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Better Than New: Lessons I've Learned from Saving Old Homes
For the first time, Nicole Curtis, the star of the megahit HGTV and DIY Network show Rehab Addict, reveals her private struggles, her personal victories, and the inspiring lessons we can all learn from them.
Part celebrity memoir and part self-help book, Better Than New goes behind the scenes with an entrepreneurial single mom who worked her way from waitress/real estate agent to home renovation expert, preservationist, and television star. With eight chapters in the book—eight lessons told through her life story and through several of the homes she has remodeled—readers will get to see another side of Nicole Curtis, including the private and personal struggles that are not seen on TV. Working in Detroit and Minneapolis, Curtis has opened her fans’ eyes to the beauty of older homes and the value of reclaiming and reusing authentic original materials rather than sending dumpster loads to the local landfill. Curtis applies the same principles to her personal life—valuing old friends, rescuing dogs, and advocating for the wounded, the elderly, and the disadvantaged. Readers will find inspiration to apply to their own lives supplemented with never-before-seen photos of Curtis and the homes she renovates. Better Than New is a visual treat, packed with more than 75 color photographs from Curtis’s personal collection, ranging from family photos to before-and-after photos of the rehabbed homes’ interiors and exteriors.
Part celebrity memoir and part self-help book, Better Than New goes behind the scenes with an entrepreneurial single mom who worked her way from waitress/real estate agent to home renovation expert, preservationist, and television star. With eight chapters in the book—eight lessons told through her life story and through several of the homes she has remodeled—readers will get to see another side of Nicole Curtis, including the private and personal struggles that are not seen on TV. Working in Detroit and Minneapolis, Curtis has opened her fans’ eyes to the beauty of older homes and the value of reclaiming and reusing authentic original materials rather than sending dumpster loads to the local landfill. Curtis applies the same principles to her personal life—valuing old friends, rescuing dogs, and advocating for the wounded, the elderly, and the disadvantaged. Readers will find inspiration to apply to their own lives supplemented with never-before-seen photos of Curtis and the homes she renovates. Better Than New is a visual treat, packed with more than 75 color photographs from Curtis’s personal collection, ranging from family photos to before-and-after photos of the rehabbed homes’ interiors and exteriors.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2016
269 people are currently reading
1610 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Curtis
16 books49 followersNicole Curtis is the host of Rehab Addict that airs on HGTV and DYI networks. Curtis is in the home-restoration business, specifically historic structures that have been neglected for years. Curtis buys the properties and restores the homes' original appearances. She is a do-it-yourselfer by taking on much of the manual labor herself. Curtis lives in Detroit and is the mother of two.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
December 31, 2017
Depending on the day (sometimes hour), I can be generously gracious or sinfully snarky. While slogging my way through this book I was heavily leaning toward the latter, so I dug deep down inside to give this even two stars. Way deep. As in somewhere in the vicinity of my lower intestine.
I love the world of interior design, I used to watch HGTV steadily when they had real, honest to goodness designers and I’ve gutted and remodeled several homes and showrooms, so I am primed for this type of book. And this woman promises early on that ‘so much happens that the camera doesn't catch and I wanted to share all that as well.’ If only she had.
What follows is a torturous trudge through her life, her numerous romantic entanglements, the teensiest bit about how she came to purchase each house with just the slightest whiff of design tips and almost nothing from behind the camera. Unless what the camera didn’t catch is her making the same mistakes with men over and over again. If that’s what you’re looking for then you’re in for a real treat.
Chapter titles should have given me a clue that this was going to be one of the most banal books I’ve picked up in years, I think she was going for philosophical and ended up at cliché: Mistakes are knowledge waiting to happen (did the Dalai Lama say that?); Own the process or the process will own you (is this circular logic?); Sometimes you have to skip the lemonade and deal with the lemons (or just drink iced tea); Live your normal because there is no normal (is this supposed to be profound?).
Obviously my snarky side won out when writing this review, but in my defense, it irritated me that this woman wrote this book to take advantage of the success of Joanna Gaines’ very popular memoir which actually told us something and inspired many. I don’t like bandwagon jumpers or time wasters and I didn’t like this book. You know how bad this was? I had only one chapter to go and said enough already.
I love the world of interior design, I used to watch HGTV steadily when they had real, honest to goodness designers and I’ve gutted and remodeled several homes and showrooms, so I am primed for this type of book. And this woman promises early on that ‘so much happens that the camera doesn't catch and I wanted to share all that as well.’ If only she had.
