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Joy Hunter: Messy Faceplants, Radical Love, and the Journey That Changed Everything
A timely, colorful, and cinematic memoir chronicling one woman’s journey to rediscover her own power, resilience, and happiness
I took a bone-deep breath as we drove away from my state, my city, my street, and my house, escaping my life and leaving behind all my broken parts.
With a successful speaking career putting her on the road 250 days a year, a slew of prestigious awards for her activism, the hugely successful book I Am That Girl , and a happy marriage, Alexis Jones was living a seemingly charmed life. But the principles of self-care, setting boundaries, and eschewing perfectionism that she espoused in her talks didn’t seem to translate into her own life; she still never seemed to feel “enough” inside. Then, in a matter of months, things started to fall apart on the outside, She discovered that the man she’d always called dad was not her biological father, she had a devastating miscarriage, and the pandemic sidelined her travel schedule—and paycheck. A self-described “productivity junkie,” she was forced to slow down for the first time in her life.
Hoping that time away would be a good distraction from all the chaos and heartbreak, Alexis rented an RV and set out for the open road to explore the rugged American west with her husband and their best friend. For her, the trip was both healing and disruptive. In the presence of nature’s majesty, she re-learned the art of sitting still and surrendering to the unknowable; along treacherous hiking trails she wrestled with her self-doubt and fear of failure; and through profound conversations with friends old and new, she reconnected to the power of sisterhood and began to rebelliously reconsider her priorities and ambitions—for herself and whatever shape her family might take going forward.
A soulful memoir of seeking and finding, Joy Hunter traces Alexis’s quest to reclaim her voice and find wholeness within. Along the way she discovers that there is always purpose to our pain and that happiness is not something that can simply be checked off a list. Joy, it turns out, is not a destination; it’s a way of life.
I took a bone-deep breath as we drove away from my state, my city, my street, and my house, escaping my life and leaving behind all my broken parts.
With a successful speaking career putting her on the road 250 days a year, a slew of prestigious awards for her activism, the hugely successful book I Am That Girl , and a happy marriage, Alexis Jones was living a seemingly charmed life. But the principles of self-care, setting boundaries, and eschewing perfectionism that she espoused in her talks didn’t seem to translate into her own life; she still never seemed to feel “enough” inside. Then, in a matter of months, things started to fall apart on the outside, She discovered that the man she’d always called dad was not her biological father, she had a devastating miscarriage, and the pandemic sidelined her travel schedule—and paycheck. A self-described “productivity junkie,” she was forced to slow down for the first time in her life.
Hoping that time away would be a good distraction from all the chaos and heartbreak, Alexis rented an RV and set out for the open road to explore the rugged American west with her husband and their best friend. For her, the trip was both healing and disruptive. In the presence of nature’s majesty, she re-learned the art of sitting still and surrendering to the unknowable; along treacherous hiking trails she wrestled with her self-doubt and fear of failure; and through profound conversations with friends old and new, she reconnected to the power of sisterhood and began to rebelliously reconsider her priorities and ambitions—for herself and whatever shape her family might take going forward.
A soulful memoir of seeking and finding, Joy Hunter traces Alexis’s quest to reclaim her voice and find wholeness within. Along the way she discovers that there is always purpose to our pain and that happiness is not something that can simply be checked off a list. Joy, it turns out, is not a destination; it’s a way of life.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published June 13, 2023
25 people are currently reading
4624 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 24, 2023
I usually enjoy memoirs, especially if they’re inspiring and joyful. This book just felt like it was missing something for me. Alexis Jones wrote this book after a traumatic event and heartbreak (which I was even shedding tears on a few of the pages), but the rest of this book just seems to be a reminder of how privileged she is. She’s had everything she’s ever wanted in life, including a family that loves her dearly - which some people would die just to have a family, or any other type of support. So unfortunately, I started to lose interest in this book about halfway through.
