The Stories We Tell: Every Piece of Your Story Matters (2022, 256 pages) by Joanna Gaines.  Joanna writes at the beginning that this is not an autobiography and it’s not a self-help book. It also isn’t even a memoir. So, what is it? The book is clearly a catharsis for the author. She starts it off by saying “In this season in writing down my story, I am reminded that I am stronger than any anchor. Maybe not the weight mass of steel itself, but now I have the tools to cut myself loose if I want to.” (162) Gaines hasn’t forgotten where she comes from, she shares memories of her childhood, motherhood, marriage, and business that have shaped her journey to finding her purpose. Deciding she was willing to trade fame for a life that encompassed her family and allowed her to focus on the little things (which, spoiler alert, are actually the big things) made a huge difference for her. This was like reading Joanna Gaines’ journal. She interspersed several stories from her life with her thoughts about how her perspective on her life has changed over the years. I appreciated what she had to say, and it made me think about what means the most to me. The book is a beautiful invitation to explore our stories, to get quiet and honor our inner selves and our innermost thoughts, dreams, and wishes that we might have kept hidden for quite some time. It’s a compelling call to action to find ourselves, but it’s also a book to be read slowly and to journal alongside. Gaines’ book is for everyone who wants to find themselves again by telling their stories, disrupting their automatic ways of thinking and living, and embracing the stillness and joy in life. Enjoy this read. Life is fleeting, and this book helps me recognize that.