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Multiple Bles8ings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets
Eight children in three years? Impossible! Kate and Jon Gosselin have learned that, through God, all things are possible―though sometimes slightly improbable. Just three years after giving birth to twin daughters, Kate and Jon learned they were pregnant again―with sextuplets. In Multiple Blessings, Kate candidly chronicles the emotional and exhausting challenges she and Jon faced from the time the babies were conceived through the first two years of their lives. This amazing story of faith provides a heartening lesson in what it means to trust the faithful hand of God to provide the strength and courage to make it through life’s seemingly impossible situations.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 19, 2008
49 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Jon Gosselin
4Ìýbooks8ÌýfollowersJonathan Keith Gosselin is an American television personality. He is best known for being featured on the American reality TV show Jon & Kate Plus 8, on which he appears with his wife, Kate, and their eight children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 683 reviews
June 25, 2009
I tried. I really did try to take this book at face value and leave out any preconceived notions I had because of what I've observed of this family on TV. But halfway through the book, it became clear that the same somewhat self-centered, ungrateful, negative woman I've seen on TV was apparent in the book. Though much of the book was written to acknowledge all the help the family had received, her constant criticisms of everyone and her "woe is me" attitude really disappointed me. In addition to two night nurses at first, then a single nurse helping daily throughout the first year, the family had a huge abundance of volunteers to help them out, yet Kate still talks about how they felt so alone and no one understood them -- they were drowning but no one noticed. She writes that while some of the volunteers understood about hormones, etc., others just tiptoed past her. It seems to me that she was only grateful if things were done her way.
Case in point? When they came home with their babies from a condo in Hershey (supplied free of charge), she writes how she had a fit when she saw what they had done to the nursery and the girls room and then was so disappointed that things were dusty. Being curious, I looked up what they had done and while I kind of agree with her, I just can't see how a gracious thank you could not have been given and a coat of paint added later (pics are here, by the way: ), especially when the home makeover crew had done so much for her, including making a new master suite, buying furniture and more.
It seems like Kate is constantly justifying her behavior -- "I left the house immaculate; they didn't keep it clean." She seems very aware of the criticism of her actions in the past and wants to respond to all of it in subtle ways throughout the book. She states many times in the book a variation of "I was criticized for this, but . . ." I do admire her honesty -- admitting to being constantly negative with Jon, for instance, and explaining her point of view when they petitioned Medicaid to ask for an extension of their full-time nurse beyond the first year. I also understand, probably better than most, both the stress of having multiples (my twins are the same age as the sextuplets) and of having a large family (I had my first five kids in five years, then added two more to make 7 in 9 years -- and YES, I know there is a difference between having them one or two at a time and having six at once, but there are also similarities). I understand she's stressed and exhausted, but a little more grace and kindness and gratitude would ingratiate her with her readers a lot more than her justifications for her negativity.
And while she claims that they never had a hand out, it sure seems that way. People would drop off clothes. She'd sort through them and then sell most of them on consignment, justifying it by saying that people wanted to help by dropping off clothes, so they'd be glad to know that while the clothes weren't used, they did get money to help with other things. She also mentions that she kept her shopping list taped to the mirror where the volunteers washed their hands, I guess as a constant reminder to her volunteers of their needs.
And her exaggerations of all the work involved in taking care of her kids were a bit much. She claims that she wasn't even able to really enjoy the kids because she spent three-quarters of her time in the basement with the laundry and in the kitchen. I'm sure my family generates as much laundry as hers does, yet it's hard to imagine spending the "hours and hours" she claimed she took doing the laundry every day. Hours a week, maybe, but not hours a day.
As a book, it's decently-written, though by the end, I think if I read the word, "ironically" one more time, I would scream. The constant use of metaphors (the flood of diapers rising, surprised "like a cold splash of water," and many more) were distracting and unnecessary.
And I really felt sorry for the twins and the babies in all of it. It sounds like they spent almost all of their first year in the same family room, left to themselves or to the volunteers while Kate rushed around doing chores in the kitchen or laundry room. There are constant reminders throughout the book that they didn't have a van yet big enough to carry them so they were trapped at home (I started to wonder if they were just hoping that someone would donate one? Why else would they wait an entire year to have a vehicle that would fit them all? Too proud to buy a beat-up used passenger van?).
One thing I did love about the book was reading between the lines and seeing how generous so many people were to this family, how many nameless volunteers wandered through, subjected themselves to Kate's rigid structure (wash hands, pull hair back, put on scrubs, then help out), just simply because they saw a need. I wish Kate had been able to look up from her misery during that year and realize that even if people weren't offering exactly what she wanted them to offer, they were THERE, they were helping and they were wonderful. She writes that she's grateful in this book, but it just doesn't seem genuine.
