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

I am a huge fan of the Duggars.  I watch their show and have read both of the books that Jim Bob and Michelle have written.  I have found them to be extremely helpful in raising my own children.  When I saw this book, I originally didn't want to read it.  I figured it would be geared more towards teen girls.  That was, of course, good, but in my spare time I wanted to read something meaningful and helpful to where I am in life. 


You can imagine my surprise when I felt like I needed to take some notes in the first couple of chapters!  The whole book is about relationships.  It is from their point of view, but their view towards their parents was so helpful to me.  They told some rules their family incorporates to help stop bickering and how their parents offer love and encouragement to each child.  I love that they spend some time with each child doing a heart-to-heart talk.  They shared some topics they discuss and I kept thinking that's what I want to do with my children.  I want them to feel safe talking to me about these things!


The chapters where they talk about their relationships with their parents and with their siblings were probably my favorites.  I liked the rest and thought they were helpful, but I took a lot of parenting ideas from the first two chapters.  I've already started the obedience game in our home.  How did I not think of that?!  The kids love it!


The book is great for those pre-teen to teen years and even into their young adulthood.  I like how positive they were about being single and how it is a time to focus on their hearts and prepare themselves by working on their relationship with God. 


I'm keeping this book for the future when my daughter (who is now 3) comes to the age where these issues begin to raise themselves.  Until then, I'll be revisiting the first few chapters to glean all of the parenting information I can!


It was helpful to see how they viewed their siblings and helping out their parents.  They truly have a servant's heart and I am glad to hear that they don't despise them at all for helping within the family.  It is encouragement to a young mom who is just starting trying to figure out chores and all of those things within our own family.


I hope the Duggars write more books.  I feel like they are so positive and give me lots of ideas and challenges.  I know they have their plates full of things, but surely another book could make that list!

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

My Amish Boyfriend by Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson is an author I like to go to when I'm looking for a good light-hearted, fun read.  Her story lines are fun, not necessarily reality.  However, the emotions that her characters feel are very much real and easy to identify.


In this book, I can't imagine how Shannon juggles school and taking care of her sick mother.  I know people do have to do that as young people and they are to be commended.  The book is tailored more for youth, I think.  The situation Shannon is in is very easily identifiable with many in today's youth. 


I found Shannon's selflessness refreshing.  It was such a good example for not just youth, but for adults, as well.  She laid aside her summer plans and her desires to go with her mom to take care of her.  She had no idea where she was going and the fact that her mother had family came quite as a surprise.


It as fun to watch her try to become Amish.  I can only imagine how difficult that would be.  But I liked how Ezra was able to help Shannon get through those dark times of summer.


The only hard part for me about this book was trying to get back to thinking I was young.  I tend to put myself in as the character, so it was hard for me to go into that mindset.  I'm impressed by those people that can easily do that.  With that said, this book wasn't meant for adults, so her goal was accomplished.  However, I did read it and enjoy it very much.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.