[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Select for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Stories We Tell releases November 8, 2022

“Our story may crack us open, but it also pieces us back together.”

I am unable to give a full review at this time because the digital arc I received was unfortunately incomplete due to every second page having sentences cut off from the copyright tag.
However, what I was able to read, I did enjoy.

This is more of a generalized self-reflection/inspirational piece rather than an autobiography/memoir. While good, I did hope to connect with or gain further insight from Joanna on a deeper or more vulnerable level.

I liked the idea that everyone has a unique story to tell that should be embraced. What is life, if not told through stories? Of ourselves, or just simple occurrences.
How valuable is your story?
“And isn’t almost every story a connection of cause and effect?”

Towards the beginning there were deep rooted feelings connected to Joanna’s identity of growing up mixed-race that I could relate to. I would have liked even more connection to this or additional parallels scattered throughout the rest of the book.
“The lies I told out loud, though, weren’t as harmful as the lies I was letting take root in my heart—that the person I was made to be wasn’t good enough, that I’d have to learn to push aside the part of my family’s history that didn’t seem like it fit into the corner of the world I lived in.”

I hope to revisit and reread this at a later date after publication to have the full reading experience!

“I believe that at our core, we are all more similar than we think. That we all long to be seen. Plainly. And loved just as we are. We long to be known more intimately than we sometimes let ourselves show.”

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

Thank you Harper Select for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/8/22.

A beautiful story by a beautiful woman who writes in such a breathtaking way. This was a great reminder of your value.

I always loved the fixer upper shower so this book was fun and interesting. Joanna gaines to me always has been a hard worker and I think she sets a good example for even al of the little girls out there if you work hard your dreams do come true this nokn was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review.

The Stories We Tell by Joanna Gaines is an inspiring memoir in which the author shares her personal journey in an honest and vulnerable way. The takeaway here, I think, is Joanna's encouragement that, first and foremost, we need to be good stewards of our own stories. This is hers, and there is much to be learned from an intimate look behind the curtain of the public persona.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Select for an ARC.

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.

I binge read this tonight! It's a good memoir by Joanna Gaines. It really helps the reader to know her, see her for who she is and to know that she also has her own struggles and that she isn't some perfect TV icon. Definitely a great and inspiring work!