Case in point? When they came home with their babies from a condo in Hershey (supplied free of charge), she writes how she had a fit when she saw what they had done to the nursery and the girls room and then was so disappointed that things were dusty. Being curious, I looked up what they had done and while I kind of agree with her, I just can't see how a gracious thank you could not have been given and a coat of paint added later (pics are here, by the way: ), especially when the home makeover crew had done so much for her, including making a new master suite, buying furniture and more.
It seems like Kate is constantly justifying her behavior -- "I left the house immaculate; they didn't keep it clean." She seems very aware of the criticism of her actions in the past and wants to respond to all of it in subtle ways throughout the book. She states many times in the book a variation of "I was criticized for this, but . . ." I do admire her honesty -- admitting to being constantly negative with Jon, for instance, and explaining her point of view when they petitioned Medicaid to ask for an extension of their full-time nurse beyond the first year. I also understand, probably better than most, both the stress of having multiples (my twins are the same age as the sextuplets) and of having a large family (I had my first five kids in five years, then added two more to make 7 in 9 years -- and YES, I know there is a difference between having them one or two at a time and having six at once, but there are also similarities). I understand she's stressed and exhausted, but a little more grace and kindness and gratitude would ingratiate her with her readers a lot more than her justifications for her negativity.
And while she claims that they never had a hand out, it sure seems that way. People would drop off clothes. She'd sort through them and then sell most of them on consignment, justifying it by saying that people wanted to help by dropping off clothes, so they'd be glad to know that while the clothes weren't used, they did get money to help with other things. She also mentions that she kept her shopping list taped to the mirror where the volunteers washed their hands, I guess as a constant reminder to her volunteers of their needs.
And her exaggerations of all the work involved in taking care of her kids were a bit much. She claims that she wasn't even able to really enjoy the kids because she spent three-quarters of her time in the basement with the laundry and in the kitchen. I'm sure my family generates as much laundry as hers does, yet it's hard to imagine spending the "hours and hours" she claimed she took doing the laundry every day. Hours a week, maybe, but not hours a day.
As a book, it's decently-written, though by the end, I think if I read the word, "ironically" one more time, I would scream. The constant use of metaphors (the flood of diapers rising, surprised "like a cold splash of water," and many more) were distracting and unnecessary.
And I really felt sorry for the twins and the babies in all of it. It sounds like they spent almost all of their first year in the same family room, left to themselves or to the volunteers while Kate rushed around doing chores in the kitchen or laundry room. There are constant reminders throughout the book that they didn't have a van yet big enough to carry them so they were trapped at home (I started to wonder if they were just hoping that someone would donate one? Why else would they wait an entire year to have a vehicle that would fit them all? Too proud to buy a beat-up used passenger van?).
One thing I did love about the book was reading between the lines and seeing how generous so many people were to this family, how many nameless volunteers wandered through, subjected themselves to Kate's rigid structure (wash hands, pull hair back, put on scrubs, then help out), just simply because they saw a need. I wish Kate had been able to look up from her misery during that year and realize that even if people weren't offering exactly what she wanted them to offer, they were THERE, they were helping and they were wonderful. She writes that she's grateful in this book, but it just doesn't seem genuine.
March 14, 2025
I've heard of this family and their show, but I've never watched it, so I decided to listen to this out of curiosity.
The audiobook is short so I finished it the same day I started it, and it was somewhat informative (to me, who doesn't know anything about them), but it doesn't really dig in deep, there's no family history like in other memoirs of this type.
It's basically just them meeting, getting married, having kids after some fertility issues and then the chaos that comes with having so many, and how Kate struggled to keep everything under control which simply wasn't possible.
They had people helping them out pretty much every step of the way, and they do seem grateful for it, but I found it so hard to like Kate.
Knowing that they didn't work out, and got divorced, makes this whole read a bit sad. I'm also not sure how truthful it was, because, about 9 months after this book came out, they announced their separation (thank you Wikipedia).
In any case, I hope the kids are thriving.
The audiobook is short so I finished it the same day I started it, and it was somewhat informative (to me, who doesn't know anything about them), but it doesn't really dig in deep, there's no family history like in other memoirs of this type.
It's basically just them meeting, getting married, having kids after some fertility issues and then the chaos that comes with having so many, and how Kate struggled to keep everything under control which simply wasn't possible.
