Counting the Cost

By: Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard - contributor, Craig Borlase - contributor

Narrated by: Jill Duggar

Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 Jill Duggar (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

Raw and Honest

Jill reads this story like a girlfriend you’re having coffee with telling you about her life. She is raw, real and honest even when it hurts. It’s amazing how she’s able to reminisce on the beauties of her childhood while opening painful wounds and uncovering lies, deception and betrayal that were buried beneath. I started and finished listening to this book all in one day, I simply could not go to sleep until I finished it. Rather you’re a longtime follower of the Duggars, have only read the tabloids or just enjoy a good memoir this is the book for you.

I guess I’m an awful person?…

I expected this to go a lot harder on her parents. She was involved in litigation with them so I assumed it would go there. It felt more like the vivid depiction of a parent who is a total bully without any real resolution of dealing with that aspect. She did a great job narrating her story and for what it was I felt it was good enough to warrant 4 stars overall but the story needed more honesty. I felt a bit bait and switched with this purchase. Still interesting and if you watched the show at all you will enjoy the look behind the scenes. Very interesting.

Finding your own way

I found echoes of my own story in this open and honest book. I especially loved the detail in her finding her own views on things like pants, alcohol, and even her nose ring. It was compelling and I finished it in two days

What a Pioneer! Jim BOB please go away!!!!!

So proud of this brave young woman!! So many times I’ve felt ostracized. Singled out. Rejected. Betrayed & I thought I was simply doing the right thing as I knew in the name of the father. Jill’s story definitely reminds me of how I’ve had to carry my own cross… I finally feel I’m not alone. I feel as if she has simultaneously walked beside me in learning one of life’s hardest lessons while we are at the same age in life. & that life lesson is that enemies do not come in the form of family. They come in the form of your closest, immediate family members. That was a hard pill to swallow but am so glad she spoke to the millions of American girls in their 20s & early 30s that are not alone. Jill, you mean the world to me. Thank you for being so brave and sharing this story for all of us.

Pride comes before destruction Jim Bob. Money makes people funny. God has a way of raising the right hand of his kids & humbling those who have wronged them. Vengeance is God’s

Wonderful Book

Great job recording this book. Jill and Derick did a great job of explaining everything about life growing up as a Duggar, their ministry desires and finally the culmination of everything that went on behind the scenes of the show. My heart goes out to this young couple. k
Kudos to them both for creating a strong marriage and gaining strength as they grow.

Open!

This must have been very difficult for her to write but I am so happy to know she is getting the help she deserves!

So good!

This was so good! Loved every second of it. Jill has such a way with words. I can't imagine what she went through writing this but appreciate her candor and the beauty in which she wrote.

Excellent!

Great book—well presented on audio. Jill and the Duggar kids have had tremendous trauma that will take a lifetime to overcome. It was very brave of Jill & Derick to share their story.

Wow

I’m speechless after learning the whole truth of Jill’s story. I’m amazed at her bravery to speak up in the midst of such challenging times. The book was well written, leaving me in tears on countless occasions. I couldn’t put it down!

Amazing insight to a wonderful woman

This was such an inspiring book! For someone who grew up in a very strained family situation, Jill’s words were powerful & purely her own!