Another thing that bothered me through this book was during dialogue sentences between her and her husband, everything ended with babe or baby. If I read the word babe or baby one more time, I was seriously going to lose it! 🤯 The author also writes how she found her “joy” while taking an RV trip with her husband and best friend when Covid started. That’s all fine and dandy, but not everyone can just get up and go like that (trust me, if I had the finances I’d be gone too). I guess maybe I’m a little mad that I can’t go and chase my “joy”. 🤷🏻♀️
I had never heard of this author before, so while reading this book I did look into her. Alexis Jones is a professional speaker, activist, and she also wrote ‘I Am That Girl’. Jones was also a contestant on Survivor. I will say that I do plan on following her after reading this, just because she has piqued my interest. This wasn’t a bad read, I think I was looking for more motivational or inspirational pages. Instead, it was fully Alexis Jones’ story- which may be motivational to some.
I would like to thank Harmony Books for the galley of this book that I won and received in the mail! This is my honest review.
Another thing that bothered me through this book was during dialogue sentences between her and her husband, everything ended with babe or baby. If I read the word babe or baby one more time, I was seriously going to lose it! 🤯 The author also writes how she found her “joy” while taking an RV trip with her husband and best friend when Covid started. That’s all fine and dandy, but not everyone can just get up and go like that (trust me, if I had the finances I’d be gone too). I guess maybe I’m a little mad that I can’t go and chase my “joy”. 🤷🏻♀️
I had never heard of this author before, so while reading this book I did look into her. Alexis Jones is a professional speaker, activist, and she also wrote ‘I Am That Girl’. Jones was also a contestant on Survivor. I will say that I do plan on following her after reading this, just because she has piqued my interest. This wasn’t a bad read, I think I was looking for more motivational or inspirational pages. Instead, it was fully Alexis Jones’ story- which may be motivational to some.
I would like to thank Harmony Books for the galley of this book that I won and received in the mail! This is my honest review.
June 14, 2023
The pace of this memoir and my love for reading other people's life stories had me flying through this book. I was really enjoying the author, Alexis Jones' take on life, and reading about her love of travel and summer camp really had me hooked. But about 40% in, I learned something about myself, that I need a trigger warning for a specific aspect of Covid-19 that inevitably fills me with red hot rage, and I can't move past it. Maybe this will apply to some of you, too so I'll provide some details as to why I think it would be helpful if I had known in advance of this possible trigger (I wouldn't have picked this book up had I known).
Around 40% into the book the author wrote about how she, her husband, and a friend decided to disregard the top US health officials who were telling everyone to STAY HOME during the Covid-19 global pandemic and decided to take a road trip in an RV across multiple states. While I can appreciate her need for healing (she was most definitely working through non-pandemic related trauma), going on a road trip at the beginning of a pandemic where millions of people were dying is so problematic to me. As I continued reading, I couldn't help my mind from wandering to what my life was like in early 2020 and the collective trauma and fear we were all facing... I clearly haven't yet worked through that trauma because for the rest of this book, I progressively became more angry at the author. If I were reading a hardcopy and not on my Kindle, I honestly envisioned throwing the book across the room. In 2020 I had a four year old at home (daycare was closed), a full time job that I was trying to keep, and the fear of our health and lives being changed forever weighing on me. We took staying home very seriously. So it was very triggering to read that they chose to take this trip during that time. And she's now profiting off of that because she wrote this book about it. Sure, maybe I have some jealous feelings because gosh, I dreamed of packing up and hitting the road every single day during that time... but what if everybody actually had done that?! The people who didn't follow the rules got to have all the fun, while the rest of us rule followers took one for the team being miserable at home. End of rant.
