Growing Up Duggar by Jana, Jill, Jessa and Jinger Duggar

Genre: Family & Relationships

Pages: Hard Cover

Publisher:  Howard Books/Simon and Schuster

Reviewer:  Jean Eastwood

Jags: 8 

Growing up Duggar is about the Duggar family from Arkansas who are well known for the television show on TLC (the learning channel) called  “19 Kids and Counting”. Mrs. Duggar actually had a 20th child, a girl, but she was stillborn. All of the children have names that start with the letter “J”. There are 10 boys and 9 girls.

This book is written by several of the older girls whose names are mentioned above. They are very insightful for being so young. They all have discovered their “vocation” in life and are happily involved in serving others at such a young age. They are happy to share their Christian ways of thinking and living with anyone but especially find it rewarding to work with teenagers who need their guidance.

I think it is amazing that all of the 19 children play piano and violin and every one can play another instrument as well, like the cello, guitar, mandolin, or harp. All of the children are raised to be very well-mannered. The boys are taught to serve and protect the girls and learned this behavior from watching their dad. They even open the car doors for the girls which you really don’t see very often anymore. 

After reading this book on relationships, I think the Duggar children have a bright future ahead of them. They are obedient and mature for their age. I give credit to the parents for instilling the right behavior at a very early age and make it possible for the children to have emotional and financial support.

I enjoyed reading the book and it was a fun weekend read. Keep up the good work Duggars!

The Jag Review has received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for our honest review. The opinions expressed here are our own. 

.

Incognito by Andrea Raynor

Genre: Autobiogrphy

Pages: Soft cover 

Publisher: Simon & Schuster 

Reviewer: Virginia Armstrong 

Jags: 5 

Incognito is the biography of Andrea Raynors personal journey during her days at Harvard Divinity School. Finding the campus to be more than what she expected, Andrea is thrust into a world of diversity in cultures and lifestyles. What she discovers is a world she could have never imagined, especially at such a reputable institution.

Andrea's first experiences range from openly gay students on campus, to Geishas and even preop transsexuals that unfolds into colorful moments in her life. She introduces you to the men that meant the most to her, and the ones she left behind. She also includes all the stories of the homeless she strives to help, champion individuals that would otherwise be swept under the rug. 

During this time, Andrea's convictions strengthen in God, believing she is on the the path that The Lord has chosen for her. She shares all the intimate moments when she felt closest to God, as well as the times she heard Him speak to her without words, reassuring and comforting her in her desicions. 

Incognito was a fast moving story, starting in Andrea's home state of Ohio, and ending in Cambridge. She details her life and relationships, but never really gets to meat of the story, which ultimately takes away from the personalities of the people she interacted with. Couldn't help but feel unfullfilled. 

The Jag Review has received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for our honest review. The opinions expressed here are our own.