Counting the Cost

Books | Biography & Autobiography / Rich & Famous

4.1

(92)

Jill Duggar

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 in this “no-holds barred” (People) instant New York Times bestseller. 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—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 “complicated, remarkably relatable story of faith and family loyalty” (Salon) and a moving example of how to find healing through honesty.

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More Details:

Author

Jill Duggar

Pages

288

Publisher

Simon and Schuster

Published Date

2023-09-12

ISBN

1668024462 9781668024461

Community ReviewsSee all

"Coming to this book with morbid curiosity as an former occasional and incredulous viewer of the family’s show, I was impressed with this memoir. Knowing individuals who have grown up with the same religious background as the Duggar’s, I’ve never known any to find a way to reconcile religion separate from their traumas, so Jill’s perspective was a unique one to me. This was a concise and respectful memoir. While my own biases and assumptions feel like her positive feelings must stem from Stockholm syndrome, it’s clear Jill has truly examined her life from so many angles, working from the foundation up, and her ability to find love and meaning through the trauma showcases the ability for people to heal and choose who they become despite and because of it all. "

CaitVD

"This was a fast, great read. The beginning of the memoir felt like information I mostly knew from documentaries/docuseries and watching them on TLC but as it moved on it was a lot of new information and Jill’s personal, powerful story. She tells her story with bravery, grace, and strength. I highly recommend giving this a read, especially if you’re familiar with the family. As others have said, this is not the book for you if you are looking for tea. "

Krystyn

"Jill is such a brave and admirable woman. It takes a lot of courage to question everything you’ve grown up believing to be true."

Chloe

"Godawful boring. If you're at all interested in the crimes against the author by her brother, this barely glosses over it. It's mostly just a glaring example of "traditional" female ignorance."

Anne G

"I am so proud of Jill for finding herself and freeing her family from the chains of IBLP. I hope she gets everything she wants in this life. What a powerful woman."

Tiff Notes

"Great book!! Reminded me of the way I was raised. "

Miranda Langle

"Beautifully written. Jill tells her side of the story growing up through the trauma, lies, and fear under the IBLP church. This isn't your typical Hollywood tell all book. I felt it was gracefully written with love, forgiveness and truth. 8/10 for me. ✨📖"

Kristal Smith

"As someone that grew up watching the Duggar family and being completely baffled by their way of life and then watching the IBLP prime documentary, getting to hear everything from Jill’s own perspective was incredibly heartbreaking. The IBLP cult is insanely toxic and is hurting so many people and I’m really glad that not only Jill and extended Duggar family members but other ex-members are speaking out against them. It was also awful listening to Jill talk about the mental abuse she went through while being completely brainwashed and constantly manipulated by her father as well as constantly having to revisit the sexual abuse she went through as a kid when she just wants to be able to heal on her own. While there will always be many things that Jill & Derrick believe and support systems that I’ll never be able to support, I’m glad that they’ve found a way out from under her fathers control and are continuing to work through and question everything she learned growing up in the IBLP cult. Very riveting and honest read!"