I didn't check reviews before I bought this book because a friend read it and had nothing but praise for it. I must admit that I am humbled by the system the Duggar parents have in place for their family, and realize that the Duggars are some of the most loved kids in print, if not the country.
What bothers me, only came about after I read the book and skimmed through some of the reviews here. Some are ugly, while the rest are downright untrue (which a person would know if they actually read/or paid attention to the book).
First, the Duggars are not fanatics. There is obviously a regular mention of the faith that guides their lives and their children's lives in the book, but if you want a Bible study, you'll need to buy another book too. The kids are reared with a ton of attention, love, and time with their parents and their siblings. In a country where teen pregnancy, drug use, and Brittney Spears wanna-be's run rampant, then this family may seem bizarre to some; but to those of us who look for an alternative to the current state of affairs for children in this country, then the Duggars are a fresh breath of air.
Two, there is absolutely no mention of "corporal punishment" in this book, as one review mentions. Whether or not you feel spankings are appropriate for your children, this book is neutral on the subject. It is not even mentioned. As for the "blanket time" escape consequences, as one reviewer assumes includes spanking, there's a step-by-step process which Michelle clearly outlines which NEVER calls for spankings! It was a reward system, mostly with lots of praise and excitement, and perhaps an edible treat. I'm still shaking my head wondering how someone else missed this...
Another reviewer condems the family's choice to bear their own children instead of adopting. Wouldn't it make more sense to go hound the folks who are unable to conceive and are "eliminating" their children during IVF? I bet all the kids in the country would have a loving home if parents who insisted on forcing conception chose instead to adopt.
As for the claim that the Duggars are creating a global problem by creating too many lives...I can only call to attention the fact that Americans are under-populating our country. We are in a negative state of population growth, only kept steady by immigration at this point. And truly, with the hearts these children have, hearts to serve their neighbors, aren't these the exact kind of people we WANT filling our country/world?
To continue...there's a remark about Jim Bob's business practice, where he buys low, and sells high. This IS SIMPLE business. It's how business is done. If businesses didn't do it, there would be no more businesses. How does this person expect Jim Bob to feed his children? If he didn't buy items (like the land he mentions in the book, or construction equipment) the people who were trying to sell at the time might starve. If he weren't offering said land or equipment for sale later, someone else would have to hunt elsewhere, or go without! He, as a business person, has an excellent eye for a deal, and for that reason, his family lives FREE of debt. How many of us can say the same?
Now for the lovely people who have donated time, advice, items, or skilled labor; who could judge them for helping? The family friend who is a widow and teaches piano comes to mind. I believe she teaches half-price to ALL of the members of her church. The Duggars didn't twist her arm, and bargain an elderly lady out of her food money. This woman has obviously picked something valuable up at church: it is better to give, than to receive. It is wonderful to serve others, esp. fellow-believers. It is admirable to serve those in need. I can't speak for the woman, but I would teach the Duggar children as she has done if I lived nearby and had the time. Why? Certainly not because I pity them. They don't need pity. Rather I would want to foster the growth of children who are great sources of light in a very dim world. Because they'll pass their talent along to another person who might not be able to afford it. Or, if I were a widow with no family at home, because those children are probably a lot of fun to be around.
To respond to the remarks about the recipes: they are fairly standard-American-diet, from what I could tell. One recipe calls for "parrafin" which is used for chocolate coatings for the sheen, and to avoid tempering. It is commonly used for chocolate coated nuts(among other things), and while I choose not to use it, I would point critical readers to the menu of any public school lunch, and tell me that those children eat any more healthfully...Are they getting any physical activity sitting at their desks all day long, while the Duggar children run around and play after they've had their lessons? I have yet to see an overweight Duggar, while about half of all other Americans are high on food, and low on exercise. Recipes were provided in the book; not meal plans. None of us know what rounded out a given meal, or how many salads were offered.
I am certain the Duggars have and will make mistakes as parents. They actually point to some in their book. They don't hide, or pretend to be perfect. There couldn't be two more humble people in the world. Which is precisely the reason I've written far more in a review that I intended to be short, sweet, and positive: Who, in their right mind would ridicule this pair, when they've shared their lives on t.v. and through this book, for the benefit of others? Who would go further, and spread inacurate information?
This family is an answer to prayer for us. Our children can watch other children on t.v. who respect their parents, dress and speak appropriately, and who share their faith. Many times while I was reading the book, my girls walked by and asked me to read out loud so they could hear too. The book is one I'll keep for the resources in the back, and pass along to friends who are interested.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the authors
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
$9.99
Get it as soon as Wednesday, Jan 24
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may ship from close to you
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
