Better Than New

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

By: Nicole Curtis

Narrated by: Nicole Curtis

Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times and USA Today best seller.

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.

Nicole Curtis is the tough, soulful, charismatic dynamo who, for the past 20 years, has worked tirelessly to restore historical houses, often revitalizing neighborhoods in the process. And also in the process drawing millions of fans to her television show, Rehab Addict, where they follow each step of the hard work and singular vision that transform the seemingly lost cause of a run-down building into a beautifully restored home.

But there is so much more to this self-taught expert and working mom. With her signature irresistible honesty and energy, Curtis writes about a project that every listener will find compelling: how she rehabbed herself. Better Than New reveals what's not seen on TV - Curtis' personal battles and her personal triumphs, her complicated relationships, her life as a single mother, the story of how she got started remodeling houses, and the consuming ins and outs of producing a megahit television show while keeping up with two kids, two rescue dogs, and countless tasks on her home renovation punch lists. Followers of the show will get an inside look at some of her most famous restorations, including the Dollar house, the Minnehaha house, the Campbell Street project, and the Ransom Gillis mansion.

Part inspirational memoir and part self-help guide, Better Than New is a journey in eight chapters - each pinned to the story of a house that Curtis has remodeled, each delivering a hard-fought lesson about life - that takes listeners to the place we all want to be: home.

As fans of her show can attest, Nicole is totally unscripted, and this audiobook - featuring extensive new material exclusive to the audio edition - is no exception.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2016 Nicole Curtis (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Refreshing and real!

This book was just what I needed while I was going through my divorce. No, it's not a book about relationships, but hearing Nicole talk about her own life, relationships, and getting back on her feet time and time again was inspiring!

Surprising

I bought this on a whim because it was the daily deal and I have an old house that I need to figure out what to do with. I thought this might motivate me and get me off my procrastinating arse. however, the intro made clear that this book was not about houses so much as the authors journey through life and how the process of renovation reflected her personal struggle to find her own path.

I was sorta bummed and as I'd never seen her or any of the genre on TV and I had no idea what to expect. But I tend to like books read by the author so I hit play. And very glad I did. It's a great snippet of real life's ups and downs, victories and defeats and how to pick yourself up and not only keep going but also discover that what we think we want is t really what we need or what matters.

It was refreshing and candid and felt entirely truthful rather than overdone and preachy. No overly harrowing conquering adversity here. Just ongoing process of personal discovery. No final grand ending but instead a feeling that her life will continue to forge on into the unknown. As we all must. And I for one am cheering her on! Even as I continue to try to get up the courage to tackle my house....

Love Nicole Curtis

So nice to hear her talk about her show And her life. she could be your neighbor your sister your best friend thanks Nicole for sharing

This Woman's Life is Something Else

What was one of the most memorable moments of Better Than New?

After seeing her show, I did appreciate the background on the houses she worked on. It gave a little more depth to the TV show.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

It did, but I listened to the book a little faster just to get through some of her story. She can get a little dry at times.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not at all. Sometimes her voice gets annoying as you are listening to her tell her story. You can't decide whether to cheer her on or be pissed about the decisions she has made.

Great story, great woman, great narration

A story of rebuilding yourself, with a twist of restoration tricks. Nicole is an inspiration, and I have been profoundly impacted by her perseverance.

Loved! Loved! Loved! This book ❤️

I’m a huge Nicole Curtis fan! I love Rehab Addict! We do not miss an episode in our house.

This book answers so many questions and sheds light on her life and struggles and how she got to where she is today. You laugh and cry as you listen and feel like you are going through it with her.

Great Listen

The absolute best part of this book is Nicole herself. I can't imagine getting as much from it reading it...this is definitely one to listen to the audio because the author is the narrator. If you like her show, you'll understand...she's one of a kind. She is definitely high energy. Nicole is talented, gutsy, flawed, passionate, fearless, compassionate, emotional and strong...and all of that is laid bare for the world to see.While there has certainly been some element of luck and predestination to her career success, the fact of the matter is, she took full advantage of every opportunity - regardless of what else might have been going on in her life. I admire her for that. I loved learning the backstory to the many houses she's renovated. I loved learning about how she got her own tv show. I loved learning about her grandparents. I loved learning about her kids and dogs. I definitely enjoyed this book.

If you love the show, you'll love the book!

It's great to hear about Nicole's history and her life behind the houses. I recommend it to all her fans!

Depressing to listen to

Interesting stories, but Nicole is always having bad stuff happen to her. Thought I would be inspired but instead often just cringe and hope the next chapter delivers. So far things are still going wrong.

Uplifting fun book

I love the show so I had to get this book. I was definitely not disappointed. She is so funny and the trials she has gone through are some good life lessons.