Counting the Cost

De: Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard, Craig Borlase

Narrado por: 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.

Good job Jill!

I am absolutely hooked. I can’t stop listening and it’s 2:45 AM. I know it must have been difficult for her to open up like this, but I’m so proud of her strength and bravery in doing so. Jill, you have done something so courageous here that will help so many. It even helped me. I hope everyone reads this book and I genuinely think you are a hero for so many.

Deeply touching, raw, avoided detail of CSA

This book was deeply moving. I lost count of the times I cried along with Jill. She’s clearly doing the work while being as honest as possible.

There are a few things she didn’t address that I’m removing one star for:
1) her midwifery training and the controversy around her instructor losing her license.
2) her childhood desire to be a nurse and IBLP views about that not being appropriate.
3) discrepancies between the released police report, her rehearsed interview, and Josh’s own on-camera comment at her wedding about her being a tattletale. There were mentions about tattling being looked down upon in the family so I wonder if this was initially included but then cut out as too personal or possibly opening them up to liability.

Overall I loved the book. I applaud Jill’s bravery and Derrick for being a better husband than I gave him credit for.

Thank you Jill

Thank you for telling this story. Even if you weren’t raised in a Christian home all people can relate to your story. Jill was vet courageous for writing this book. I’m so glad she did. She needed to tell her truth and I can only imagine how many people this book can help in many areas of their lives.

Well Told. Bold, honest, and Kind.

I always enjoy hearing people's own story with their own voice. Very well done. Thank you so much for being willing to share this extremely hard journey with grace and not hiding hard truths. Praying as you move forward, God will give you everything you need and continue your healing.
Also, praying that the blinders come off people's eyes. Those that still believe IBLP is biblical. It is instrumental in hurting so many people. We grew up going to the conference. Thankfully, my parents didn't go all in, but what we are taught was still false. Damaged a lot of different relationships. I loved hearing pieces of your birthing stories also. very well written

Fantastic!

Thank you, Jill and Derick, for being brave enough to share your story. This is very well done.