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Counting the Cost

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Counting the Cost

Written by: Jill Duggar, Derick Dillard - contributor, Craig Borlase - contributor
Narrated by: Jill Duggar
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About this listen

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.

©2023 Jill Duggar (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio
Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Marriage Inspiring Heartfelt
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Thank you Jill and Derek!

Thank you for sharing your story, opening up your heart and voicing your life to all of us. You didn’t have to, but I am grateful. Hearing you express your journey has helped me look to my past and put words to all the complicated emotions I’d rather keep buried. Thank you!

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Jill has strength I hope other women of this cult find

I grew up attending church on Sundays and in a generally religious home but my husband and I do not follow any faith based practices now. So don’t be discouraged to listen or read Jills book based on that reason alone. She is not pushing a religious agenda, she is speaking her truth and it is a truth that needs to be told.

In my 20s I casually watched this show when it because the 17,18,19 and was saddened beyond words when the events unfolded that Jill speaks of. I always thought they must have been forced to do the interview because it all felt so sickening and wrong. The strength and courage that it takes to step forward in any situation when there’s been SA is unfathomable. To think of being in this terrible cult and being brainwashed into such shame by you parents while all that occurred breaks my heart of those Duggar girls (women). The endearing way Jill speaks of Derrick shows how supportive he has been through advocating for her. It seems Jill finally has a man in her life that she can trust and that truly loves her for her. I hope so deeply for her and her boys that their marriage is that of an equal partnership and not a patriarchy. I’m sorry to Jill that she lost the people she grew up trusting the loving the most by trying to defend herself and speak her own truth. I hope for you Jill that some of your family can also leave this awful cult and walk into the reality of truth that wearing pants and attending public school aren’t going to harm anyone.

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This was as good as I had expected!

This was a great listen. She did an amazing job sharing her story and doing so respectfully.

I especially love that she narrated it.

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Heartbreaking, honest and very brave.

I had told myself I wasn’t going to read (listen) to this book. But I’m so glad I did. What a eye opening look into not only this family that I’ve followed along with for years but glimpses of what other “filming families” go through and how it changes their lives. My heart broke for Jill listening to this and I hope she can feel the power of her bravery. Very well done.

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Watched you from the start

Great story - my son daughter and I followed you from the start. So proud that you are thriving with your new family, making your own decisions and knowing your family can be part of your life but are not your life!!

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Authentic and moving

This was a beautiful and at times heart wrenching story. Jill thank you for sharing your joy, heartache, and precious memories with us. It touched me deeply and I hope it helped you on your journey to healing.

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Kept my attention

I found Jill to be very good at telling her story without tearing down her family.

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Jill's genuine feelings

loved it. wish it could be longer or maybe a second book with their life journeys and travels

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Ministry in Action

Really loved this book and feel so proud of Jill for getting her story out, finding her voice. I feel encouraged to find mine. Kudos to her husband for supporting his wife. I believe her parents are blinded by cult virtues and then power and greed corrupted them. Dear old "Pops" put money, his ego, and filming over his own daughter and sadly, Michelle has no voice. Mothers who don't stick up for their daughters suck.

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I am Beyond Moved!!

I couldn't stop reading/ listening. This book is extremely brave and respectful while honest. Jill's voice calming & soothing. I am shocked by some of the things I learned but not surprised by Jill's gentle & respectful way of sharing her truth.

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