TW: Travel during Covid-19
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Around 40% into the book the author wrote about how she, her husband, and a friend decided to disregard the top US health officials who were telling everyone to STAY HOME during the Covid-19 global pandemic and decided to take a road trip in an RV across multiple states. While I can appreciate her need for healing (she was most definitely working through non-pandemic related trauma), going on a road trip at the beginning of a pandemic where millions of people were dying is so problematic to me. As I continued reading, I couldn't help my mind from wandering to what my life was like in early 2020 and the collective trauma and fear we were all facing... I clearly haven't yet worked through that trauma because for the rest of this book, I progressively became more angry at the author. If I were reading a hardcopy and not on my Kindle, I honestly envisioned throwing the book across the room. In 2020 I had a four year old at home (daycare was closed), a full time job that I was trying to keep, and the fear of our health and lives being changed forever weighing on me. We took staying home very seriously. So it was very triggering to read that they chose to take this trip during that time. And she's now profiting off of that because she wrote this book about it. Sure, maybe I have some jealous feelings because gosh, I dreamed of packing up and hitting the road every single day during that time... but what if everybody actually had done that?! The people who didn't follow the rules got to have all the fun, while the rest of us rule followers took one for the team being miserable at home. End of rant.
TW: Travel during Covid-19
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2023
2.5 stars rounded down
Prior to reading Joy Hunter, I had no idea who Alexis Jones was. I actually googled her halfway through the book to put a face with her name. I wanted to like this book, but it was a struggle for me to find meaning in it. Most of the memoir was based on her travels in 2020 during the pandemic following a traumatic loss (not COVID related). It was interesting to hear about her travels but to be honest, most of the book just pointed out how privileged she was which was a big turn off for me.
The fact that during a global wide shut down, she (along with her husband and friend) road tripped in an RV and even met up with friends and new people along the way was just ridiculous to me. She's writing about her search for joy during one of the most devastating times in our history, and honestly didn't mention any sort of struggle with that at all. It just shows how out of touch she is with reality.
I was hoping to feel more inspired about finding joy in my own life but came up empty on that as well. I mainly read about her unhappiness throughout the entire book and I'm not exactly sure where she found her joy. The last 4 chapters were probably the best out of the whole memoir, maybe because it signified the end of the book.
Prior to reading Joy Hunter, I had no idea who Alexis Jones was. I actually googled her halfway through the book to put a face with her name. I wanted to like this book, but it was a struggle for me to find meaning in it. Most of the memoir was based on her travels in 2020 during the pandemic following a traumatic loss (not COVID related). It was interesting to hear about her travels but to be honest, most of the book just pointed out how privileged she was which was a big turn off for me.
The fact that during a global wide shut down, she (along with her husband and friend) road tripped in an RV and even met up with friends and new people along the way was just ridiculous to me. She's writing about her search for joy during one of the most devastating times in our history, and honestly didn't mention any sort of struggle with that at all. It just shows how out of touch she is with reality.
I was hoping to feel more inspired about finding joy in my own life but came up empty on that as well. I mainly read about her unhappiness throughout the entire book and I'm not exactly sure where she found her joy. The last 4 chapters were probably the best out of the whole memoir, maybe because it signified the end of the book.
September 30, 2023
This was a memoir about moving from Austin TX to Montana and one woman's journey toward self discovery. I went into this book expecting it to be self-helpy and its not- this is purely memoir. That being said I don't have much to say about this book and there aren't really many takeaways but it does make you think about what you're chasing-- are you running toward something or away from other things?
January 5, 2025
This book helped me remember that it’s okay to be grieving, it’s okay to be lost. It was easy to relate to the author and feel her pain, happiness, confusion, and hopefulness. I found myself laughing out loud, shedding a tear, and asking myself hard questions. Easy read. Loved this book and will be reading more books from this author!
January 31, 2023
An honest, truly compelling memoir about searching for how you want to spend your days and live your life.
November 1, 2023
This is an emotional testament to the universal search for happiness. A successful speaker and activist, the author appeared to have it all, but beneath the surface, she grappled with the feeling of never being "enough." Her life took a dramatic turn as she faced a series of challenges, including discovering her true paternity, a heartbreaking miscarriage, and the disruption of her busy career due to the pandemic. Forced to slow down for the first time, she embarked on a healing journey with her husband and their best friend in an RV, exploring the American West.
