Counting the Cost
ByJill Duggar,Derick Dillard,+1 more
2023 • 288 pages
Ratings17
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings17
Average rating3.7
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER For the first time, discover the unedited truth about the Duggars, the traditional Christian family that captivated the nation on TLC’s hit show 19 Kids and Counting. Jill Duggar and her husband Derick are finally ready to share their story, revealing the secrets, manipulation, and intimidation behind the show that remained hidden from their fans. Jill and Derick knew a normal life wasn’t possible for them. As a star on the popular TLC reality show 19 Kids and Counting, Jill grew up in front of viewers who were fascinated by her family’s way of life. She was the responsible, second daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle’s nineteen kids; always with a baby on her hip and happy to wear the modest ankle-length dresses with throat-high necklines. She didn’t protest the strict model of patriarchy that her family followed, which declares that men are superior, that women are expected to be wives and mothers and are discouraged from attaining a higher education, and that parental authority over their children continues well into adulthood, even once they are married. But as Jill got older, married Derick, and they embarked on their own lives, the red flags became too obvious to ignore. For as long as they could, Jill and Derick tried to be obedient family members—they weren’t willing to rock the boat. But now they’re raising a family of their own, and they’re done with the secrets. Thanks to time, tears, therapy, and blessings from God, they have the strength to share their journey. Theirs is a remarkable story of the power of the truth and is a moving example of how to find healing through honesty.
Reviews with the most likes.
I don't rate memoirs.
Good read. I remember watching them when I grew up and thinking how different their life was than mine.
Jill has gone through so much. I'm glad she's found help and has a beautiful family.
Lost Count
I had hoped to have a stronger connection with this book, given my support for victims, but I encountered significant difficulty while reading it. My struggle wasn't due to the writing itself but rather the language employed within. It became evident that the author was attempting to navigate a delicate path, indicating that she may not yet be fully prepared to open up and is still grappling with her upbringing.
The author's narrative conveyed a sense that she primarily attributes her father's wrongdoing to financial matters, while her mother appears to bear no responsibility for what transpired in her life. She paints her childhood as if it were a fairytale upbringing, yet it lacks acknowledgment of the inherent flaws and issues that existed.
The impact of Jill's homeschooling experience becomes evident throughout this book. It's important to clarify that this isn't a critique of the book's writing quality; in fact, it's well-written. However, my perspective on the writing style might be influenced by the fact that I listened to the audiobook.
Jill's portrayal in the story leaves a distinct impression of timidity and apprehension, as if she's concerned about the possibility of a family member reading her words and inadvertently hurting her siblings. It raises a significant question: How can one fully express their truth when the fear of causing harm to others lingers in the background?
It falls somewhere between not bad and not good. What it needed wasn't more details or drama, but a deeper and more genuine examination of the author's life. I hope the author continues with therapy and eventually realizes that assessing one's childhood doesn't equate to its collapse. If evaluating anything, be it your upbringing, your relationships, or your faith, leads to its collapse, it suggests that it was already fragile before you began.
