The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

In Bismarck, there are little library boxes around certain neighborhoods where people give books away. I picked up this book from the box right near Legacy High School. It was brand new, and seemingly unread. I have caught a couple of episodes of this couple's HGTV show, so I thought it might be an interesting, light read. It was!

This young, hard-working couple chronicles their rise to fame in the reality TV genre where they flip and decorate homes. They've gone on to all sorts of other branding and projects, and the end of this book hints on a future direction of helping other cities (like their Waco) become focused on local craftsmen and talent to revitalize whole areas of housing. It's a cool idea!

I liked how both Chip and Joanna contributed to each chapter and gave their points of view about the experiences that led to their current success. They have a great work ethic, faith in God and His direction to them, and a solid commitment to raising their four children. It was a light, enjoyable read. They seem like good folks who love to contribute to the good in the world. I gave it to Sierra, and I bet she will enjoy it too. She told me our good friend Jordan Mayfield is their lawyer! Interesting connection, for sure!

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

I was visiting Sierra one time, and her friend Ann Mines Bailey came to visit. I really like Ann, so I asked her what she had been reading. I figured what she liked, I would like. She told me she absolutely LOVED this book Wild, by Cheryl Strayed. So I ordered it.

At first, I was disappointed. The beginning of this story is so depressing. This woman has lost her moorings...although it wasn't clear that she really had any. Her close relationship with her mother was beautifully described, but her behavior after her mother's death was not something I could remotely relate to. Heroin? Really? That's when I began to think that this woman was such a disappointment that I almost gave up on her story. But I hung in there, and began to watch her learn from her mistakes and her choices.

The story of her feet, her boots, the people she meets on the trail are all captivating. I LOVE hiking, and I was enthralled by the thought of her solo attempt to take on part of the Pacific Coast Trail. I am sure I am too "citified" to take on a solo through-hike, so it was really wonderful to be able to experience it through this author's story. I enjoyed watching her mature as she faced challenge after challenge with courage and grit. It was also a sweet trip down memory lane...about what it was like to be comfortable with having no money at all, and making your pennies last to the next destination. It reminded me of my two years of living in Germany when I was young and adventurous. I enjoyed relating to that part of the story especially. Also, re-living the camaraderie that develops among fellow travelers was fun for me. So much learning happens when you travel solo! Occasionally I get snippets of that now, and I always come away grateful that I had the guts to put myself "out there."

See also September 2023 when I reread this!