Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar

 Counting The Cost by Jill Duggar, 271 pages

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This memoir was a surprising read. While the Duggar exploits are widely reported and known, the individual Duggar "children" often seem to get lost in the considerably bigger picture. Jill's unique perspective of the on- and offscreen exploits shapes a very different picture. 

Jill's book was both enlightening and encouraging, especially coming from an evangelical childhood. Regardless of where you fall into the religious spectrum, I think it's worth a read.

Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar

Counting the Cost: A Memoir by Jill Duggar - 271 pages

This book explores the relationship between Jill Duggar and her father Jim Bob Duggar from childhood through adulthood.  It also looks a little into her changing beliefs regarding religion.  

I found the book to an interesting look into Jill Duggar's life.  It documented the changing relationship with her father and how she believes their show changed that relationship.  I had also read her sister's Jinger Vuolo's book when it came out.  They were very different books as Jinger focused on the changes to her faith while Jill focused on her family relationships.  Both were great looks at behind the lives of a "celebrity" familly.

 

Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard, Craig Borlase

 

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Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard, Craig Borlase - 288 pages

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.

I remember watching this show shortly after it premiered and now that I've read this I kind of want to go back and watch one or two since I have a different perspective.  I really enjoyed this book very much; Jill's voice is fantastic.  She and her husband seem to have a fantastic relationship.  Her Pops on the other hand, seems like quite the piece of work.