Counting the Cost

By: Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard, Craig Borlase

Narrated by: 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.

5 stars

Jill tells her story very frankly all the while staying respectful and ultimately loving toward her parents and family.

Raw and eye opening

Just another testimony to how one weak man (gothard) can pervert a religion so far over the edge, that it ruins entire families. One has to wonder where this family would be without IBLP and it’s teachings; the idea that a father can manipulate and control his family so absolutely. Would Josh have become who he did if he had parents who weren’t taught to hide in shame and get him help before it was too late? Ones that weren’t stretched so thin caring for more kids than they could handle? Would they have addressed normal teenage struggles in a healthy and open way? Would they have actually held their son accountable and protected their daughters? Did IBLP help create a p3dophile?

It’s an honest shame that Jim Bob was so easily corrupted in the name of religion and pure, unadulterated GREED. It is this representation of “Jesus” that is the precise reason why so many are fighting against Christian theocracy in the US in 2023. It is hypocritical, perverted, and downright dangerous.

Go Jill!

Loved all of this.. stayed up late and woke up early to hear her story.. I hope there’s more.

Jill tells her side of the story

This book is not a letter to her parents, as she notes at the end. It is simply her side of the story when it comes to her experience with TLC, IBLP, and the way she her parents raised her. She does a good job of connecting threads, so make sure you listen and pay attention because a single sentence could show up as proof of something later down the road. Well done, Jill.

So proud of Jill

Jill paints an detailed, honest, compassionate account of her family and life experiences. I couldn’t put it down. I am deeply impressed by her strength, grace, and the hard work she has done to heal. She is a cycle breaker and a true blessing to her family. Worth a second read!