What follows is a torturous trudge through her life, her numerous romantic entanglements, the teensiest bit about how she came to purchase each house with just the slightest whiff of design tips and almost nothing from behind the camera. Unless what the camera didn’t catch is her making the same mistakes with men over and over again. If that’s what you’re looking for then you’re in for a real treat.
Chapter titles should have given me a clue that this was going to be one of the most banal books I’ve picked up in years, I think she was going for philosophical and ended up at cliché: Mistakes are knowledge waiting to happen (did the Dalai Lama say that?); Own the process or the process will own you (is this circular logic?); Sometimes you have to skip the lemonade and deal with the lemons (or just drink iced tea); Live your normal because there is no normal (is this supposed to be profound?).
Obviously my snarky side won out when writing this review, but in my defense, it irritated me that this woman wrote this book to take advantage of the success of Joanna Gaines’ very popular memoir which actually told us something and inspired many. I don’t like bandwagon jumpers or time wasters and I didn’t like this book. You know how bad this was? I had only one chapter to go and said enough already.
October 16, 2016
A single mother who worked her way thru menial jobs until she became a television personality thru her expertise on preserving and remodeling the beauty of old homes. She has used the skills she has honed throughout her career to rescue and reuse materials that would otherwise be lost to a landfill to make what was once old new again. She has applied to her own life the same ideas to all those around her. Great inspirational story of how hard work and perseverance and staying true to your own beliefs make a life anyone would be proud of. I would like to thank the Publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read this ARC.
October 22, 2016
Passion, it all starts and ends there. Nicole Curtis is a woman of passion with knowledge and determination backing her up. Her life’s path so far has been bumpy sure but she worked with the bumps and made them useful. He love for rebuilding history in homes is real down to her bones. This woman is the real deal, a restorer not just a TV personality, she is also a mother and a human being with all the emotional ups and downs.
She goes into her past, some painful lessons she learned through mistakes or be said, lessons. Relationships, personal and professional, she had difficult times, heartbreak and stress. Her greatness grew because she didn’t stop and dwell in her struggles she moved through them going towards more. She is questioned, mocked, lied about, for her personal and professional life. She is also a giving charitable soul who really cares for the people around her. TV editing makes it look so easy.
I admire her for so many reasons. Her amazing strength reminds me of my mother, a single mother who never stopped believing and working her dream. I was a fan of her show now I am a fan of the woman and mother behind the scenes. I loved the fact that she didn’t moan and groan about how unfair life was when it hit the fan.
I was envious that she was able to purchase her Grandparents home. It is my dream to buy my Grandparents home in Michigan that they built and rehab it for my family. This rehab brought tears to my eyes, her closeness to her family is beautiful.
I received an early copy for review so I did not get to see any of the pictures. I plan on buying a copy at her signing when she comes to town so I can see the images she placed in my head. I’ve heard they are fabulous photos BTW.
One of my favorite quotes from her book was “..just because you can juggle a chainsaws doesn’t mean you don’t get stressed about it.”
She goes into her past, some painful lessons she learned through mistakes or be said, lessons. Relationships, personal and professional, she had difficult times, heartbreak and stress. Her greatness grew because she didn’t stop and dwell in her struggles she moved through them going towards more. She is questioned, mocked, lied about, for her personal and professional life. She is also a giving charitable soul who really cares for the people around her. TV editing makes it look so easy.
I admire her for so many reasons. Her amazing strength reminds me of my mother, a single mother who never stopped believing and working her dream. I was a fan of her show now I am a fan of the woman and mother behind the scenes. I loved the fact that she didn’t moan and groan about how unfair life was when it hit the fan.
I was envious that she was able to purchase her Grandparents home. It is my dream to buy my Grandparents home in Michigan that they built and rehab it for my family. This rehab brought tears to my eyes, her closeness to her family is beautiful.
I received an early copy for review so I did not get to see any of the pictures. I plan on buying a copy at her signing when she comes to town so I can see the images she placed in my head. I’ve heard they are fabulous photos BTW.
One of my favorite quotes from her book was “..just because you can juggle a chainsaws doesn’t mean you don’t get stressed about it.”
January 3, 2017
I just love Nicole Curtis, star of the various incarnations of her show "Rehab Addict" on HGTV and DIY Networks. I appreciate her non-stop work ethic and also her shtick of using what is there, spending as little money as possible and restoring old homes (and neighborhoods) to their former glory through determination and elbow grease.
This isn't the most lyrical book, nor the most well plotted. But it's her story, told in her voice. I would have liked some more depth in certain areas (her struggles), but again, glossing over the bad and instead focusing on what lessons she learned and how she excelled through hard work seems to be "her." Lots of pictures and lovely thick pages and high quality presentation make this one I may pick up some day in the future to own.