They had people helping them out pretty much every step of the way, and they do seem grateful for it, but I found it so hard to like Kate.
Knowing that they didn't work out, and got divorced, makes this whole read a bit sad. I'm also not sure how truthful it was, because, about 9 months after this book came out, they announced their separation (thank you Wikipedia).
In any case, I hope the kids are thriving.
October 9, 2008
The Gosselins have always fascinated me, largely because of their TV show. What other family would allow a TV crew to add to the chaos of 8 children, basically all around the same age? From watching the show, you get the impression that the Gosselins live a life of trips, presents and special events, thanks largely to their six four-year-old moppets - and you learn to wince whenever Kate calls out to Jon in a public setting. I've never quite seen someone as anal and controlling as Kate - but perhaps that comes in handy when you need to be organized in life.
This book, short on substance, doesn't answer any burning question like does Jon still work or why does Kate seem abnormally cut-off from her family. At best it attempts to disassemble the impression you may have had that this family constantly goes around with its hand out, expecting society to provide after fertility treatments went wrong. It doesn't quite get there but you do feel a smidgeon of compassion for Kate at the end - if only because she seems to have wrapped herself up in a bubble that she can't break free from.
This book, short on substance, doesn't answer any burning question like does Jon still work or why does Kate seem abnormally cut-off from her family. At best it attempts to disassemble the impression you may have had that this family constantly goes around with its hand out, expecting society to provide after fertility treatments went wrong. It doesn't quite get there but you do feel a smidgeon of compassion for Kate at the end - if only because she seems to have wrapped herself up in a bubble that she can't break free from.
January 29, 2009
I really love watching "Jon and Kate plus 8" on TLC, but thought this book was just one step up from terrible.
The book is just short of 200 pages, and about 180 of those pages mention god at least once. Each chapter has a bible quote on the top of the page. The entire book seems to be about Kate's relationship with god, often asking "why me?" and then coming up with some reason or bible quote to explain how god is showing her strength, blah, blah, blah.
I knew before reading this book that it was going to have a strong christian theme, but this was just so over the top in my opinion. And anyone who views the show knows that they go to church, have spoken to churches, and have bible quotes on notecards taped up around the house. But I basically had to force myself to finish in case there was some interesting tidbit about the family that I didn't already know.
What is missing from this book? Short biographies about where Jon and Kate grew up and what their own families were like, parenting tips, and more stories about Cara and Mady.
I will still watch the show because I find the kids to be very funny and entertaining, but I don't recommend the book to anyone.
The book is just short of 200 pages, and about 180 of those pages mention god at least once. Each chapter has a bible quote on the top of the page. The entire book seems to be about Kate's relationship with god, often asking "why me?" and then coming up with some reason or bible quote to explain how god is showing her strength, blah, blah, blah.
I knew before reading this book that it was going to have a strong christian theme, but this was just so over the top in my opinion. And anyone who views the show knows that they go to church, have spoken to churches, and have bible quotes on notecards taped up around the house. But I basically had to force myself to finish in case there was some interesting tidbit about the family that I didn't already know.
What is missing from this book? Short biographies about where Jon and Kate grew up and what their own families were like, parenting tips, and more stories about Cara and Mady.
I will still watch the show because I find the kids to be very funny and entertaining, but I don't recommend the book to anyone.
October 31, 2008
First things first, let me just say that I just love the Gosselins. "Jon & Kate Plus 8" is a great program, and I am so very glad that Kate decided to write this book (with the help of Beth Carson). The book provides an in-depth look at what life has been like for Jon & Kate since the day the met - and after following the timeline set forth by the authors, it's very easy to see why they feel that God has been guiding them along their way to the ultimate plans that He had for them.
This book is very "Christian" themed and oriented. While that may be off-putting to some, I found it rather refreshing to read a book where God and Christian values are presented in such a natural and non-preaching way.
Perhaps the best parts in the book are those in which Kate provides more information as to what makes her tick, what makes her the woman that she is. Viewers only see the heavily-edited and television-ready "Kate Gosselin" - however, readers of Multiple Blessings will see a much different version of Kate Gosselin, a version that seems more like the true individual that she might be.
The TLC edits of the Gosselin's television show sometimes portray Kate in a less-then-positive light, and once you read this book, any preconceived notion that you may have of her will instantly be shattered and replaced by a better one, guaranteed.
Being a mother of two small children, I am constantly wondering how parents of multiples manage to make their lives work amongst the chaos. This book answers that question and more. It is funny, insightful, heartbreaking, and sincere, all at the same time.
