Better Than New: Lessons I've Learned from Saving Old Homes (and How They Saved Me)

This is a very good quality book. The pages are sturdy, it is very colorful and easy to read. The book is in first person which I was hoping for. I tried to cancel this order after I heard about the author's most recent "oops". I was not able to do so in time and I am glad I was unable to cancel. Within the first few pages I was reminded of both my own humanity, as well as hers. She ihas been my favorite person to watch and learn from and it was difficult to cope with her racial slur, but, the book reminded me of her ability to learn from her mistakes and also reminded me that without forgivness, the learning opportunity becomes irrelevent. I thought of my own mistakes as I read about her ealy mistakes and pondered her newest one. Our lives really are like old houses. They may need repairs, gutted out, and a fresh coat of ideas over time, but, with a lot of TLC, they can be made beautiful again. This book was able, in the first chapter, to restore my own forgivness, patiance, and understanding for my favorite fallen star, and for my own mishaps that I would hope I could be forgiven for as I learn and grow from them. I do believe we have something to learn from old houses, our mistakes, this book, and this Author. 5 stars

I bought this book for my mother since we were binge watching Nicole Curtis's shows. She really enjoyed it and so did I. It's fun and gives you some interesting background to some of her shows.

Review courtesy of TheTatteredPage.com *Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk. One-word Review: INSIGHTFUL Reading Tune: Game of Survival - Ruelle Opening Line: My parents didn't exactly jump for joy when I decided to drive headfirst into adulthood by moving south with my boyfriend right after my high school graduation. My Review: First off, I have always enjoyed shows the centered on home renovation. Years ago, I saw Nicole's Rehab Addict, a show that incorporated my love for old house and home renovation and it was headed by a woman! I always wanted to go into revonation real estate and as a woman, seeing Nicole conquer it head on, I was immediately hooked. Better Than New was jsut as captivating as Rehab Addict, as it is informative and inspiring. An engrossing page turner, I could not put the book down. While not the most fantastical writing, the story felt genuine and that perhaps is what makes it so compelling. I was drawn into the story. The writing wasn't flowery or beat-arond-the-bush, instead it was direct and spoke to you on a personal level - as if Nicole was right there having a conversation with you. Readers got an exclusive peek into in the tell-all of Curtis’ life like never before. Curtis’ voice is that if an old friend telling stories of days past over steaming cups of hot chocolate. While I read the book, as aforementioned, I felt as if Curtis was talking directly to me. Her voice felt real, honest. She did not hold back. Not even the embarrassing moments or romantic blunders. We learned more about her post-Rehab Addict life, about her son and his father, about her struggles as a single-mom trying to find her way. How she turned her love for old house into a passionate career, how she landed the Rehab Addict television contract, her hopes and dreams and the not so made-for-tv blemishes. Coming from the standpoint of wanting to go into renovation real estate as well, I do wish there were more tips and tricks and facts about how Nicole went about renovation her houses. But, I realize purpose of Better Than New was to be an autobiography. Having said that, I do hope she would publish a work that included said desires. All in all, Better Than New is fresh, real and insightful. A treat for fans of Rehab Addict -- or any who desires to behind-the-scenes account. If you are a Rehab Addict addict then you will be obsessed with Better Than New. Read Better Than New, you will not be disappointed. Happy Reading!

If you love Nicole, Michigan, Minnesota, old houses, integrity, passion, families, unapologetic straight talk from an inspiring, strong woman, you'll love this book. I bought a new copy, rare for this lover of used books, because I knew I'd want to keep it in my collection. I am from Michigan, love Detroit, and hugely respect anyone willing to defend it and work to rebuild its pride, so I fell in love with Rehab Addict and Nicole from first view. She's effortlessly beautiful so you want to hate her but she's not afraid to let you see her without her hair and makeup done because she's proud of the muscle, sweat, dark circles, and exhaustion that comes from seeking her passion with everything she's got and encouraging you to do the same. She is not afraid to admit mistakes, and this book is all about what she's learned from them. But it's also a book of encouragement to all of us, and a reminder to treasure the old and once loved. When you finish this book you will feel like you are one of Nicole's many friends. Great photos and resources throughout. Can't wait to get back to Detroit and look up some of those markets Nicole has introduced us to. #homesick

A very good buy for I good book I might not have bought otherwise

I have only watched a season of Rehab Addict. I like the show and Nicole. This book felt rushed and all over the place. I would have liked to know more of her thought process and planning process with each house she takes on, I feel she flies by the seat of her pants but not everyone's path to success looks the same. She's a fellow Michigander and I share her interests in house renovations and historic preservation, but I feel the book only barley touched the surface of her life and how she came to her success.

I loved getting to be filled in on so much of the personal and behind the scenes details after enjoying watching the show and following Nicole on social media for a long time! Everything was very much in her 'voice', it felt almost like you were having a conversation with her over dinner and a glass of wine, super friendly and down to earth, just like she always seems to be! It took a lot of vulnerability for her to allow such personal information to be put out there for scrutiny. People will judge. Let them. "Live your own normal" All the personal photos sprinkled throughout the book make it even more genuine. It is very much a companion book, it goes best with being somewhat familiar with show episodes. Kind of makes me want to go back and re watch all the seasons with this additional information. Dollar House was always my favorite until she re bought her family home!! I am really looking forward to see what the next 'chapter' of life will bring to Nicole Curtis. Whether she will continue with the show or take a different direction I will enjoy following her career and cheer on her preservation efforts! If she writes more books I will read them!!

This book is a great,fast read that delves into the author's life and helps you understand her methods and drive. I m a fan of Rehab Addict and share the same ideas about older homes,but this was much more. So glad I read this book and recommend to any one who wonders if their dreams can be achieved. With hard work and being kind anything is possible!