From the moment I opened the book, I couldn't put it down, and it took me on an incredible journey of self-discovery and transformation. The author bares her soul, sharing her struggles with self-doubt, fear, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. As a reader, I related to her struggle with the pressure to be a "badass boss." Her epiphany to slow down, driven by a series of life-altering events, is a powerful reminder that sometimes we need an unexpected wake-up call to reevaluate our lives and priorities. Her story was a great reminder that life is messy. It was a powerful reminder that even though life is complicated and messy, joy can be rediscovered.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...
From the moment I opened the book, I couldn't put it down, and it took me on an incredible journey of self-discovery and transformation. The author bares her soul, sharing her struggles with self-doubt, fear, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. As a reader, I related to her struggle with the pressure to be a "badass boss." Her epiphany to slow down, driven by a series of life-altering events, is a powerful reminder that sometimes we need an unexpected wake-up call to reevaluate our lives and priorities. Her story was a great reminder that life is messy. It was a powerful reminder that even though life is complicated and messy, joy can be rediscovered.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...
October 13, 2023
What a great memoir. It was an easy read and heart felt. I loved her thought process and views on suffering. I love the space her husband gives her while she works stuff out and she him. Their communication is admirable but this bit right here is my fav!! 146. " I had forgotten what it felt like to let loose, to be -heaven forbid- messy and sloppy and silly. I had spent years polishing my rough edges to slick perfection, making it easier for others to see their reflection in me, instead of my own. I had become almost robotic, constantly judging myself through a lens of how I thought I was going to be perceived and what I needed to do to protect my perfectly curated image" then she says this on the next page, "the seeds of people pleasing had been planted. Like vicious weeds, they infiltrated my internal garden and grew rampant over the next two and a half decades,strangling out the beautiful native plants of authenticity" ❤️❤️ oh my word it was like poetry to my souls!! For a girl who loves wild flower gardens with a focus on planting native plants she is speaking my language.
July 6, 2023
This memoir and vulnerability expressed on creating a life of joy reminded me of Glennon Doyle or Brene Brown. Felt like this was the perfect time to discover this book as I'm going through a lot of change right now in life. "In a world that defines us by what we do and productivity, joy is a way to see another way of being....follow her brave, defiant lead."
June 6, 2023
I won this book so I wasn’t sure what to expect. It seems to be missing the mark. A lot of rehashing of past life. Not enough “joy hunting”
August 16, 2023
just what the doctor ordered
June 10, 2023
'Soulful' is a great way to describe this memoir. Alexis Jones writes clearly and honestly about her struggles and triumphs in 'Joy Hunter'. I hesitate to say I enjoyed reading it because it was at times difficult in an emotional sense to read, but I'm glad I read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harmony Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harmony Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2023
Finding Joy Hunter & Alexis Jones is like reconnecting to that one neighbor friend you made at 9 years old, fiercely traversing the “woods” in you backyard and unabashedly drinking from the hose. Joy Hunter is an excellent romp through the idea that we never lose our child-like wonder, although it may take repeated journeys to find them again. Joy Hunter reminds us that we are not alone and there is excellence around every corner, even when going through the darkest parts of our lives.
May 16, 2023
I saw Alexis speak years ago and have been a fan ever sense - with my camera roll full of thought provoking Instagram captions. I was thrilled to get an ARC from NetGalley.
I loved this book and highlighted a ton of passages. Alexis is very relatable and even if you have not walked her same road, you can find applicable introspection to take into your own life.
I loved this book and highlighted a ton of passages. Alexis is very relatable and even if you have not walked her same road, you can find applicable introspection to take into your own life.
