Spring 2021 Book Review

Dang what a busy few months this has been. I had full intentions of reading tons of books each month and updating y’all on all the great reads I was consuming, but life has gotten in the way of that. You know how it goes when life happens and throws you off course. We have been in a whirlwind this past few months with the farmhouse renovations, new animals, and the start of tee ball for the boys that I barely had time to breathe much less read. The few books that I did “read” were all through audible on my way to work. While there were not many, they were all inspirational and entertaining. I hope you find something here you like!

The Way Home

What’s It About?

“The Way Home: Tales of a Life Without Technology” was such an interesting and inspiring read. It is sometimes hard to imagine life without technology because it is so engrained in everything we do. Mark Boyle brings to life his journey as he cuts off ties with technology to lead a simpler more fulfilling life on a small homestead in Ireland. He lives a life with no running water, no car, and for a short time no money! It calls attention to the dependency we as a society have placed on technology while we sacrifice our understanding and ties to nature.

Why I loved it

I enjoyed this book so much and found myself planning ways to reduce my screen time and become more self sufficient. Mark verbalizes and brings to life the thoughts that many of us have that life would be much simpler without technology. What is even more interesting to me is that he still managed to stay connected to those that were important to him, write books that were published without the aid of computers and instant connection, and live a life that is simple regardless of his previous exposure to technology. This book really made me take a hard look at my relationships with friends and family as well as Mother Nature herself. I found myself inspired to do more to become a better steward to the environment through our homestead.

No Pain No Gaines

What’s It About?

This is not your traditional how to book on building a network. This book focuses on appreciating your network and how that network supports you in all things. It speaks to how sometimes people come in and out of our lives with reason and purpose. Chip Gaines talks about his unique networking experiences since childhood. This guy is a connector !( If you don’t know what a connector is, check out Vanessa Van Edward’s book “Captivate”. You can read more about it here.). He is courageous in his connections and connects without judgement or preconceived notions of what a person can do for him. He connects for the sake of connection, which is a beautiful thing.

Why I loved it

This book was so inspiring to me and made me love Chip and Joanna Gaines even more (as if that was possible!). Chip walks through how people have helped to lift him up even when times were tough for him and his family. He does not network with people to further himself, instead he networks with people for the joy of connecting with people on a human level regardless of where they are in life. He tells meaningful stories that will surely pull at your heart strings. If you are looking for an inspirational, lift you up, kick you in the seat of your pants kind of book you should check out “No Pain, No Gaines”.

The Magnolia Story

What’s It About

Another Chip and Joanna Gaines story, because after “No Pain, No Gaines” I had to learn more. This book shows you the behind the scenes take on Chip and Joanna Gaines and how Magnolia came to be. It walks you through their tough early days being entrepreneurs and the failures they faced. This book shows the power of never quitting; always being willing to listen to the calling in your heart even if it is scary and you aren’t sure how you are going to accomplish it. From how they met to their own show and network, this couple isn’t the traditional powerhouse couple, but there is something powerful about their bond and their journey.

Why I loved it

I will just be honest with ya’ll, I am a sucker for Chip and Joanna Gaines. If I could be best friends with Joanna I totally would pack up and move to Waco. I love the spirit she has. I am not one for celebrity “crushes” (Justin Timberlake in N’sync doesn’t count, I was 12 people!), but there is something about the authentic nature of these two that I am drawn to. However a move to Waco to seek out their friendship anytime soon is likely out of the questions for my husband haha. We enjoy our little Hackett Hill Farm life right now.

But seriously, regardless of who this book would have been about, the dialog and realness that these two share is truly moving and inspiring. I found myself thinking “what could I do if fear wasn’t a factor” and the answer is anything I wanted. I could start that bed and breakfast that I have wanted since I was a little girl. I could create a space for couples and families to retreat to in order to get some time to reconnect with each other and nature. The possibilities are endless, and they are endless for you too. You can check out the book here!

Wrap Up

There were a few other books that I read or started reading that didn’t make the list this time around as I found them not entertaining at all. I am continuing to plug away at The Lord of the Rings books, but it has been slow going as I am very easily distracted at the moment with other books. Another great place to get some reading inspiration is from my girl on Instagram the SippingBookworm. She reads some great books and reviews them right on Instagram so you know what you are getting into. Ask her about her wine of choice as well too!

Let me know what you are reading this month in the comments below!

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