MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

In No Pain, No Gaines by Chip Gaines, Chip is trying to explain how to find lasting relationships and how to better connect with people. He is striving with this book to open your eyes to the following:

be awake to life, not asleep at the wheelfind the risks worth takingvalue what you bring to the tableresist the status quolook outside yourself and your circle and foster connections with othersget comfortable with being uncomfortably kind

These are not things that are easily accomplished, it takes work.

Part of this book was just OK for me. I found it difficult to connect with what Gaines was trying to say. Was he trying to brag on himself or was he really concerned about the people who would read his book? I can see this book helping the right people, and really, there is something here for everyone. I did learn a lot reading this book, I just kinda skipped over thr parts that wasn’t for me. So yeah, if this is something you have been looking for, hoping for, then I say get this book and read it! And enjoy it!

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

I'm a huge fan of Fixer Upper and "all things Magnolia", and I've always admired the creative talents of Joanna Gaines. Now, after reading this book, I have a greater respect for her husband, Chip Gaines. Behind his friendly and humorous nature, there lurks an astute businessman, and Gaines graciously shares what he's learned over the years. He talks about his failures and successes, and he's quick to point out the value of working hard and establishing a good network of friends and associates. They will support you, encourage you, and keep you accountable.

It's apparent that Chip and Joanna Gaines are people of faith, but I consider No Pain, No Gaines to be more of a "part memoir, part how-to" manual. If you're needing inspiration and motivation, your search is over, because Chip Gaines has a lot to share! His writing style is easy and entertaining, and reading this book is almost like being in a conversation with him!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via FrontGate Media. These are my own thoughts. ( )

When I first became aware of No Pain, No Gaines I was curious as to what type of book it was. After reading it, I know, it’s a GREAT book!

I am a little familiar with the Gaines from having watched a couple of their Fixer Upper shows but didn’t really know much about them. Reading No Pain, No Gaines, I got a small peek into their hectic, slightly frenetic lives.

Chip Gaines writes his book in a style that makes you feel as if you’re sitting at the dinner table sharing dessert and coffee while exchanging stories of what shaped your life. Just when you think there must be more, or want to ask a question, he fills in the blanks.

The book doesn’t have a Christian focus, though there are several references to his faith. However, the type of “network” he creates and the lessons he espouses are ones we could all do well to emulate.

Chip is a gregarious, charismatic person whose learning style might not be the same as yours, but you are sure to learn a lot through reading his book. I would suggest it for anyone of any age, whether they are looking for a change in their life or they are just starting out.

Disclaimer: There are several uses of mild slang words instead of stronger curse words, and a couple of uses of the word hell.

I received No Pain, No Gaines: The Good Stuff Doesn't Come Easy through FrontGate Media. All opinions are my own.

(I love the play on words in the title!) ( )

One the shows that put HGTV on the map is Fixer Upper starring the husband and wife team of Chip and Joanna Gaines, owners of Magnolia in Waco, Texas. Chip handles the demolition and remodeling of a house and Joanna does the creative and design of the home.

Chip is known as a goofy, funny, hardworking guy and he shares his philosophy of life and the things he has learned along the way in No Pain, No Gaines. Not the best student growing up, Chip found more value on hands-on, physical work.

He was a hard worker, a go-getter, even as a child, when he sold snacks at the local public tennis courts. In college, while others were having a good time, Chip had a lawn mowing business and earning nearly $30,000 annually. Sales always interested him, and he even had a stint selling books door to door.

When it became apparent that his career as a baseball player wasn't going to happen, Chip had to pivot. He was devastated at getting cut from the Baylor University baseball team, but meeting a guy who lost an eye in high school, and then had an aneurysm that led to brain surgery in college, woke Chip up.

Chip learned to "see the life in front of" him. He began to pay attention to life as it was happening around him, "ready to shift gears whenever necessary."

He also discovered the importance of having a network of people around him, people who will support and cheer you on. He gives his family- parents and sister, his in-laws- an opportunity to share their insights into and anecdotes about Chip that are so enlightening.

According to Chip, one of the most important things in understanding who you are involves making a list of Nonnegotiables, "a list of qualities that are an unwavering part of who you are", your core values. When your actions don't line up with your nonnegotionables, you become unmoored.

Gaines believes in taking chances, and listening to your gut. He says you also have to be willing to fail; as successful as he and Joanna are with their media empire (a TV network, retail store, restaurant, magazine, decor line at Target, etc.), they came close to declaring bankruptcy at one point.

I'm not someone who watched Fixer Upper, but I have to say that I found much to like in No Pain, No Gaines. I'm also not someone who reads a lot of self-help or business advice books, but much of Gaines' advice and experiences he shares are interesting, useful, and thought-provoking. It's written in an easy, conversational voice, and if you are a Chip and Joanna Gaines fan, you'll get even more out of this book. ( )