July 2, 2023
Wow!! That is the primary word that keeps ringing in my mind after reading this memoir! This author enters a level of vulnerability that is so rarely seen. This memoir is real, honest, thought-provoking, beautiful, funny, and wonderful! The self accountability that the author talks about is something we all need to start evaluating in ourselves. Are we following the advice that we lovingly give friends or even strangers? In the past I certainly haven't even when that advice is clearly what is best for me. This author's journey is all about doing what is best even when it scares us. Taking care of yourself, being honest even when its hard, and more than anything letting yourself feel your emotions and others be by your side during hard times. I loved this book!
May 17, 2023
I couldn't put this book down. I felt like I was included in her life, each chapter ended on these insane little cliffhangers, so naturally I had to read the next chapter to find out what the f was going on. I am a Texas girl myself and was given the opportunity to read this book a little early, and it did not disappoint. It's the first non-smutty book that I haven't been able to put down in a really long time!!! I even went and following Alexis on instagram after reading. It's not a "help you" book, its showing how raw and open someone else's journey can be!!!
May 18, 2023
Do you know that feeling when you read the blurb about a book and think, "I don't need to read this. I've read this story before." I felt that when I heard about Joy Hunter, but I was wrong. Yes, I've read other memoirs that fall into what I call the "eat, pray, love" category - books that explore what motivates us as humans, vulnerabilities, crises, surviving, and thriving - but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the heck out of another one. I loved Joy Hunter. Alexis Jones is a master storyteller.
Jones opens Joy Hunter with an excerpt from one of her high school journals. The passage is so powerful that I thought (1) if this is what high school Alexis knew to write then, (2) I can't wait to hear what adult Alexis has to say about it. Jones is transparent about her ups and downs. She tells a story of sacrificing herself for those she loves, without even realizing she's doing it, and then how she digs out of those life choices. I relate to her frenetic energy and breakneck pace, and then the realization that slowing down is not only lovely, but essential.
I love the fullness of the way Alexis Jones lives her life. And I also love her husband Brad's wise words and his support. At least in Alexis's telling, he says the most poignant things!
Overall, if you're looking for relatable, vulnerable and inspirational self-help memoir, definitely pick up Joy Hunter, no matter how many of those types of books you've read before. Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jones opens Joy Hunter with an excerpt from one of her high school journals. The passage is so powerful that I thought (1) if this is what high school Alexis knew to write then, (2) I can't wait to hear what adult Alexis has to say about it. Jones is transparent about her ups and downs. She tells a story of sacrificing herself for those she loves, without even realizing she's doing it, and then how she digs out of those life choices. I relate to her frenetic energy and breakneck pace, and then the realization that slowing down is not only lovely, but essential.
I love the fullness of the way Alexis Jones lives her life. And I also love her husband Brad's wise words and his support. At least in Alexis's telling, he says the most poignant things!
Overall, if you're looking for relatable, vulnerable and inspirational self-help memoir, definitely pick up Joy Hunter, no matter how many of those types of books you've read before. Highly recommend.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2023
Prior to reading Joy Hunter, I'd never heard of Alexis Jones. But the cover of this book was so fun and the title drew me in. I enjoy reading memoirs and find inspiration from other people's journeys, so wanted to read this book. Immediately, I could tell that Alexis has so much passion for life, for growth, and for sharing her message with others. I thought the book was well written and provided a fun summer escape in the form of a road trip that the author took with her husband and a friend during the covid era, summer 2020. I loved reading about her adventures and her journey of healing from a miscarriage.
That being said, a couple things that knocked this book down a star or two was that the author delighted in talking about her covid-era road trip. Everyone else was staying home and they took advantage of empty roads and deserted tourist sights. From a public health perspective, that's not great and her tone, in my opinion, was a bit entitled. I also felt like I had a hard time learning how to "find my joy" from Alexis's story. Was I supposed to do that by taking a crazy fun long trip? I guess I thought from the title I might learn a little something...
