Story


The Magnolia Story
by Chip and Joanna Gaines
with Mark Dagostino



Publisher: W Publishing Group
Pub. Date: October 18, 2016
Retail: $26.99
ISBN: 978-0718079185
Pages: 208



Where to Purchase:



About the Title:

Are you ready to see your fixer upper?

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people?What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

They both attended Baylor University in Waco. However, their paths did not cross until Chip checked his car into the local Firestone tire shop where Joanna worked behind the counter. Even back then Chip was a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, ran a lawn care company, sold fireworks, and flipped houses. Soon they were married and living in their first fixer upper. Four children and countless renovations later, Joanna garners the attention of a television producer who notices her work on a blog one day.


Billy's Thoughts: While setting up the last few days of my Holiday Gift Guide, I had one open slot (or day) left, so I decided to review the recently released non-fiction title "The Magnolia Story" by Chip and Joanna Gaines (with Mark Dagostino), aka the husband and wife duo from the hit series Fixer Upper.

Yes, I'm sure almost everyone who has access to the HGTV cable channel has at least seen one episode of Fixer Upper, which is currently aired in marathons every Tuesday. Similar to many other shows that air on the channel, it's strictly a real estate series, where the Gaines will show a buyer or buyers three potential homes around Waco, Texas. After a house is chosen, the Gaines will either repair or renovation it.

While I typically try to avoid reality TV, I do occasionally watch an episode of the series, which is the only reason why I became interested in reading their book.

No, it's not a book about flipping houses  Instead it's more of an autobiography focusing on the couple's marriage, their family, and on how they got their own reality series flipping houses. The narration is mostly from Joanna's point-of-view, though there are a few paragraphs in each chapter from Chip's point-of-view.

Overall, The Magnolia Story is a fact-paced, nicely written, little book (it's only around 200 pages) that I enjoyed reading.



*I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.


No comments:

Post a Comment

I adore reading reader feedback! I will, however, remove all spam and pointless comments.

Please take note that I have the right to delete comments from this site. Please only post constructive and respectful feedback.