"The Duggars:20 And Counting" Book Review

"The Duggars:20 and Counting" book is about the reality TV family from TLC's "19 Kids and Counting.". The series focuses n the lives of a devout Christian family with 19 children whose names all start with "j". I had never heard of the Duggars until the birth of the 17th child. I'm not a big fan of reality TV but I couldn't stop watching them. They had already made several special including " 14 Kids and pregnant Again" How does a family that size manage?

"The Duggars:20 and Counting" explains just that. It was published before the arrival of the 18th child. I recently had the pleasure of reading a copy. The reader goes on a journey from their humble beginning to who they are today. There is much ground covered in 244 pages. The Duggars share life lessons, recipes, personal stories, and answer viewer emails. A list of resources in included in the back of the book.

Jim Bob and Michelle take turns narrating "Duggars:20 and Counting". It opens with the family going to Silver Dollar City in Missouri. Then the reader is taken on a journey from their humble beginnings to who they are today. It tells us a little about Jim Bob's and Michele's childhood and how they met. Their childhoods seemed to be opposites of one another though alike in some ways. Jim Bob's family struggled financially and he grew up with one sister, Deanna. Faith helped to keep them strong.

Michelle Ruark was the youngest of seven siblings. The Ruarks weren't a very religious family. They weren't rich but didn't struggle financially. Jim Bob and Michelle mention a '˜criminal past' Both of them grew up to be normal teenagers. Michelle was a cheerleader and Jim Bob played basketball in high school. Michelle gave up cheerleading after committing her life to God. She met Jim Bob through a church visitation group who spoke with new converts.

In " Duggars : 20 And Counting" ,the reader is given the scoop on their business ventures, home schooling, politics, the building of their house , discipline techniques, and organization. They stress staying debt-free no matter the temptation. The Duggars only had one mortgaged house. Many personal issues are answered in detail. Their views on birth control are of particular interest. The Duggars used birth control the first four years of marriage. After the oldest was born, Michelle went back on birth control. She suffered a devastating miscarriage while on the pills. The doctor told them it was possible and they neglected to read the warning label. Psalms 127:3 further prompted them to stop birth control.

I came away amazed at the transition from the tiny car lot house to the 7000 square foot home. I learned some things I didn't know before. The Duggars experience ups and down like any other family. Obviously, faith plays a huge role in their lives. No decision is made without prayer whether a vacuum, pink blanket or a personal issue. I gathered the Duggars are truly grateful for all the help they received. However, I am not in agreement with everything. Michelle and Jim Bob based most aspects of their life on this seminar or that person without thinking it through. It can get confusing on who is writing. The recipes and FAQ would be better in a separate section. Anyone who wants to know more about the Duggars should read this book.