This isn't the most lyrical book, nor the most well plotted. But it's her story, told in her voice. I would have liked some more depth in certain areas (her struggles), but again, glossing over the bad and instead focusing on what lessons she learned and how she excelled through hard work seems to be "her." Lots of pictures and lovely thick pages and high quality presentation make this one I may pick up some day in the future to own.
December 18, 2016
Nicole Curtis is the host of Rehab Addict, a show on HGTV that aims to restore old, dilapidated homes while staying as true to the original architecture and detailing as possible. I love HGTV, but, truthfully, I never LOVE-loved Rehab Addict. I definitely appreciate how determined Curtis is to bringing these old homes back to life, but I guess it always frustrated me that she wasn't willing to do more than restore. I mean, it's great if you can reuse cabinets or fixtures or tile, but if the kitchen is too small for a real, modern-day family, well, that needs to be fixed. A house should look nice, sure, but it also needs to function.
Still, even if I was never fully on board with her methods, there's no denying that Curtis has a magnetic personality. In the show, she comes across as incredibly hard-working and kind. She's so clearly dedicated to making these homes better, you can't help but share her enthusiasm. It's also entertaining to watch this teeny tiny person (who is drop dead gorgeous to boot) drive a tractor, demolish buildings, and wield a chainsaw. It's just kind of unexpected.
Better Than New is a behind-the-scenes book. There are eight chapters, each told from Curtis's perspective and each focusing on one or two different houses that she's restored on the show. Curtis talks about what was going on in her life at the time of each renovation--who she was working with, how things were going with her son, who she was dating (eek), and various random issues that would come up during the projects. In other words, this is definitely more of a memoir than a how-to on decorating. For that reason, I probably wouldn't recommend it to people who aren't already fans of the show, but those who are familiar with Rehab Addict will no doubt enjoy knowing what goes in to making a show like that work.
I will say that I could have done with less romantic relationship play-by-play. Curtis is such a sweet and genuine person, and I don't want to be too critical. But, yowza, she sure gets herself into some sticky--and, from my point of view, wholly avoidable--situations. Her life is basically a cautionary tale against mixing business and pleasure. Good Lord. I feel bad for some of the stuff she's had to go through and for how she was treated in certain relationships, but I still don't need to know the he-said-she-said details, you know? It just gets too personal, too specific, too messy. I don't want to be a part of that.
But I did enjoy reading about everything else in the book. Curtis is passionate and wears her heart on her sleeve. Her projects haven't always been smooth sailing, but it's clear that she has brought a whole lot of joy to a whole lot of people. (I loved the chapter on the Campbell Street Project for that very reason.) Nicole, I sincerely wish you the best of luck in life! (But maybe stop trying to renovate houses with your boyfriends...)
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
Still, even if I was never fully on board with her methods, there's no denying that Curtis has a magnetic personality. In the show, she comes across as incredibly hard-working and kind. She's so clearly dedicated to making these homes better, you can't help but share her enthusiasm. It's also entertaining to watch this teeny tiny person (who is drop dead gorgeous to boot) drive a tractor, demolish buildings, and wield a chainsaw. It's just kind of unexpected.
Better Than New is a behind-the-scenes book. There are eight chapters, each told from Curtis's perspective and each focusing on one or two different houses that she's restored on the show. Curtis talks about what was going on in her life at the time of each renovation--who she was working with, how things were going with her son, who she was dating (eek), and various random issues that would come up during the projects. In other words, this is definitely more of a memoir than a how-to on decorating. For that reason, I probably wouldn't recommend it to people who aren't already fans of the show, but those who are familiar with Rehab Addict will no doubt enjoy knowing what goes in to making a show like that work.
I will say that I could have done with less romantic relationship play-by-play. Curtis is such a sweet and genuine person, and I don't want to be too critical. But, yowza, she sure gets herself into some sticky--and, from my point of view, wholly avoidable--situations. Her life is basically a cautionary tale against mixing business and pleasure. Good Lord. I feel bad for some of the stuff she's had to go through and for how she was treated in certain relationships, but I still don't need to know the he-said-she-said details, you know? It just gets too personal, too specific, too messy. I don't want to be a part of that.
But I did enjoy reading about everything else in the book. Curtis is passionate and wears her heart on her sleeve. Her projects haven't always been smooth sailing, but it's clear that she has brought a whole lot of joy to a whole lot of people. (I loved the chapter on the Campbell Street Project for that very reason.) Nicole, I sincerely wish you the best of luck in life! (But maybe stop trying to renovate houses with your boyfriends...)
