Customer Reviews

Multiple Bles8ings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets

5 star:		(147)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(47)

 

 

This book is well-written and definitely fills in the gap of time between the birth of the twins and sextuplets and the beginning of the Gosselins' reality show.

That said, I am going to disagree with some of the other reviews and say that this book would be more enjoyable for people who are NOT regular viewers of "Jon & Kate + 8." As one who has seen nearly the whole series, the book left me confused. Besides a bible verse awkwardly taped on the wall of the family's kitchen and the odd reference to Jesus here and there, I had never gotten the impression that Christianity played much of a role in the Gosselin's lives. This book is VERY faith-based, which I have no problem with, but it comes out of left field and seems to overreach at some points to validate Kate's decision-making.

The book's subtitle, "From Surviving to Thriving," also seems a touch inaccurate. I was anticipating at least a chapter chronicling the family's decision to do their reality show, and how this decision brought them the financial security to "thrive." Instead, the family just seems to be "surviving" throughout the entire book; not even the wealth of biblical references could turn this into an uplifting story for me. Kate's tone is controlling and negative, border lining on annoying. I appreciate that she takes numerous opportunities to thank everyone who lended them support during their difficult years, but is it asking too much to then connect the dots and assert that this led them to "thrive"? In her recollection of events, it seems that Kate rarely validated the hundreds of people who donated their time to help care for the sextuplets in the first year of their lives; on the contrary, it seems she was annoyed and resentful. For instance, there is a part in the book where Kate describes how she felt when several VOLUNTEERS would chat about non-baby things amongst themselves in between feeding the sextuplets. She writes, "I would often sit with a glazed look in my eyes trying to remember when I actually thought any of those topics were worthy of that much discussion." That's an honest statement that I commend her for admitting to, but I was disappointed when it wasn't followed by any reflection or evidence of growth - and isn't that what the book is supposed to be about? There were too many of these instances in the book for me to believe that Kate has grown spiritually as part of her journey, so all the faith references lose a lot of credibility.

I hate to write such a critical review of this book while I generally enjoy the show, but I'm confused now - what kind of family story is this? Recent episodes have chronicled Kate's tummy tuck, Jon's hair plugs, family trips to NY to do TV interviews, lavish paid-for vacations full of strategic product placement - Is God the driving force behind this too, now that 1) the kids are reaching an age where such attention could cause damaging effects down the road and 2) the Gosselin family are millionaires thanks to their series, books and speaking and endorsement fees? Is this a happy ending of a survival story thanks to the grace of God, or is it the beginning of an excessive reality empire, thanks to the grace of God?

This book left me confused, unsatisfied, and ironically liking Jon and especially Kate a little less. I'm glad it was purchased for me as a gift.

I'm a huge fan of the show and bought the book as soon as I learned of it. I was expecting the book to be a more candid account of their lives. Unfortunately, it was rather impersonal and left many unanswered questions. In the book Kate says she can be stand-offish and that's clear from reading her story. I was hoping for some insight into what the day is like when the cameras are not around. Has Kate ever had a full time nanny to help her once all the volunteers left? They are obviously Christians so why do they talk so little about their faith on the show? I also thought someone would talk about whether Jon still works since their financial situation has undoubtedly changed because of the show. There was also nothing in the book to explain why Jon and Kate's parents have no involvement with their family. An overall disappointment.

When the book came out I noticed that the author is Beth Carson (along with Kate Gosselin). On the TV show "Jon and Kate Plus 8", it has been shown that Beth Carson is a friend of Kate's, so I assumed the book would lack an experienced writing style. I was wrong! This book is VERY well written with an excellent flow and time-line of events.

The story is told by Kate with details that go past what the TV show documents. One way to explain it is that the TV series shows the action while the book provides insight into the emotional roller coaster and thoughts experienced by the parents, immediate family and some volunteers. Kate does a good job of explaining the mental and physical stress of raising six infants, along with a set of twin toddlers. Kate didn't paint herself as a saint and openly talks about the times she was wrong and as she stated "not winning any friends". As a mom myself of multiples I thought the book gave an accurate portrayal of the stress of bed rest, carrying multiples, and the mental exhaustion that takes it's ugly toll on relationships.

The book discusses the inital fertily treatment (an IUI), Kate's hospital stay while on bedrest, their early days in a condo by the hospital and their first house (not the house seen on TV). Each chapter of the book has a personal photo from the Gosselin family which are fairly generic and similar to what has been seen on the TV series. But unlike the TV series the book goes into detail about the parents of Jon and Kate and other immediate family members. Those family members are mentioned lovingly quiet often which Fans of the show may find interesting.

The book does have many religious references, but are not stated in a preachy way. They seem to be made only to point out the reasoning behind decisions Jon and Kate made, and to follow the title/theme of the book Multiple "Blessings".

I have noticed many negative reviews and it seems they are based on a personal disagreement with the Gosselin's lifestyle. Of course everyone is entitled to disagree with the Gosselin's -- I don't always agree with what I see on TV myself. BUT unfortunately it seems the majority of negative reviews have nothing to do with the contents of the book and more to do with the flood of recent tabloid press the family has received. The book doesn't seem to be written to make themselves look good - but written more in a diary style. Whether you are a fan or a critic, I think you will agree that the book is well written. Multiple Blessings is a fairly quick read that is well worth it for anyone who is curious about this family or for someone who has struggled with raising multiples. Enjoy!

I asked for this book for Christmas as I have really enjoyed the show. The stories about the pregnancy and the babies are sweet enough, but the rudeness makes the cringe factor off the chart. From the people who tried to help remodel her home to the volunteers who gave up their time, Kate comes across as an ungrateful shrew. I don't think she understands how badly she comes across. The scriptures don't compensate enough. She'll come close to an epiphany about her behavior then say, "Oh, but it's all about taking care of the babies, keeping them healthy, etc." I found the Duggar book much more gracious and satisfying. Check this book out of the library if you must.

