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Counting the Cost

Written by:
Jill Duggar
Narrated by:
Jill Duggar

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
265
Narrator
98
Release Date
September 12, 2023
Duration
7 hours 7 minutes
Summary
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.
Reviews
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Anonymous

I’ve watched the Duggars out of curiosity and I found their family fascinating. I’m glad Jill was able to see through her family’s bs and make her own life. Jill you are so brave! I’m so proud of you!!

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Dorcas A.

I was super drawn in by this book and finished it in 2 days. Growing up in IBLP, I too went through a long period of changing. As a gal who now wears pants and a nose piercing I related on many levels. Thanks for sharing your story Jill

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Salvatore B.

I have the utmost respect and admiration for Jill for writing this book. You placed yourself in such a vulnerable situation but upheld yourself with such Grace and dignity. It takes such courage to open up the way you did. I'm so proud of you for being such a beautiful godly woman and for the healing that you went through knowing that it was going to get much harder before it got better. I've asked my granddaughter to read this book, not so she can get the "nitty gritty" about your family but so that she can see how a true woman of God can love, care and show respect in all situations that God sets before us. I pray that people don't view the book as ammunition to dislike Jim Bob. I pray that everyone who reads it learns how to continue loving even though the bad times. Since we're all human and we all sin Jim Bob is no worse or better than any of us. Has he made mistakes? Yes Is he remorseful for the choices he's made? I hope so. Is he willing to make amends? My prayer is he will. Does he love his wife and children? I believe in my heart he really does. No family is without it's flaws and mistakes, ours just isn't with news crews and paparazzi chasing us down putting their own spin on it wether it's true or not. Jill I feel in my heart you are highly favored. You have an incredible husband who's obviously a God fearing man who loves and protects you as God instructed a man to do. You have three amazing and beautiful children, all blessings from God. You are so precious and I proudly encourage my daughters and granddaughters to look upon you as an example of how God would like us all to behave. I pray you feel the love many of us have for you with never having met you. God bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and teaching me to handle adversity with grace and dignity ❤️

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Christine O.

This book was beautifully written. Jill displayed such compassion and grace for her family even at times when they didn’t deserve it. I’m so proud of Jill and Derrick and their courage to speak out.

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Cortney D.

Great book! Wonderful learning tool for those navigating either the adult parenting roll or the child becoming the adult.

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Kathryn Y.

Breathtaking, eye opening, and courageously written. Well done to all involved.

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Andrea W.

I was intrigued to hear Jill’s perspective on her childhood and the impact it had made on her. I was fascinated very early on and stayed that way until the very end. The details of it all and Jill being raw and real made me really understand her and her experiences. I loved it!!!

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Casey O.

I really enjoyed this audiobook. It was so authentic and I made a true connection.

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Anonymous

Jill, thank you for being transparent when others couldn't.

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Sherri M.

This is a book that I will listen to again. Only people who grew up in environments where control is so overwhelming will truly appreciate a book like this one. I appreciate Jill for stepping forward with her story and hope it will help others as it has helped me.

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Jayde B.

After watching the Duggar's on TV for years, it was great to actually get an insight into what happened. Well done Jill for escaping and being able to tell your story!

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Tori D.

Wow so amazing! I went no contact with my mom 6 months ago and it was the healthiest choice for me! Jill reminded me I’m not crazy! Thank you for sharing your story and being vulnerable.

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Suzette M.

A thought provoking book that highlighted real and true love for God

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Anonymous

Perfect, sympathetic, compassionate but firm. Such a beautiful journey

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Pcollins1025

Very enlightening, not just in taking a closer look at parenting style of Jimbob and Michelle Duggar but I also came to realize a thing or two about myself. Jill is intelligent and insightful, she’s also very honest and genuine. I wish her peace and contentment in all her future endeavors ❤️‍

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Anonymous

I found her book great! It really gives a perspective from her life as a child and young adult on tv and even though she didn’t speak for her siblings it gave a sense of how things were for the whole family in terms of being on reality tv. I hope she writes another book about how her life is going now.

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Michelle M.

loved it Jill was always my favorite

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Joannah C.

Such a good book of faith, love, heartbreak, redemption and reconciliation. Growing up with this family and going through some of the gothard teachings as a teen, I can relate with Jill on the ‘umbrella’. The book is eye opening and I’m so glad she could finally get her voice heard. May God continue to bless you guys and your family.

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Anonymous

It must have been a difficult decision and a lot of courage to write and share the truth. It definitely clarified the misinformation and speculation spread by the media. If ever they question their decision to publish this book, it is never wrong to do the right thing and to be truthful.

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Anonymous

Amazing listen!! Had no idea what went on behind the scenes! What an eye opener.

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Anonymous

I have a tremendous amount of respect for Jill for speaking out on something that’s so difficult to talk about. This book has given me courage and hope for my own life.

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Anonymous

Loved it! No family is perfect and that is why are source of happiness should always be our Lord Jesus. I do pray for the Duggars. I’m sure raising 19 kids was not an easy job.

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hadley prevette

Interesting to read as an exfundy with heavy IBLP influences in my back ground. We did not have cable so I did not watch the show but I'm always interested in others stories about making their own way. I wish she did not provide justification for certain types of abuse and was more excepting of lgbt+ but good for what it is.

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mrlcs0

Well written

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Anonymous

Well written. Thank you for your honesty on something that was such a hard time for you.

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Anonymous

Well written and so great to read. Inspiring and courageous!

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Anonymous

This book was very well written and the author shows amazing strength through a life filled with adversity. Hearing Jill read the book truly brought it to life. Bravo!

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Cynthia F.

Loved it

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Joanne M.

One of the things that the family has stated on their shows is they are not perfect. No one is. As parents Jim Bob and Michelle were nurturing, loving, and present for their children. They made mistakes all parents do. Thiers's is obvious so no need to dredge them up. One of my thoughts is that through all the strife between the 2 couples, Jill and Derick are coming through it all still loving and respecting Mom and Pops Duggar. More healing is needed and I believe they will get there. One thing Jim Bob did right, out of many things, is that he introduced Jill to Derick. Loved the book.

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