Capital Gaines

I will preface my review by saying that my only exposure to Chip and Joanna Gaines, other than mentions all over social media, is seeing snippets of Fixer Upper in waiting rooms and Joanna's cookbook. I haven't read Joanna's book, I'm not a big fan of the show, and although I went to Baylor, I haven't been back to Waco since Magnolia Market opened.

To me, this book is like sitting down and having lunch with Chip Gaines. He talks in plain language about where he's come from and what he's done, and what he hopes yet to do. I see from reviews that some people were put off by the writing style, but I rather liked it. It's kind of refreshing to read a self-help/inspirational book that reads like someone would talk if you were sitting next to them.

I like that he talks openly about his love for his wife, how they play to each other's strengths, and how he brings his faith in God into the book. It was also interesting to see that he didn't downplay the times when he fell on his face. We all make mistakes, and it's okay to talk about them. People can, indeed, learn from them. It does sound like it's a good thing that Joanna balances out his jumping-into-things-headfirst tendencies, though. And I went to Baylor and lived there during some of the black-eye moments Gaines mentions. I do love Waco, and it's good to see them helping to build the city up.

I'm not a full-throttle-all-day-long go-getter, myself, so I can't ever see doing some of the things Gaines talks about in his book. It is a good reminder, though, to believe in myself and to keep my priorities in line even while pursuing my dreams (in my own, considerably quieter fashion).

Is it the best book I've ever read? No. Am I glad I took the time to read it? Yes.