This book is very "Christian" themed and oriented. While that may be off-putting to some, I found it rather refreshing to read a book where God and Christian values are presented in such a natural and non-preaching way.
Perhaps the best parts in the book are those in which Kate provides more information as to what makes her tick, what makes her the woman that she is. Viewers only see the heavily-edited and television-ready "Kate Gosselin" - however, readers of Multiple Blessings will see a much different version of Kate Gosselin, a version that seems more like the true individual that she might be.
The TLC edits of the Gosselin's television show sometimes portray Kate in a less-then-positive light, and once you read this book, any preconceived notion that you may have of her will instantly be shattered and replaced by a better one, guaranteed.
Being a mother of two small children, I am constantly wondering how parents of multiples manage to make their lives work amongst the chaos. This book answers that question and more. It is funny, insightful, heartbreaking, and sincere, all at the same time.
January 12, 2009
I love the show, period. But I've heard some negative commentary about Kate, so I decided to read the book to see if I could understand her and their situation a little better. I'm not going to lie, this book touched my heart and made me want to try a little harder each day to be a little more like her.
She very well knows that she can sometimes get in trouble with her mouth and I think it's awesome that she is so honest about their life and their situation. I've always wanted twins and admired mom's who can succeed so well, as she has done, with multiples.
I commend her for her hard work and seriously recommend this book to anyone who's having a hard time with mommy-hood, needs a spiritual uplift or wants a good tear-jerker that will make you smile!
She very well knows that she can sometimes get in trouble with her mouth and I think it's awesome that she is so honest about their life and their situation. I've always wanted twins and admired mom's who can succeed so well, as she has done, with multiples.
I commend her for her hard work and seriously recommend this book to anyone who's having a hard time with mommy-hood, needs a spiritual uplift or wants a good tear-jerker that will make you smile!
October 23, 2008
This was a very quick and interesting read. I tivo their show, and watch it with my kids. We all love the Gosselins, so I was interested to get some insight into life before they started the tv show. I am so impressed by her and her husband. They were so young, and faced some pretty big trials - and looked to God the whole way to find their way through. I loved her chosen quoted scriptures, and found myself more and more impressed by her! Would recommend it to anyone wanting a quick, upbeat read.
January 15, 2009
Admittedly, I am not a television watcher. While I am aware of the Jon & Kate show, I think I have only watched one complete episode, and clips here and there. I have seen a great deal of criticism leveled at Kate Gosselin for her obsessive/anal organization and perceived criticism of her husband. I read the book out of curiosity and I'm glad I did.
I liked it. Kate is a strong, straight-forward person. She's honest and frank about their life. The book begins with their marriage and quickly moves into their fertility issues. They didn't set out to have sextuplets. They wanted one more child, but their belief that every life has a purpose wouldn't let them abort any of their babies. Doctors can call it "selective reduction" but it's abortion, plain and simple.
Kate chronicles her fears through her pregnancy and the pain and difficulties, but also her faith that God would see her through it and that her children would be healthy. She gives credit to her husband for his patience and love and praises him for being a good husband and father. Their relationship comes across as a true partnership. Once the children are born, she writes of the overwhelming task before them: to care for 6 premature babies and not neglect their 3-year old twins or their own relationship. She's candid about the fact that while she appreciated the volunteers and all the help, it was also difficult to lose their privacy and control of their lives and family. For someone who has control issues, this is a difficult thing.
While the family received a great deal of financial help, I came away feeling like Kate wrote this book to clear the air that they didn't ask for handouts, but are grateful for all those who chose to help them during a difficult time.
I was disappointed that the book really only touches on one area of their television life, and that was mention of the original one-hour documentary. There is no explanation of why they chose to put their family in a fish-bowl. I can assume that the money they receive from the show is helpful, but I would have liked to know more about the decision to do the show in the first place.
Each chapter begins with a scripture, and God is very much a central topic in the book. There is no mention of church attendance, their Christian faith seems central to their lives.
I think it's very easy to criticize and judge people for their actions. However, I think that unless you live with and raise 8 young children yourself, you have no basis criticizing others for the way they do it.
Overall, an easy and enthralling book.
I liked it. Kate is a strong, straight-forward person. She's honest and frank about their life. The book begins with their marriage and quickly moves into their fertility issues. They didn't set out to have sextuplets. They wanted one more child, but their belief that every life has a purpose wouldn't let them abort any of their babies. Doctors can call it "selective reduction" but it's abortion, plain and simple.
