I have not seen a single episode of “19 kids and counting” or any other in the franchise. I still found this memoir quite fascinating and the things revealed truly damning. I just wish the author would have become atheist, then she would truly have rid herself of all shackles.

Interesting book; I did not watch their show but it was difficult to miss the news coverage. Glad that she’s found some peace, but it still feels like she’s not entirely honest with herself about some aspects of her upbringing. Also this was one of the few memoirs from a non-actor that was tolerable listening. She’s definitely reading, but there were spots where she shone and it was never tedious to me.

As someone who will eat up any memoir that is put in front of me, I thought this one was good. Not amazing or great, but good.

As I always say, I commend Jill Duggar and any other memoir author for their vulnerability in writing a piece like this. I also thought there was some really great stuff in here. However I was dissapointed by how much was just skimmed over… I feel like I learned more from the documentary than I did from this book. The writing was good, but somewhat simple/juvenile. Selfishly, I just wanted to know more and wanted to see more character development/change in Jill’s view of the world than I did.

Realistically, a 3.5 stars.

Brave

Jill did an awesome job sharing her side of the story here. As a long time Duggar follower and someone that grew up in a similar Fundamental church, it is empowering to read her story of strength and bravery even as it meant pushing back on her own family. I hope she continues to heal and maybe this book would give others the strength to step forward to heal as well.

If it's about a cult, I will most likely read it. The cult, IBLP, that Jill was raised in caused irreparable harm to so many. Jill deserves so much credit for courageously sharing her story.