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com.
March 26, 2017
It's ok if you want to read about her unfortunate love life. No real details about old homes.
October 20, 2017
Although this is an entertaining behind-the-scenes look at the star of Rehab Addict, it was written in an odd time in her life. The ending is abrupt because there is still so much of this story yet to unfold.
That does not make it any less entertaining. Curtis reveals her early life as a stubborn go-getter who moved to Florida with her boyfriend right out of high school and built a nest egg by working at Hooters and cleaning houses. Her interest in home renovations started with her own tiny starter home, but her skills developed over time due to necessity. After getting pregnant with her first son, she moved back north, and planted roots in Minneapolis. There she worked as a realtor and started fixing up houses where out of the blue, a TV opportunity presented itself.
Rehab Addict has always been different from other home renovation shows because its focus is on preserving the old and fixing broken elements that make the houses unique rather than chucking them for the latest and greatest trend. As a lover of history, especially Victorian/Edwardian/Art Deco styles, this show means a lot to me. Nicole Curtis has a strong personality and can come off as a little nutty sometimes, but her mission statement is completely in line with mine.
That does not make it any less entertaining. Curtis reveals her early life as a stubborn go-getter who moved to Florida with her boyfriend right out of high school and built a nest egg by working at Hooters and cleaning houses. Her interest in home renovations started with her own tiny starter home, but her skills developed over time due to necessity. After getting pregnant with her first son, she moved back north, and planted roots in Minneapolis. There she worked as a realtor and started fixing up houses where out of the blue, a TV opportunity presented itself.
Rehab Addict has always been different from other home renovation shows because its focus is on preserving the old and fixing broken elements that make the houses unique rather than chucking them for the latest and greatest trend. As a lover of history, especially Victorian/Edwardian/Art Deco styles, this show means a lot to me. Nicole Curtis has a strong personality and can come off as a little nutty sometimes, but her mission statement is completely in line with mine.
November 17, 2016
Peer Behind The Curtain I'm a big admirer of Nicole Curtis' show, "Rehab Addict". She offers a breath of fresh air in her show, coming across both as cheerful and a bit of a smart-aleck. It makes me smile. That being said, I wish I had stuck with just watching her show. The book, a glimpse into her personal life, pulls back the curtain and casts a pall upon that impression of her. Ms. Curtis seems to bounce from one bad situation to the next, both in her choice of men and in her relationships with city officials. It was sad to read about how she keeps repeating her past mistakes. But, I guess, I admire her spunk in getting up and moving forward after each one.
February 8, 2018
This amazing go-getter has worked hard for decades to arrive where she is. I admire her and the empire she’s built for herself and her boys. Intriguing to hear about the homes along her pathway to success. Construction and renovation are overwhelming. All the more reason I bow down to Nicole and all she does.
October 12, 2019
Nicole gives a rather straightforward chronology of her life. But what I really wanted to know was how she got her skills! Instead, one minute she's a Hooters waitress and the next she's rehabbing old houses. She doesn't fill you in on the process. And there isn't any deeper, redeeming aspect that would fulfill the subtitle (how saving old houses saved me). She just doesn't dig very deep here.
March 22, 2017
I picked this up because I am an old house fan and it sounded interesting. I had no idea who Nicole Curtis is, except from the blurb inside the cover. This book was mostly about her and less about what she did with the houses.
January 19, 2017
My Review:
This is a combination of memoir, women's lit, and self-help book. Nicole tells all about each of the houses she's renovated for her TV show, Rehab Addict. In the course of each of these rehabs, she's gone through a lesson. The lesson has taken on the name of the house. My favorite, I think, is the Dollar House.The house had been tagged for demolition by the city. When Nicole took over the house for rehab, they had to have money change hands for the records. So a price of one dollar was assigned. Thus it became the Dollar House.
The house had to be lifted off its rotted foundation and have a whole new foundation done underneath it, then be set back on the new foundation. In her own life at that time, she was having to rebuild her life and reputation from the ground up. She had to prove that she could stand on her own and do it all, without a partner to help her. She plans and reacts and gets the job done standing on her own two feet.
Nicole writes as if she were simply sitting down talking to you about theses things. She pulls no punches. When things went wrong and it was her fault, she says it was her fault. When it's someone else's fault, she lets you know that. When it's no one's fault and just an accident, she doesn't try to place blame on someone, she just says it was an accident and life happens.
