The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America's Largest Families--How they Do It

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Top reviews from the United States

DarkenmoonVerified Purchase Enjoyable Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2009 This book is a very fast read due to the large margins, large type,and large spaces. However, this doesn''t mean that it is unenjoyable or a that it is a drawback. I think we can often see the people on TV as somehow more perfect then ourselves. This book breaks... See more This book is a very fast read due to the large margins, large type,and large spaces. However, this doesn''t mean that it is unenjoyable or a that it is a drawback.

I think we can often see the people on TV as somehow more perfect then ourselves. This book breaks this image of the Duggers. They do share what they''ve learned and done right. They also show where they''ve messed up and failed. They tell about where they came from and the growth they''ve been through. I very much appreciate this.

While you can find many recipes that are also on their website, you can also find many helpful tips to make your life easier. I especially liked their system for organizing boxes for moving. She also shared how she found that this system made it easier for other applications as well, like storing items only used at certain times of the year or being able to weed out items you no longer need.

Watching the Duggers can sometimes make a person think they could never be debt free like the Duggers. Or it can make them think that the Duggers much just be wealthy or many other things. But this isn''t the case. When you read the book, you see that they aren''t wealthy but have used some very wise tips and lessons they''ve learned to become and stay debt free. They work hard and sacrifice what they want this second and instead save for what they need. At this time, it is a very good lesson for people to learn.

I greatly enjoyed this book.

There is one concern I would pass on that others have also mentioned. There is one aspect of the writing style which can be awkward. They will use I (Jim Bob) or I (Michelle) when talking. This isn''t a deal breaking thing but can come off as awkward until you get used to it.

I would recommend this book whether you are quiverfull like the Duggers, a parent in need of advice, a fangirl/boy of the Duggers, or just enjoy some wholesome reading about an interesting family. 8 people found this helpful Helpful

Kendra GVerified Purchase Very Diverse, Interesting, Worthwhile Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2015 I love the Duggar family.. If you''re interested in learning more about how they make their full family work together while having fun, serving Yehovah (the Almighty Creator), biblical principles they live by, how they got where they are then take a peak at their personal... See more I love the Duggar family.. If you''re interested in learning more about how they make their full family work together while having fun, serving Yehovah (the Almighty Creator), biblical principles they live by, how they got where they are then take a peak at their personal and professional history in this book! Learn tips for raising your own children (even if you only have 1-2), giving thanks in times of hardship and recipes! Definitely read this book!

PS. Although Michelle is off on one thing. Natural child spacing is possible while breastfeeding, BUT as soon as you start weening your child and you get a regular period you are able to become pregnant. You have to be nursing a baby/child as it''s PRIMARY/ONLY source of food (other than a few tiny snacks). Helpful

Radiana McClureVerified Purchase Nothing but admiration for this family. Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2009 I thought the book was well written and very much a page turner. I may be a little biased because I love their show but had I known nothing of them I would still find the book a good read. Michelle and Jim Bob are very down to earth and sincere and I didn''t get the feeling... See more I thought the book was well written and very much a page turner. I may be a little biased because I love their show but had I known nothing of them I would still find the book a good read. Michelle and Jim Bob are very down to earth and sincere and I didn''t get the feeling that they were trying to convert anyone to their religion or way of thinking. Yes they talked about their faith in God and some of their beliefs but that is very much what their life is about. I was impressed with the fact that they have been great money managers. Some critics of the family have tried to say that they get government help, which is not true. They have practiced some very sound financial strategies that we can all learn from. It''s well worth the money and if you''re a fan of theirs you won''t be disappointed. 2 people found this helpful Helpful

Kind BeanVerified Purchase Interesting behind the scenes look at one of America''s largest families Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2009 I first heard of the Duggars a few years ago on the Today show and was impressed by their seemingly polite and mature children. I didn''t really give it much more thought and they made several more appearances on the show so that I finally became familiar with their name,... See more I first heard of the Duggars a few years ago on the Today show and was impressed by their seemingly polite and mature children. I didn''t really give it much more thought and they made several more appearances on the show so that I finally became familiar with their name, but never really had an interest in watching any of their specials. I heard a lot of people talk about them (in person or on the internet) and while some of it was good, most of it was negative. Recently, I watched one of their shows and I was amazed at the patience of Michelle while dealing with her little ones and I was inspired. I didn''t start watching the show, but I thought about it whenever my children (2 and younger) were driving me crazy! Very recently I have begun to watch the repeated episodes as well as the new ones and I became more and more interested in this family, so I decided to buy the book. (So after that rather long introduction, my review...)

It was a very easy read; it only took me two nights to read it. It was also very engaging, and easily kept my interest. It did have a lot of information not seen in the show, in particular how Michelle and Jim Bob met and the first years of their marriage. They seem like genuine, honest, and faith filled people and the book is very inspiring for those with one child or many. Even if you don''t have any children, but you have a strong faith in God, I think this would be a pleasurable read as it is as much about faith in God as it is in their lives'' stories. The two are completely intertwined and you simply can''t have one without the other.

I particularly enjoyed finding out many "facts" that I had heard about them, were simply not true. For instance, the biggest lie that I had thought was true was that Michelle stopped breastfeeding at six months so that she could become pregnant again. She usually breastfeeds exclusively until she gets pregnant again and her milk supply goes down. Another silly lie, all the children have to wear the same clothes. While they admit that when they go on a trip they try to have the children wear the same color shirt, it is only for the purpose of being able to keep track of everyone easier, something that most larger (and some smaller) families do. Also, it is helpful to wear similar colors the same day for laundry purposes. They are not rich, they always buy used and save up for items so that they can pay in cash and not have any debt, something I think most people should think about doing.

