Counting the Cost - Jill Duggar

Counting the Cost

By Jill Duggar

  • Release Date: 2023-09-12
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 439 Ratings

Description

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

  • The tea

    4
    By JETRICEE
    As someone always on the fence about this family. This is the transparency was great
  • Beautiful courageous story

    5
    By Olivedoesnt like it
    The courage it had to take to write this story, is huge. Jill was always my favorite on the show. This is a well written background of her struggles, triumphs and fears. Read it!
  • Amazing story

    5
    By havasuqueen
    What a great story this was. Growing up and watching the show for years, I felt like I had a sense of how life was for them. This story really put into perspective that all families have indifferences, yet we can all power through and sometimes put our Emotions aside. This was definitely a powerful story of their side. I appreciate Jill being transparent and explaining the hardships that her and Derick still continue to face with her parents. Would definitely recommend
  • Disappointed

    2
    By ALLISON ISABEL FELICIANO
    Thought it would be more in depth… it seemed more about their love of Jesus. Whatever floats your boat but doesn’t make for an interesting read
  • Amazing and heart wrenching

    5
    By JackAndSally9
    This book was raw, yet Jill still managed to protect her siblings and children who were innocent in everything. Her writing reminds me so much of my own older sister. She has a beautiful family, and an absolutely heart wrenching story, and told it so well!! She told her story with grace, and dignity, while still being so raw and real! Absolutely amazing.
  • IT’s everything and so much more

    5
    By Bunyan11111111112
    Please read this book!!!! It’s so good!!! It’s beautiful and heart breaking. If you grew up watching the Duggars you owe this to Jill!!!
  • Couldn’t Stop Reading

    5
    By GEHBraga
    This was such a good read! Not a perfectly polished story or flawlessly edited writing, but intriguing storytelling from a victim who finally took back control of her narrative and felt brave enough to use her voice. This book is raw, honest, relatable and I highly recommend for anyone who has experienced high-control religion.
  • Insightful, well-told story!

    5
    By Abaloneys
    I watched every season of the show, and though strange in many ways, I admired the Duggars. Jill’s story is a heartfelt accounting of her family experience, which is one where she came to the realization that she was a business asset first and a daughter second. It’s a story of betrayal that captures the complexity of lies and psychological manipulation wielded by Jim Bob, denied by Michelle, and perpetuated by TLC. Clearly Jill has emerged stronger and wiser. While being truthful about the deception, she still manages to tell this story with the utmost kindness to her family. I hope Jill’s siblings can see the truth and take a stand as well.
  • Encouraging and Mind-Blowing

    5
    By Meg G Najera
    This book was an amazing telling of finding your true voice. I’m proud of Jill for her bravery in telling her personal life story.
  • Quick read

    5
    By Jan P Nurse
    This was a very written book. Easy quick read. Compelling.