She's a very creative person and has an upbeat outlook on life. So reading this was really great. She doesn't get bogged down when things don't go smoothly, she looks for solutions. This is why I called it partly a self-help book. There is much to be learned from the way Nicole deals with setbacks. She just doesn't allow them to hold her back. She looks around and figures out a way to get the job done. I found myself really wanting to sit down and have coffee with her and talk and talk and talk. She'd make such a great friend!
So pick up a copy of this book and read all about these rehabs and how this amazing woman found solutions to some of the strangest problems a person's ever had to solve. Due in bookstores December 16, 2016. A great Christmas present for your favorite DIY-er.
I was provided with a digital copy of this book without any of the photographs by Artisan and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I cannot speak to the photographs, just to the text of the book. I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley
This is a combination of memoir, women's lit, and self-help book. Nicole tells all about each of the houses she's renovated for her TV show, Rehab Addict. In the course of each of these rehabs, she's gone through a lesson. The lesson has taken on the name of the house. My favorite, I think, is the Dollar House.The house had been tagged for demolition by the city. When Nicole took over the house for rehab, they had to have money change hands for the records. So a price of one dollar was assigned. Thus it became the Dollar House.
The house had to be lifted off its rotted foundation and have a whole new foundation done underneath it, then be set back on the new foundation. In her own life at that time, she was having to rebuild her life and reputation from the ground up. She had to prove that she could stand on her own and do it all, without a partner to help her. She plans and reacts and gets the job done standing on her own two feet.
Nicole writes as if she were simply sitting down talking to you about theses things. She pulls no punches. When things went wrong and it was her fault, she says it was her fault. When it's someone else's fault, she lets you know that. When it's no one's fault and just an accident, she doesn't try to place blame on someone, she just says it was an accident and life happens.
She's a very creative person and has an upbeat outlook on life. So reading this was really great. She doesn't get bogged down when things don't go smoothly, she looks for solutions. This is why I called it partly a self-help book. There is much to be learned from the way Nicole deals with setbacks. She just doesn't allow them to hold her back. She looks around and figures out a way to get the job done. I found myself really wanting to sit down and have coffee with her and talk and talk and talk. She'd make such a great friend!
So pick up a copy of this book and read all about these rehabs and how this amazing woman found solutions to some of the strangest problems a person's ever had to solve. Due in bookstores December 16, 2016. A great Christmas present for your favorite DIY-er.
I was provided with a digital copy of this book without any of the photographs by Artisan and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I cannot speak to the photographs, just to the text of the book. I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley
September 12, 2016
If you enjoy her show on HGTV/DIY you will really like learning about how Nicole Curtis got to where she is now. There is a good mix of the personal and professional as she talks about everything that got her to where she is now.
I really loved reading about her since I am a big fan of her show and love that she tries to save the details and character of old houses instead of turning them into "modern version of old house". But if you think you knew her from the show or even what goes on behind the scene of the show there will be a lot of revelations for the reader (I think I liked that as much as her story) and would recommend this to anyone who enjoy biographies.
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
I really loved reading about her since I am a big fan of her show and love that she tries to save the details and character of old houses instead of turning them into "modern version of old house". But if you think you knew her from the show or even what goes on behind the scene of the show there will be a lot of revelations for the reader (I think I liked that as much as her story) and would recommend this to anyone who enjoy biographies.
This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
January 7, 2017
I admired Nicole's skill and determination from the moment I began watching her TV show "Rehab Addict." My sister recommended it to me at a time when I needed to see examples of courageous, single women following their passions. I love Nicole's tenacity and positive, kick-butt attitude! I also love her mission is to restore and preserve, as much as possible, the original character and history of the old houses that she rehabilitates.
Reading Nicole's story was a glimpse beyond the "made pretty for TV" renovation of several old homes. It described the sweat, struggle, and real life challenges of being a single parent while pouring her soul and passion into her work. This story is not merely about renovating old homes, it is as much about her relationships with the people and communities connected to these homes. Throughout the book, I appreciated that Nicole shared little pearls of wisdom from what she has learned along the way. I found this to be a quick, enjoyable read and recommend watching the series as you read it.
Reading Nicole's story was a glimpse beyond the "made pretty for TV" renovation of several old homes. It described the sweat, struggle, and real life challenges of being a single parent while pouring her soul and passion into her work. This story is not merely about renovating old homes, it is as much about her relationships with the people and communities connected to these homes. Throughout the book, I appreciated that Nicole shared little pearls of wisdom from what she has learned along the way. I found this to be a quick, enjoyable read and recommend watching the series as you read it.
March 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book even more than her "Rehab Addict" series on TV.