While the book was very interesting, I did have a little trouble with the organization. The book was mostly told in chronological order, but they also had sections (such as disciplining the little ones, preparing the older children for adult life, homeschooling, and organization) toward the end, yet they were mention numerous times throughout. It was almost like they were trying to put two books (their biographies and their tips and advice) together in one. It was a little distracting at times. The only other problem I had, was that they used the first person narrative to tell the story, which is nice, as it is more personal, unfortunately their were two people telling this story so they would say: I (Michelle)... or I (Jim Bob)... and sometimes I had to go back to reread to see who was talking. I almost wished they used two different type fonts to distinguish who was speaking. While these things were distracting or bothersome at times, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and I know that they don''t pretend to be professional writers so I can forgive them for it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys watching their TV shows or even those just following them with the Today show. I would also recommend it to anyone with a family and a strong faith, as you will find helpful information about dealing with children, the house, homeschooling, scheduling and how to find ways to live your life more faithfully. I wouldn''t recommend this book to those who are only looking for recipes and tips, because while this book includes them, the bulk of the book is really the Duggers life story so far. Also, their website includes some of that stuff that you could check out for free. 10 people found this helpful Helpful

Shanna CollasoVerified Purchase Purchased for a second time because it was so good Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2016 I reordered this book because I lent mine to a friend and never got it back. Regardless of what anyone says about this family, this book is amazing and encouraging. They do not pretend to have things together and share their struggles but give a lot of lessons learned and... See more I reordered this book because I lent mine to a friend and never got it back. Regardless of what anyone says about this family, this book is amazing and encouraging. They do not pretend to have things together and share their struggles but give a lot of lessons learned and tips for raising a family in the Lord. They aren''t perfect (nobody is) but I really do love their heart for the lord and the way they raise their children. It was worth purchasing a second time. 3 people found this helpful Helpful

Susan BVerified Purchase just a few thoughts Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2014 I gave this a four because most people that purchase this book have done so because theyare familiar with the tv program. I found the material somewhat repetitious..but enjoyed it. I like seeing what works for others in their homes and try to implement them in my home. For... See more I gave this a four because most people that purchase this book have done so because theyare familiar with the tv program. I found the material somewhat repetitious..but enjoyed it. I like seeing what works for others in their homes and try to implement them in my home. For instance, they recommended the Maxwell''s Managing their Chores. I purchased it and found it helpful. I have purchased another Duggar book that was much more detailed and helpful. It helped to see that Michelle is not supermom but a mom who has learned to work through the same struggles all moms of young children experience. 3 people found this helpful Helpful

TONYA SMITHVerified Purchase Book Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2020 I have this book. Bit I wanted for my kindle. I love this family. Thank you sharing your story. God bless Helpful

K. McIntireVerified Purchase Nice background on the family & lots of great ideas Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2009 I want to forewarn potential readers that there are several recipes and answers to e-mails sprinkled throughout the reading. I had to stop reading the story to read the recipe or the e-mail and then continue reading the story again. I still LOVE the book and do not want... See more I want to forewarn potential readers that there are several recipes and answers to e-mails sprinkled throughout the reading. I had to stop reading the story to read the recipe or the e-mail and then continue reading the story again. I still LOVE the book and do not want to donate this one to my local library like my other books.

This family has grown in so many ways. Not just the obvious way - having children. Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar have grown spiritually throughout their lives together. They used this faith as a foundation to raise their family on. They love one another so much and support one another in every venture. They are very smart by establishing a "no debt" policy. They show how they have done this throughout the years. It''s amazing! I would HIGHLY recommend this book to those who need reassurance that all things are possible through God. 7 people found this helpful Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Diane HorneVerified Purchase Interesting Book Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 1, 2020 Having watched this families'' life on television I decided to buy this book to find out more, I wasn''t disappointed. So many aspects of their life were written about and their reasons for doing things a certain way were explained, while I might not have agreed with...See moreHaving watched this families'' life on television I decided to buy this book to find out more, I wasn''t disappointed. So many aspects of their life were written about and their reasons for doing things a certain way were explained, while I might not have agreed with everything they do in their lives I admired their focussed decisions. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it One person found this helpful

AshleyVerified Purchase Such a warm feeling book! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 12, 2021

I loved the book! For those who are fan of the Duggar’s Family - I wound totally recommend this book! I enjoyed the recipes section! It’s such warm feeling while reading this book.

Mrs YoungsVerified Purchase Excellent book Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 3, 2009 I throughly enjoyed reading this book and found that the Duggars surprised and impressed me with the interesting life they have led. I have a new found respect for them and understand the choices they have made alot better. I found their advice on finances very smart and...See moreI throughly enjoyed reading this book and found that the Duggars surprised and impressed me with the interesting life they have led. I have a new found respect for them and understand the choices they have made alot better. I found their advice on finances very smart and have now cut up my credit card and decided not to take loans anymore. I would recommend this book to anyone. 9 people found this helpful

L. ArmstrongVerified Purchase Not Great Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2014 I didn''t really enjoy this book, the small inserts of text between the main story are very distracting. I would recommend ''Are we There Yet by Hector and Sue Badeau'' for anyone who wants to read about large families

Miss Hannah V EastVerified Purchase A Wonderful Family Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 4, 2014 Over the years I have enjoyed watching the Dugger family on the Discovery channel, so when they wrote their first book I was very keen to hear and learn more about their lives and beliefs. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any Dugger fan! It has given...See moreOver the years I have enjoyed watching the Dugger family on the Discovery channel, so when they wrote their first book I was very keen to hear and learn more about their lives and beliefs. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any Dugger fan! It has given me a lot of `food for thought` and made me think about Christianity and raising a family in a whole new way. One person found this helpful Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.