Overall, I still enjoyed this book but did find myself wanting a bit more from it.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
That being said, a couple things that knocked this book down a star or two was that the author delighted in talking about her covid-era road trip. Everyone else was staying home and they took advantage of empty roads and deserted tourist sights. From a public health perspective, that's not great and her tone, in my opinion, was a bit entitled. I also felt like I had a hard time learning how to "find my joy" from Alexis's story. Was I supposed to do that by taking a crazy fun long trip? I guess I thought from the title I might learn a little something...
Overall, I still enjoyed this book but did find myself wanting a bit more from it.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
June 10, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! Next up for me is to read her first book now that I see how comfortably she writes and how what she has to say makes a difference, for me at least.
Alexis, youngest of 5, only girl, grows up competing fearlessly with the boys. Nothing keeps her down, in fact something that might keep one of us back, might be the impetus to drive her on even further than she normally would.
Several issues come up in this story of her life. She becomes a powerhouse for women, starting groups where women can really talk about what is really bothering us and finding solutions together. Winner of many awards, she appears on Oprah and before the NFL talking about how men and boys treat women and girls, but the difference here is that she gets their attention and maybe makes it real enough for them that there will be a difference in their respect for women.
She learns her dad is not really her biological dad and deals with that torment; should she tell him? Will it break her heart and it broke her heart?
I could go on and won't as you really want to read this for yourself. I am so glad NetGalley gave me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
Alexis, youngest of 5, only girl, grows up competing fearlessly with the boys. Nothing keeps her down, in fact something that might keep one of us back, might be the impetus to drive her on even further than she normally would.
Several issues come up in this story of her life. She becomes a powerhouse for women, starting groups where women can really talk about what is really bothering us and finding solutions together. Winner of many awards, she appears on Oprah and before the NFL talking about how men and boys treat women and girls, but the difference here is that she gets their attention and maybe makes it real enough for them that there will be a difference in their respect for women.
She learns her dad is not really her biological dad and deals with that torment; should she tell him? Will it break her heart and it broke her heart?
I could go on and won't as you really want to read this for yourself. I am so glad NetGalley gave me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 11, 2023
To say that I could relate to the life Alexis Jones lived and wrote about in her new book “Joy Hunter” would be a lie. My life was opposite of hers yet the issues she dealt with, and ultimately came to terms with, are issues I can definitely relate to. We may have had vastly different experiences, but the emotional and psychological trauma she described were very real for me. I was drawn to her story and did not want to stop reading. Alexis bared her soul in this book. She is extremely brave to have exposed so much of her private life to the world.
I had never heard of Alexis Jones or her husband, Bradley Buckman, before reading “Joy Hunter.” It felt almost surreal to be able to do a Google search to get to know them a little better; almost like getting in touch with an old friend who I had never actually met but knew so much about. I was relieved to learn that Alexis and Brad were finally able to welcome a beautiful baby boy into their family in February 2023. Congratulations to the new parents!!
I am grateful to Netgalley for the advanced reading copy I received. It was an easy read as it was very well written. I highly recommend this book to women who are interested in another perspective on how much we have in common even though our lives are nowhere close to similar.
I had never heard of Alexis Jones or her husband, Bradley Buckman, before reading “Joy Hunter.” It felt almost surreal to be able to do a Google search to get to know them a little better; almost like getting in touch with an old friend who I had never actually met but knew so much about. I was relieved to learn that Alexis and Brad were finally able to welcome a beautiful baby boy into their family in February 2023. Congratulations to the new parents!!
I am grateful to Netgalley for the advanced reading copy I received. It was an easy read as it was very well written. I highly recommend this book to women who are interested in another perspective on how much we have in common even though our lives are nowhere close to similar.
September 19, 2023
At first I thought I was picking up another book by a privileged author who told stories that didn’t really mean anything. But as I read on I realized that Alexis Jones is able to piece words together that evoked feelings that triggered me or provided glimmers. There were moments I had to put the book down because of my own fears of losing my family, especially my parents, as I live 1000 miles away and they grow older.
I was able to identify with some of her story points well because I grew up going to a high school that is rival to the one she went to. I can also resonate with marrying the nice guy after a line of frogs.