She chose and interesting way to weave together her story and her rehab houses. For each house, she tells you the lessons that she learned. Most of those lessons came from her mistakes.
Her houses and the lessons learned are as follows:
Tampa House: Mistakes are knowledge waiting to happen.
Mennehaha House: You can't always choose what you keep, but you can choose what you let go.
Dollar House: The thing with having a big mouth is that you have to back it up.
Case Avenue House: Own the process or the process will own you.
Summit Mansion: Sometimes you have to skip the lemonade and deal with the lemons.
Campbell Street Project: Passion allows the Phoenix to rise from the ashes.
Grand Boulevard House and Akron House: Live your normal. Because there is no "normal".
Indian Lake Road House and Ransom Gillis Mansion: Make your home, friends, and family your sanctuary.
She chose and interesting way to weave together her story and her rehab houses. For each house, she tells you the lessons that she learned. Most of those lessons came from her mistakes.
Her houses and the lessons learned are as follows:
Tampa House: Mistakes are knowledge waiting to happen.
Mennehaha House: You can't always choose what you keep, but you can choose what you let go.
Dollar House: The thing with having a big mouth is that you have to back it up.
Case Avenue House: Own the process or the process will own you.
Summit Mansion: Sometimes you have to skip the lemonade and deal with the lemons.
Campbell Street Project: Passion allows the Phoenix to rise from the ashes.
Grand Boulevard House and Akron House: Live your normal. Because there is no "normal".
Indian Lake Road House and Ransom Gillis Mansion: Make your home, friends, and family your sanctuary.
March 30, 2017
I have watched Nicole Curtis since the beginning (2010 or '11)I was living in the 'burbs and only dreaming about an old house. Fast forward another year or two and we bought a 1906 house that needed lots of work! I've watched since the first season and still love her all these years later! I like that she focuses on restoration. I learned a lot of tips and hints over the years from her (soapstone laundry sink that everyone thought was concrete!) I loved reading the backstories of her life and how she got started and there was always more to the story than the viewer got to see on the show. I read the book in one sitting. I enjoyed it and while it wasn't literature it was fun!
October 27, 2016
I respect Nicole Curtis because she respects the integrity of an older structure. She doesn't tear out a breathtaking fireplace to make it modern & more "appealing" to some. She retains the original details. I am so glad that I read this non-fiction account of her professional & personal life. She has not always made the best decisions, she is flawed. She has, however, not kissed butt either. Really like her even more now that I've read this book. 4 instead of 5 stars simply because she isn't a writer. She's an artist.
November 28, 2017
I've been a faithful watcher of Nicole's TV show, and I have great respect for the work she does. I have even more now that I know more about her story.
October 20, 2017
I liked this book. Nicole Curtis knows her stuff. I watched the show and thought man I wish I knew half the things she knows. I am so proud of the type of women she is. She is a petite, blond in a mans profession and she backs up what she says and does.
All the crap she goes through is because of a man. I was stressed out because the men she encountered both professionally and personally were jealous, didn’t want to know her as a person, fell in love with the tv personality, and were egotistically threatened by her strength. I watch the show but not as much as I would like. The people who write mean things about her are not any better. Who do they think they are? So what if she is a star and we live vicariously through her success. She is still in control of what she chooses to share with strangers. And we should respect the decisions she makes. I’d like to know half the stuff she knows in the 20 years of saving old houses.
All the crap she goes through is because of a man. I was stressed out because the men she encountered both professionally and personally were jealous, didn’t want to know her as a person, fell in love with the tv personality, and were egotistically threatened by her strength. I watch the show but not as much as I would like. The people who write mean things about her are not any better. Who do they think they are? So what if she is a star and we live vicariously through her success. She is still in control of what she chooses to share with strangers. And we should respect the decisions she makes. I’d like to know half the stuff she knows in the 20 years of saving old houses.
April 3, 2017
Am I the only one who has a hard time rating books anything less than 3 stars? So much work was put into this book AND I really like Nicole Curtis AND her show. But this book just wasn't that great to me. It was interesting to see the behind the scenes action, so if someone has seen the show and is curious about her personal life then you should read this. She shares so much!
One thing I was reminded of while reading this book is that no one is perfect. It is easy to assume that because someone has their own TV show and everything goes pretty smoothly on the show, but it really isn't the case. I admire all that she is able to accomplish, and how she is able to overcome trials in her life. However there were so many poor decisions that it made it difficult enjoy the book.
One thing I was reminded of while reading this book is that no one is perfect. It is easy to assume that because someone has their own TV show and everything goes pretty smoothly on the show, but it really isn't the case. I admire all that she is able to accomplish, and how she is able to overcome trials in her life. However there were so many poor decisions that it made it difficult enjoy the book.
