I don't remember the first episode I saw of Home Town. It might have been an episode midway through Season 1, but I do remember binge-watching every episode I missed. Ben and Erin Napier are on a mission to revitalize their town of Laurel, Mississippi and through their eyes, I was able to see the potential in the homes and the community they pitch to their clients.
I love the results they deliver on a budget and the way they reuse, recycle, and re-purpose items saving money for their clients and keeping materials out of landfills. When I heard they had written a memoir, Make Something Good Today, I was curious. Would the bulk of the book be about decorating, real estate, woodworking, or the story of the show? How much of the actual writing would be theirs?
When you write a memoir, you must decide what you want people to know about you. How honest are you willing to be? How much of your life are you willing to share, and what is off-limits? How will these revelations affect the lives of your family and friends?
After several years of interviewing people for magazine articles and my book about surviving breast cancer, I’ve learned everyone has a different comfort level. Many people have assured me their lives are open books only to call me the next day with a list of comments from the interview they don’t want in print.
When I review a book, I look for some connection to the author(s) and the material. I’m a fan of the show, so I assumed the condition had been met. I expected short bios of Erin’s and Ben’s lives before the show, a few tidbits about being on a reality show, and a few decorating tips.
What I didn’t expect was that I would connect with Little Erin Raspberry who was introverted and often played alone or young Ben Napier who basked in the riches of his family though money was tight.
Reading this book not only took me into their lives to glimpse some of their defining moments, but I found events that mirrored some of my experiences. As much as I learned about Ben and Erin, I’m sure I learned more about myself through their worldview. That’s what elevates this book from a charming story to an inspiring read.
Erin reminded me of the little girl who spent hours with her books and stuffed animals. Ben reminded me of my roots. My dad was a carpenter and my brother followed in his footsteps. I remember my dad softly humming to himself, measuring and writing in his little notepad, cutting some crown molding, or designing a bookcase. I chose a different path, but I never lost my love for the smell of fresh sawdust.
I also didn’t expect this warm and genuine sharing of their lives. The Napiers write candidly about some of their greatest joys, most personal failings, and biggest challenges along with the intimate moments of falling in love.
The story of their courtship rivals some of my favorite romance novels. I could feel the chemistry between them, the innocence of their flirting, and the intensity of their feelings.
Erin offers vibrant descriptions of St. Augustine, the Ole Miss campus, and the Laurel of her youth - its gradual decline, and the renaissance it is now undergoing.
Ben excels at storytelling. You can feel his love of history and his deep commitment to his faith.
Don’t expect me to tell you how Ben proposed or how he and Erin were chosen to host their own show. You need to read the book.
Though they explain their design philosophies, this is not a decorating book. It's more of a road map for navigating the good and bad that comes our way. It’s also a challenge to “make something good today” and every day.
Make Something Good Today by Ben and Erin Napier is available at most local bookstores, Barnes & Noble, barnesandnoble.com & Amazon.com. It can be purchased in Hardcover, as an eBook, Audiobook or Audio CD.
Photo credits:
Photo of Ben and Erin Napier:
By Source (WP:NFCC#4), Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60918523
Book Jacket: Photo taken by Beth Morgan