Counting the Cost

Jill Duggar

Sep 2023 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

This appears tp be written by a "least favorite" child who is actually jealous of her brother's criminal downfall.... growing up in a religious house is usually toxic and ALWAYS leads to either THIS type of jealousy, hate, and pettiness or your growth in Jesus Christ .... My parents were WAY worse(abusive and then some)and I still go to Sunday dinner there 2 times each month... forgive or continue this pettiness

What happened to Jill Duggar Dillard was criminal, pure and simple. What a courageous woman she is, and what a wonderful man she married. It's absolutely unconsciable what her father has done to she and her husband, and each and every one of her siblings. Moral, legal, and ethical boundaries don't exist in her father's world except to control "modesty", and to scare his children and grandchildren into perfect obedience to himself, folks - not God, himself. This includes choosing marriage partners. Oh, and there's the money. The money HE controls. This man has made millions off the backs of his kids. He wants people to believe he's a good man. But charging your children money simply because they're yours? Withholding salary to people who "work" for you? Read the book.

So incredibly sad that a once loving Dad would sell his children out for money, greed and fame. But in a nut shell that's exactly what happened...proving once again money is the root of all evil.

About the author

Jill Duggar grew up as star on the hit TLC reality TV show 19 Kids and Counting. She was the first Duggar daughter to marry, and over 4.4 million people tuned in to watch the two-hour wedding special on television. Her life with husband Derick Dillard was featured on the show, Jill & Jessa: Counting On, and Jill is currently the oldest daughter living outside her parents’ home. Along with three of her sisters, Jill has previously written and published the New York Times bestseller Growing Up Duggar. Jill and Derick Dillard live in northwest Arkansas with their three sons.

Derick Dillard has been in the public eye since his first date with Jill Duggar, and over 4.4 million people tuned in for their two-hour wedding special on TLC. He starred on the TLC shows 19 Kids and Counting and Jill & Jessa: Counting On. Derick served in fulltime Christian ministry for five years, working in Asia while single, and then together with his wife Jill in Central America. Before going to law school, Derick worked in management at the Walmart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, as a tax accountant. He is a practicing attorney, licensed in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Derick and Jill live in northwest Arkansas with their three sons.

Craig Borlase is a bestselling ghostwriter specializing in memoir. Previous works include the New York Times bestseller Finding Gobi and My Name Is Tani, the story of an eight-year-old chess prodigy.