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Overall this book was not surprising for me. But parts were interesting and there was a genuine critical view of reinterpreting faith as one grows into adulthood.

⭐️ A “personal theological memoir.” Okay, cool, but so much was Jinger debunking Gothard, yet telling us nothing about herself. He‘s the scapegoat, full on. Zero blame falls on her parents. In fact, she barely mentions her massive family at all. It‘s all very surface level. Reads like a term paper compare/contrast of the old religion (bad?) and the new (better?). So many scripture quotes. Just tell your story. Use YOUR words. Not free.

#NonfictionNovember

Having read her sister's book first, this one was enjoyable but echoed thoughts from that one, so I couldn't help but spend my time comparing them.

Although Jinger's journey to separate herself from her family takes a slightly different path than her sister's, it hits on key points from their childhood of the control used to keep the family in line.

I‘ve been on a memoir binge! Three reviews today and in the middle of another!

I think it‘s very good that people are exposing Bill Gothard and the IBLP for the harm they‘ve perpetrated against followers. Jinger‘s family (the Duggars of reality TV fame) was one of his most famous followers. As an adult, she‘s turned away from his teachings but not Christianity. She shares the story of her disentangling.

As a exvangelical, I was really curious to hear what the author had to say about escaping IBLP. She has not left Christianity but is trying to figure out what she believes while dealing with what sounds like an at times almost crippling anxiety. This is not a tell all and she goes out of her way to praise her parents. This really is just about her faith journey and seems very sincere. I‘d like to see where she is in 10 years. ⬇️

I watched their show growing up, so I was very curious about this book. It was a beautiful story about Jinger‘s journey to know Jesus!

I picked up this book to read after I had seen an interview that she had did. I found the book very interesting and I am glad that she told her story. I rated this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

Although I did not grow up in the IBLP, I grew up in a very conservative religion, at 41 I am still learning and figuring out what I believe. This was an impressively relatable read. I underatood how she felt because I have also felt it.

One of the Duggar kids, Jinger grew up in a strict family that followed the teachings of Bill Gothard.

Gothard preached about many things that aren't actually in the Bible and encouraged his followers to adhere to man-made rules that caused fear and anxiety in Jinger.

Instead of leaving Christianity all together, Jinger read the Bible with fresh eyes and began to untangle the truth.

John 8:36 is the inspiration for the title of this memoir