My own husband and I moved to a place we loved because of hardship. I understand that we silence the things we want as we grow older because we’re so used to giving other people what we want or trying to get approval from other people. I’m in my own muck of figuring that out right now. I personally agree with Alexis that seeing seasons change and having “hibernation” is good for the soul.
overall I found this book to be an easy, quick read and relatable. Do I think it will provide you all the answers to problems? No. But I do think it’s a great story and it made me thankful for family.
I was able to identify with some of her story points well because I grew up going to a high school that is rival to the one she went to. I can also resonate with marrying the nice guy after a line of frogs.
My own husband and I moved to a place we loved because of hardship. I understand that we silence the things we want as we grow older because we’re so used to giving other people what we want or trying to get approval from other people. I’m in my own muck of figuring that out right now. I personally agree with Alexis that seeing seasons change and having “hibernation” is good for the soul.
overall I found this book to be an easy, quick read and relatable. Do I think it will provide you all the answers to problems? No. But I do think it’s a great story and it made me thankful for family.
June 20, 2023
Alexis Jones wrote this book at just the right time for me. It was like she knew I (and other women like me) needed to hear these things. I have grappled with taking on too much, trying too hard to be all things to all people, and this book gave me permission to do things for myself, to slow down, savor the moment, and advocate for my own happiness. I found myself highlighting so many parts of this book! I told my friends, who I happened to be traveling with as I read this, that it felt like it was written just for me. I appreciate her authenticity, her tenacity, and her willingness to go for the life she actually wanted, instead of the one she already had. It is hopeful, funny, heartbreaking, surprising, and relatable, and I will certainly be recommending this one to MANY of my friends, who I know find themselves searching for the joy in life as well. This is a fantastic, timely book, perfect for anyone who has ever felt caught up in the culture of busyness and success. Great book--great message!
October 8, 2023
Do I think Alexis Jones could be a great motivational speaker and author? Based on this book I’d say yes. (I knew nothing about her before picking this up.) Do I think Alexis Jones was wildly irresponsible to do this and is out of touch with what the average person might be able to do? Also yes.
Other reviewers summed it up perfectly. Going on a multi state RV adventure while meeting up with loads of people, doing guided activities, and just generally disregarding medical professionals that asked people to stay home… yikes. My 2020 looked *very* different. I didn’t see family members for months and they live less than 10 miles away!
Anyway. Her heartbreak and pain was real and tragic. I cried with many of the miscarriage passages, especially the bits about falling into a depressive state and not feeling like you could get out. Her history and upbringing was interesting as well. I just felt… squicky about her choice.
Other reviewers summed it up perfectly. Going on a multi state RV adventure while meeting up with loads of people, doing guided activities, and just generally disregarding medical professionals that asked people to stay home… yikes. My 2020 looked *very* different. I didn’t see family members for months and they live less than 10 miles away!
Anyway. Her heartbreak and pain was real and tragic. I cried with many of the miscarriage passages, especially the bits about falling into a depressive state and not feeling like you could get out. Her history and upbringing was interesting as well. I just felt… squicky about her choice.
June 12, 2023
I had never heard of the author before reading her book. She is very accomplished but what I’m really impressed with is she won the showcase showdown on The Price is Right! That show was a staple of my childhood as I competed from my parents’ living room 😀
Jones grapples with a secret about her past and her want for a child along with a host of other topics.
She is very fortunate to have her father and her husband, who from her descriptions, are outstanding men.
I liked her family history stories.
Jones comes to many realizations after a transformative trip out west, many that it takes some people a lifetime to admit.
And she gets to live in Montana!
Thanks to Harmony, Rodale Inc. and NetGalley for the early read.
Jones grapples with a secret about her past and her want for a child along with a host of other topics.
She is very fortunate to have her father and her husband, who from her descriptions, are outstanding men.
I liked her family history stories.