Before I begin, let me say that I have been a huge fan of the show, but as a mother I have particularly been a huge fan of Kate's. She is smart, funny and makes me laugh. Yes she is controlling and can be overbearing with John, but she's real and I like her (or I did). So...when our family ran into the entire crew in Hawaii this summer in Wailea I sat back and watched with interest and awe at how the family interacted. I was mesmerized by the children who are beautiful and extremely well behaved. Unfortunately I can not say the same about Kate.

At first I chalked it up to a bad day for her. One afternoon by the pool she was repeatedly rude to the crew and the staff of the hotel and when a young fan approached her with a big smile and said "my mom and I love your show" she screamed loudly to the crew "NOT NOW, NOT NOW, please get these people away from me !!" Hmmm...ok, I've been there. I've definitely lost my cool and regretted it, so I tried to be sympathetic. But then again over the course of multiple days I saw the same kind of ugliness coming from Kate over and over. I don't have a high expectation from reality tv stars in general, but this was really sad to watch.

While I'm sure it's got to be tough to be constantly be pulled at. She needs to understand that if she doesn't want fans and all of the trapping that come with FREE vacations in $1500/night suites (yes - the Grand Wailea ain't cheap) then you need to suck it up and deal with it.

I love the show and enjoyed the book - but Kate needs to get a grip and understand that she has now chosen to be a working mother. That work is her show and dealing with her fans. If she doesn't like it, then rent a house and have a private vacation away from it all. Oh wait...they'd probably have to pay for that themselves...

I love the show however was really disappointed in the book. There was no information in the book that was new to me. Just about everything in there I was already aware of about them either from shows or interviews they did. I would not spend money on this book, as you probably will not learn any new information.
Thanks

The book overall is not bad per se, but is written on a 4th grade level. It is not overly thought provoking and tells the same tale anyone who has seen the show knows. There are a few pictures, mostly those that have been shown on the show.
What mostly comes through is Kate's thinly veiled sense of entitlement. Nowadays she doesn't even bother to try to hide or gloss over her greed and rudeness. In the book however she does at least offer lots of excuses for why she acts rude, disrespectful and absolutely ungrateful. So if you wanna hear the same old sob story and same old reasons why Kate can be a witch because she doesn't get the first class treatment and free gifts she wants, read on. Otherwise maybe think about the exploitation of these poor children for money.

Are you people watching the same show. My wife watches the show because she thinks the kids are cute. I agree with her there but come on people. This lady is a monster. If she wrote a book titled, "How not to be like me", I would consider buying it. I don't see how she is fit to give advice to anyone.

I pre-ordered my book "Multiple Blessings",about the popular TV show "Jon & Kate Plus Eight,because I enjoyed the program so much.Not being much of TV viewer,I have to admit I first noticed my daughter and her fiance turned in several nights to watch,and it seemed a good way to unwind after a day at work.

The first time I watched the program,I was amazed at Kate's organizational skills.I wasn't surprised to learn in the book she was a professional nurse.I can picture her a charge nurse of a busy E.R.I was curious why her parents were never on the show,or Jon's Mother. Through the book,Kate told how her Mom visited her every day,in the hospital prior to the babies birth.Although she does not state this, perhaps the parents want their privacy respected.They are there to help but quietly out of sight.

On page 136,Kate finally gets out alone.That made a tremendous impact on me.She leaves her eight little ones in capable hands,and seven months
after the septuplet's birth,unacompanied she goes shopping.When I read that,I just paused for a minute,I realized how much of her life,as their
Mother,she must devote to all eight children.It gave me some insight into
the way six infants would change your life.

People find fault with Kate in some of the reviews.They mention how Jon and Kate bicker.....they are two different personalities.Kate must possess a high energy personality to begin with,whereas Jon seems calmer providing a balance.They always make up in front of the children too. Some people resent the money they are making.I think to have a film crew in your home four days a week can hardly be easy.They earn every penny. How many of us would stand the intrusion.Beside,I find the show entertaining.The children are beautiful to watch,and Jon and Kate seem more like an average young couple than some of the other shows on TLC.

The book is a light read,shedding light on how Jon and Kate met and married.I better understood Kate and her reasoning and desire to be a mother.An excellent book for another Mother or Grandmother who likes to remember.

I bought this book b/c my husband and I watch the show weekly and suddenly found ourselves faced with fertility doctors. He doesn't agree that the show is a good thing for their family but I thought by me reading the book and explaining to him that Kate is just misunderstood he would learn to like the show as much as I. On Saturday December 6, 2008 my husband and I went to Petsmart in Dover, DE to buy puppy food for our new puppy. My husband said babe look that lady looks like Kate Gosselin. I said yeah but turned back to what I was doing not giving it a second thought. Next thing I know we are in the same puppy food isle and my husband again said babe it is her and I knoticed the two oldest girls Cara and Maddy. I said Kate Gosselin? She said yeah and didn't even turn around to acknowledge me or my husband. I said I watch your show all the time and just read your book, thank you for sharing. She kept her back to me and never uttered a word of thanks for anything and her girls just stared at me like a deer in headlights. I just wanted to let everyone know that it broke my heart that she couldn't even turn and say thanks...that was all I was looking for. Please don't spend your hard earned money to help her afford the lifestyle of thinking she is better then all of us. After today I wonder if all the scriptures in the book and saying she lives according to the Bible is true? If anyone wants my copy I will gladly send it to you for free and then you can pass it on to someone else for free as well.