February 17, 2017
My parents used to be addicted to HGTV and DIY Network, so, I often saw Nicole Curtis doing her rehab thing while walking into the living room. Her life story is one of setbacks and triumphs, and rather inspiring. She also talks a lot about God; not something most mainstream celebrities do. However, some profanity, crude allusions, and pictures of Curtis herself in various states of undress messed things up a bit.
March 14, 2017
This was a good read if you ever wanted to hear some of the behind the scenes kind of information from the show Rehab Addict. Nicole is honest about her mistakes and shares some wisdom of moving forward.
October 12, 2017
Likeable, motivating, honest person. Nice book, I enjoyed listening and felt like I was listening to a friend talking. I listened to the audio version. I enjoyed it more than I expected I would. Good listen for a flight if it catches you at the right time.
January 27, 2021
I'd watched a few episodes of Rehab Addict a couple of years ago and finally got around to reading Nicole's book on her experiences. Or should I say she finally got to tell her side of the story, one that wasn't shown on TV but one that the media exploited.
Nicole is maybe an acquired taste. I liked her spunk and energy but she does have a bold personality. She's unapologetic about who she is. She started working at such a young age. Seriously, in her IHOP uniform, she looked like a brownie scout. Nicole is this little tiny, blonde with muscle. She works hard and has a mind for business but she did get side tracked twice by admirers who promised the dream but delivered nothing but stress.
Still Nicole didn't give up. She just bought another house and kept on working win or lose. I don't know what her parents fed her but I wish mine had used a few of those lines. The book was pretty interesting but it needed bigger pictures, maybe even some video accompaniment for those who didn't watch much of the show. I remember I liked her ideas and methods when I watched. I'm not sure if Nicole still saves houses but I hope she's happy & life is treating her better.
Nicole is maybe an acquired taste. I liked her spunk and energy but she does have a bold personality. She's unapologetic about who she is. She started working at such a young age. Seriously, in her IHOP uniform, she looked like a brownie scout. Nicole is this little tiny, blonde with muscle. She works hard and has a mind for business but she did get side tracked twice by admirers who promised the dream but delivered nothing but stress.
Still Nicole didn't give up. She just bought another house and kept on working win or lose. I don't know what her parents fed her but I wish mine had used a few of those lines. The book was pretty interesting but it needed bigger pictures, maybe even some video accompaniment for those who didn't watch much of the show. I remember I liked her ideas and methods when I watched. I'm not sure if Nicole still saves houses but I hope she's happy & life is treating her better.
July 19, 2018
Better Than New:How Saving Old Homes Saved Me🍒🍒🍒🍒
By Nicole Curtis
2016
Nicole Curtis's story is one of perseverance and belief. Belief that there is kindness, goodness and much to be learned by each person we meet and every experience we have. Never judge a book by its cover.
Nicole has had to overcome the media blitz and backstabbers as most celebrities have, but it hasn't seemed to jade her.
Describing each renovation- its difficulties and hardwork- she comparing it to her personal life was somewhat brilliant. Every renovation-community-neighborhood held a lesson that she felt she had to learn.
I enjoyed the positive and uplifting spirit, her perseverance. Good read. Recommended!
By Nicole Curtis
2016
Nicole Curtis's story is one of perseverance and belief. Belief that there is kindness, goodness and much to be learned by each person we meet and every experience we have. Never judge a book by its cover.
Nicole has had to overcome the media blitz and backstabbers as most celebrities have, but it hasn't seemed to jade her.
Describing each renovation- its difficulties and hardwork- she comparing it to her personal life was somewhat brilliant. Every renovation-community-neighborhood held a lesson that she felt she had to learn.
I enjoyed the positive and uplifting spirit, her perseverance. Good read. Recommended!
March 11, 2018
I picked this up off the new book shelf at the library, thinking it was a design book. It's not really. It's more of a memoir meets scrapbook. I liked it though. I've only seen an episode or two of Nicole's show. But by the time I realized it was not a design book, I was interested in what was going to happen in her life. It was a super fast read. I also love old house, so I connected with her on that. Her story made me realize how resilient people are.
March 29, 2019
I like Nicole. She has spunk. She can get a bit defensive. She’s an interesting contrast to the good girl Joanns Gaines. I like her style and integrity. She is unique and I appreciate the honesty of her book. I’m sorry she has been through so much to taint her amazing with bitter disdain. She’s done great and will do great at whatever life throws her way, because she has a good attitude and is willing to do the work. This book is personal and full of pictures. I think you’ll like it.
