catreynolds28's reviews
408 reviews

I really wanted to like this book but it was too campy for me - from the navy guy exclusively speaking in sea-faring terms to Daniel almost exclusively communicating in rhymes it wasn’t for me. The cast of characters was almost identical to pride and prejudice, one of the sisters was even named Mary, and anything pride and prejudice adjacent without explicitly pointing that out irks me. It was lighthearted, maybe I’m just a snob. 

I love Kate - I listen to her podcasts and have read many of her books. Maybe it’s because I’ve heard a good bit about this story but this one didn’t really do it for me. Impeccably researched, of course, I just didn’t find the story very compelling. 

I don't feel like I need to point out how effed up the entire IBLP system is because, if you're reading this book, you are probably at least skeptical about the "church". But I would like to point out how UTTERLY FUCKED UP THIS REALITY TELEVISION EXPERIENCE IS. To think that when your tiny baby is in the ICU and you just woke up after almost DYING and there's some television producer, AFTER YOU HAVE LEFT THE SHOW AND TOLD THEM TO FUCK OFF, texting your dad saying "Get me a picture of that baby" is disgusting. I've never been a fan of reality TV but now I'm an avid hater. Don't get me wrong, Jim Bob is just as much to blame (if not more...probably more) than TLC for how this creepy ass show psychologically impacted his family but two things can be true at once AKA two entities can suck at the same time. AND NO ONE EXCEPT FOR JIM BOB GOT PAID!? Gooooo fuck yourself buddy. *exhales*

Jill went through physical and psychological abuse and manipulation most people (myself included) can't fathom - how she chooses to tell her story is her own business however to any readers that are about half way through the book and throwing up their hands, be patient. It's a long and winding journey but hold on for the ride and you won't be disappointed (I hate using the term disappointed to describe the outcome of someone's life that I do not personally know but, if you're reading this book you know what I mean). The work that this women, and her husband, have done to heal themselves and give their children the healthiest lives possible is just astounding. I don't think I could have done it. Jill is an incredibly strong woman and I am in awe of how far she's come. 

I adore this series and Lily especially. The last 1/3 of the book flew by and was very engaging. The middle 1/3 I was getting really sick of John’s naivety and Amelia’s stubbornness. They both came around eventually but there were multiple times I groaned out loud. The phrases “my word as a gentleman” and “I cannot believe that of a gentleman” makes me dry heave. But I enjoyed the evolution of Matthew and Lily’s relationship even though I’m team Captain all the way. Really looking forward to the next one! 

Short and upsetting blurbs with incomplete information.