The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America's Largest Families-How They Do It
By: Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar
Published: 2008
# of pages: 240





Official Description: 

This practical, positive book reveals the many parenting strategies that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar use as they preside over America’s best-known mega-family. Each time a new baby arrives, the press from around the world clamors for interviews and information. Visitors are amazed to find seventeen (baby number eighteen is due January 1, 2009) well-groomed, well-behaved, well-schooled children in a home that focuses on family, financial responsibility, fun—and must importantly, faith.Readers will learn about the Duggars’ marriage—how they communicate effectively, make family decisions, and find quality time alone. They’ll discover how the Duggars manage to educate all their children at home, while providing experiences that go beyond the family walls, through vacations and educational trips. And they’ll see how the Duggar family manages their finances and lives debt-free—even when they built their own 7,000-square-foot house.Answering the oft asked question—How can I do with one or two children what you do with seventeen(soon to be eighteen)?—Jim Bob and Michelle reveal how they create a warm and welcoming home filled with what Michelle calls “serene chaos.” They show how other parents can succeed whether they’re rearing a single child or several. With spiritual insights, experience-based wisdom,  practical tips, and plenty of humorous and tender anecdotes, the Duggars answer the questions that pour into the family’s Web site on a daily basis—especially after every national media interview and TV appearance—including their segments on the Discovery Health Channel’s “Meet the Duggars” series.

My opinion:  I started reading this book out of idle curiosity, not expecting to learn anything from it or even finish it.

Boy, was I wrong! This book was the answer to several prayers. From feeling insecure about new ministry responsibilities to parenting issues to what to do with some extra space in our house, this book has given me answers and peace.


The overall tone is very encouraging.  I expected to feel inadequate and guilty while reading this, like I often do when hearing about "perfect" families.   But although the Duggars have qualities and ways of doing things that I'd like to emulate, I feel encouraged and motivated.  This books makes it obvious that the Duggars aren't all that different from me.  They worked hard for what they have and were blessed in the process.  For some reason I thought they had always been where they're at now.  


I really believe that non-Christians will also find this book interesting and encouraging.  While the Duggars do share their faith in the book and talk about it throughout, it isn't pushy or really detailed.  


I just want to add, when I say I want to emulate the Duggars in some aspects of their lives, I do NOT mean that I will be having 19 kids!  I understand why they do, but do not at all feel convicted to do the same.



Why I gave this book 5/5 stars: An answer to prayers, easy to read, helpful and practical advice throughout, very uplifting and motivating.

Other reviews:
Have you reviewed this? Let me know and I'd be happy to post yours as well.