Jones comes to many realizations after a transformative trip out west, many that it takes some people a lifetime to admit.
And she gets to live in Montana!
Thanks to Harmony, Rodale Inc. and NetGalley for the early read.
September 27, 2023
Having followed Ms Jones work for over 10 years, I bought her book presale. I have admired her and continue to. I wrote down so many quotes in the book that resonated with me. As the girl who strives to be perfect (and was in the eyes of most), she describes the cost to herself. And how she eventually found that hunting for moments of joy in a simpler life was far more fulfilling than a life in front of microphones and TV screens etc. It’s a fast read but not for everyone. For me personally, it was a 4 stars. But I rated this compared to all the books I’ve read and how others would see it snd as such gave it 3 stars.
May 5, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review!
I am a huge sucker for self-help books, and this one did not disappoint. There were times when I laughed out and times when I tried (and failed!) to hold back tears. I really appreciated how open Alexis was about the most difficult times in her life. It give readers hope that, yes bad things happen and can seem like they’re taking over your life, but it’s not the end. I felt an immense amount of joy and hope reading about how she’s living her best life, and others can too, despite everything that life throws at you.
I am a huge sucker for self-help books, and this one did not disappoint. There were times when I laughed out and times when I tried (and failed!) to hold back tears. I really appreciated how open Alexis was about the most difficult times in her life. It give readers hope that, yes bad things happen and can seem like they’re taking over your life, but it’s not the end. I felt an immense amount of joy and hope reading about how she’s living her best life, and others can too, despite everything that life throws at you.
June 21, 2023
While I don't think there was anything necessarily new or groundbreaking to be learned, I did very much enjoy the author's writing and storytelling. And the overall message is one that cannot be overstated in my opinion - find joy wherever you can no matter your circumstances. You have the power to do that. Joy Hunter is an excellent reminder of how we all have to forge our own path and how we can use our struggles (and might even need them) to move forward in a meaningful way toward the joyful life that is meant for us.
February 28, 2023
I had not heard of Alexis Jones before but I love memoirs and the title and cover of this book made me want to give it a try. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I'm giving it five stars!
Alexis is a great writer and has numerous things to share with an audience. She's smart and complex and really brave to detail her ups and downs in life. I felt like I was on the trip with her. Give this one a chance!
Alexis is a great writer and has numerous things to share with an audience. She's smart and complex and really brave to detail her ups and downs in life. I felt like I was on the trip with her. Give this one a chance!
June 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. Maybe this book won’t hit others like it hit me. Maybe it just happened into my life at the moment I needed it. But I truly loved this book and will reread it again in the near future. Jones’ writing style is casual with a hint of wit, interesting enough to keep you intrigued but not overdone. She’s a powerfully inspiring woman who also manages to write about her story in a way that doesn’t make you the reader feel less than or ostracized- a hard balance to keep when the author is so impressive and accomplished. A great reminder that deep down we all have the same wants, desires and needs on a base level (love, safety, connection) and no matter who we are, we all stumble trying to get them.
Wow. Maybe this book won’t hit others like it hit me. Maybe it just happened into my life at the moment I needed it. But I truly loved this book and will reread it again in the near future. Jones’ writing style is casual with a hint of wit, interesting enough to keep you intrigued but not overdone. She’s a powerfully inspiring woman who also manages to write about her story in a way that doesn’t make you the reader feel less than or ostracized- a hard balance to keep when the author is so impressive and accomplished. A great reminder that deep down we all have the same wants, desires and needs on a base level (love, safety, connection) and no matter who we are, we all stumble trying to get them.
January 8, 2024
I wanted to like this a lot more than I actually did. The narrative felt forced and trite at times. I agree with others reviews regarding the use of the word, “babe”. It was obnoxious. I found myself rolling my eyes quite a bit while I read this. While I am glad the author found whatever it was that she was looking for (joy, I guess?) there was nothing new or profound in her writing or realizations. I am a huge fan of memoirs but this one was a disappointment.
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