July 14, 2021
I love Nicole’s show and her spunky, can-do attitude. She’s a self made business women, and this book tells of her journey from waitress to home improvement show star. Tip: It’s helpful if you watch all seasons of her show before reading, just so you are familiar with the houses she’s discusses throughout the book.
October 21, 2016
I was given the opportunity to read Better Than New via Artisan Books and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Nicole Curtis, star of the HGTV show Rehab Addict, was brought up to reuse and transform that which others might just throw away. Buying her first home to renovate at the age of 18, Nicole says that her projects all have taught her valuable lessons about life. Always independent, Nicole moved to Atlanta with her boyfriend, then to Tampa, where she worked and scraped to fulfill the vision she had of herself. Being in the right place at the right time, Nicole pitched the show Rehab Addict, a show dedicated to restoring old and neglected homes back to their former splendor. As a woman in a male dominated field, Nicole has had many struggles along the way, but she proves that drive and determination can open many doors. The book details the homes that she has restored, both on the show and on her own time, with the trials and tribulations that threatened many of her projects.
I have been watching Rehab Addict for years, so I was very excited to see Better Than New: Lessons I've Learned from Saving Old Homes (and How They Saved Me). It is amazing how much Nicole has accomplished in her life, with all of the heartaches, challenges, and pitfalls along the way. It is clear to see the passion that Nicole has for her work and the love she feels for all of her restorations. Readers who are familiar with Nicole Curtis and Rehab Addict will enjoy the behind-the-scenes looks at their favorite restorations. Regardless of a reader's familiarity with the show, Better Than New is a very motivational look at the life of a woman who lives life on her own terms and fights hard for what she believes in. I definitely recommend this book and wish the best of luck to the author.
Nicole Curtis, star of the HGTV show Rehab Addict, was brought up to reuse and transform that which others might just throw away. Buying her first home to renovate at the age of 18, Nicole says that her projects all have taught her valuable lessons about life. Always independent, Nicole moved to Atlanta with her boyfriend, then to Tampa, where she worked and scraped to fulfill the vision she had of herself. Being in the right place at the right time, Nicole pitched the show Rehab Addict, a show dedicated to restoring old and neglected homes back to their former splendor. As a woman in a male dominated field, Nicole has had many struggles along the way, but she proves that drive and determination can open many doors. The book details the homes that she has restored, both on the show and on her own time, with the trials and tribulations that threatened many of her projects.
I have been watching Rehab Addict for years, so I was very excited to see Better Than New: Lessons I've Learned from Saving Old Homes (and How They Saved Me). It is amazing how much Nicole has accomplished in her life, with all of the heartaches, challenges, and pitfalls along the way. It is clear to see the passion that Nicole has for her work and the love she feels for all of her restorations. Readers who are familiar with Nicole Curtis and Rehab Addict will enjoy the behind-the-scenes looks at their favorite restorations. Regardless of a reader's familiarity with the show, Better Than New is a very motivational look at the life of a woman who lives life on her own terms and fights hard for what she believes in. I definitely recommend this book and wish the best of luck to the author.
December 29, 2017
I knew nothing about the t.v. show Rehab Addict until my family bought an old house in Bethel, Conn. It dates to 1760 and the house was once owned by my spouse's family. After much debate we decided to buy it back and do what we could to restore the history of this important place. It is believed that the Battle of Ridgefield was planned in this house. We are doing everything we can to rebuild it. It will be mountains of work and we have already embarked on the analysis and plans. In the midst of it all one of the members of the historical society said he just loved the work being done by a woman named Nicole Curtis. When I saw her book, I bought the book. I am now going through each of the episodes. I love her passion. I was hoping to learn more about how she tackles these projects, but I will turn to other sources for that.
For now I will remind myself everyday that this woman taught herself project planning and construction and started with no funds. She came to purchase home after home and restore houses in multiple cities.
Some of the best takeaways:
"More than once, a dilapidated house that I’ve restored has actually helped save me, and given me a path to restoring the structure of my life."
There is a picture of her grandfather wearing a t-shirt that says: "Old houses...old people...old dogs." Amen
For now I will remind myself everyday that this woman taught herself project planning and construction and started with no funds. She came to purchase home after home and restore houses in multiple cities.
Some of the best takeaways:
"More than once, a dilapidated house that I’ve restored has actually helped save me, and given me a path to restoring the structure of my life."
There is a picture of her grandfather wearing a t-shirt that says: "Old houses...old people...old dogs." Amen
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