Counting the Cost

By Jill Duggar

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1668024446
• ISBN13: 9781668024447
• Release Date: September 2023
• Publisher: Gallery Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Impactful and Healing

I love how Jill tells her story. She shows love and respect to her family even through all that she's been through. She clearly and concisely shares all that occurred. The part that impacted me the most even though the IBLP taught about the "umbrella of protection" she felt like her father did nothing to protect her. Instead she had to protect her family and keep up face, even though she was the victim. This was truly heartbreaking. This also showed how backwards the IBLP is from the Bible. Even though her family relationships are totally healed, it was comforting to know how Jill was in the process of her own journey of healing from all that she has gone through. Highly recommend this book!

open, honest, loving...

Jill and Derick are open, honest and loving in how they share their truth. They are vulnerable in sharing very intimate details of their marriage. They share astonishing details of the Duggar family regarding her father and his control issues surrounding filming and the IBLP. I praise her for growing, learning and thinking on her own. This book is a must read for all.