Book Review: The Duggars: 20 and Counting! (5 stars)

Before the Duggars were 20, they were only 2--Michelle and Jim Bob.  They were young and hard-working. Jim Bob owned a used car lot on their property, and Michelle helped run the business during the day while Jim Bob worked at a grocery store. This allowed the Duggars money to save money and purchase a tow-truck for the car lot, which they paid for in cash. They lived in a 900-foot square house while watching their family grow into a family of love and deep, conservative Christian values.

Their deep root of traditional values began when Michelle and Jim Bob were married. They vowed not to have a TV in the home the first few years because it was (and still is) their belief that television takes people away from each other. Furthermore, the Duggars believe that most of the programs on television are demoralizing to a person's character and could stifle the creativity of their children. When it comes to their television show, they only watch it when it is on tape. The Duggars have never watched it when it airs on The Learning Channel (TLC).

They have strong reservations about their life values and what it has meant to live debt-free. Their motto is basically this: If they can't afford to pay for it without borrowing, then they don't need it. This is the meaningful lesson the Duggars have passed down to their  children. They taught them the meaning of good business and the value of money early on. The car lot was followed by a general store  venture. With three little ones in towe, the Duggars prayed about each decision they made. They left their decisions in God's hands and had faith he would lead them in the right direction. And, most of the time they have been successful.

The Duggars have written a heart-warming book which depicts the love of God in a spiritual way. Throughout everything, they have given thanks and gratitude to God for the gifts he has given them. And, in times of need, they have called out to God for assistance. God has answered them every time. This book provokes a strong impression on positive values, and leads people to God through this family. Sure, they are the largest family in America (or one of the largest families), but that's only a small part of who they are. They are Christians, and they have the power to live through God while serving others.

What I like best about this book is their motto, which happens to be the first part of their daughter Joy-Anna's name: J.O.Y.: Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last. So many know the golden rule of the Bible, but this should also be a golden rule. It teaches children about respect, and the Duggars, who include biblical teachings in their home school, have raised children who are embedded in their traditional  values.

This doesn't mean life has always been so easy for the Duggars. They have had to live in cramped quarters in order to upgrade to a more successful and rewarding decision later. They have ran into people at their car lot who who were trying to rob them, but nobody was hurt thankfully. Michelle miscarried, and while they felt guilty about harming their unborn child, they prayed about it. They constantly prayed when their youngest daughter Josie, born last year, struggled to survive because she was born so early. God does answer prayers. The Duggars are your typical, American family--with strong, conservative and Christian values all can respect.