Kate chronicles her fears through her pregnancy and the pain and difficulties, but also her faith that God would see her through it and that her children would be healthy. She gives credit to her husband for his patience and love and praises him for being a good husband and father. Their relationship comes across as a true partnership. Once the children are born, she writes of the overwhelming task before them: to care for 6 premature babies and not neglect their 3-year old twins or their own relationship. She's candid about the fact that while she appreciated the volunteers and all the help, it was also difficult to lose their privacy and control of their lives and family. For someone who has control issues, this is a difficult thing.
While the family received a great deal of financial help, I came away feeling like Kate wrote this book to clear the air that they didn't ask for handouts, but are grateful for all those who chose to help them during a difficult time.
I was disappointed that the book really only touches on one area of their television life, and that was mention of the original one-hour documentary. There is no explanation of why they chose to put their family in a fish-bowl. I can assume that the money they receive from the show is helpful, but I would have liked to know more about the decision to do the show in the first place.
Each chapter begins with a scripture, and God is very much a central topic in the book. There is no mention of church attendance, their Christian faith seems central to their lives.
I think it's very easy to criticize and judge people for their actions. However, I think that unless you live with and raise 8 young children yourself, you have no basis criticizing others for the way they do it.
Overall, an easy and enthralling book.
April 12, 2011
Let me preface my review by stating that I had been a fan of the show since before it started, beginning with TLC's one-hour special on the Gosselin family.
The book was an extremely easy read (I got through it in an hour and a half), but contained virtually no information that hasn't been covered in the television special or the show. This fact made the book a tiny bit boring, in my opinion. It was easy to get through, because of the flow of the writing, but it was very much like reading a well-written transcript or perhaps a lengthy testimonial. It was very much as if Kate Gosselin sat down and told her story, much like one might do at a deposition, and marketed it as a book about the family. There was very little heart and soul here, for me. In fact, the only times when I felt any emotion was conveyed were when Kate relayed the story about having to be bed-ridden in the hospital for months before the birth of the sextuplets (frustration), and trying to make things work when she and Jon first brought all those babies home (exhaustion, peppered with frustration). I did appreciate how genuinely grateful the Gosselins appeared to be for all the assistance they received, particularly in the months following the birth of the sextuplets. In fact, when talking about the gift cards left at their house after volunteers went home for the night, or other kind souls who assisted them, the Gosselins come across much more thankful than they ever do on the show. Perhaps because they continue to get assistance and free things on the show, they have become accustomed to it and might take it for granted now. Who knows, but this insight to how they behaved when they first went from parents of two to parents of eight was refreshing.
If you are a big fan of the show, you might not regret purchasing this book, even though you probably already know everything that's in it. In addition, two friends of mine have had miscarriages in the past year, and are experiencing fertility troubles. They really liked this book, perhaps because it is a story of triumph from a woman who was experiencing the very same thing that they are now. I would recommend getting from your local library, though. The book wasn't bad, but knowing what I do now, I probably would have just borrowed it rather than bought it.
The book was an extremely easy read (I got through it in an hour and a half), but contained virtually no information that hasn't been covered in the television special or the show. This fact made the book a tiny bit boring, in my opinion. It was easy to get through, because of the flow of the writing, but it was very much like reading a well-written transcript or perhaps a lengthy testimonial. It was very much as if Kate Gosselin sat down and told her story, much like one might do at a deposition, and marketed it as a book about the family. There was very little heart and soul here, for me. In fact, the only times when I felt any emotion was conveyed were when Kate relayed the story about having to be bed-ridden in the hospital for months before the birth of the sextuplets (frustration), and trying to make things work when she and Jon first brought all those babies home (exhaustion, peppered with frustration). I did appreciate how genuinely grateful the Gosselins appeared to be for all the assistance they received, particularly in the months following the birth of the sextuplets. In fact, when talking about the gift cards left at their house after volunteers went home for the night, or other kind souls who assisted them, the Gosselins come across much more thankful than they ever do on the show. Perhaps because they continue to get assistance and free things on the show, they have become accustomed to it and might take it for granted now. Who knows, but this insight to how they behaved when they first went from parents of two to parents of eight was refreshing.
If you are a big fan of the show, you might not regret purchasing this book, even though you probably already know everything that's in it. In addition, two friends of mine have had miscarriages in the past year, and are experiencing fertility troubles. They really liked this book, perhaps because it is a story of triumph from a woman who was experiencing the very same thing that they are now. I would recommend getting from your local library, though. The book wasn't bad, but knowing what I do now, I probably would have just borrowed it rather than bought it.
September 21, 2009
I must admit, I did enjoy this book. I chose to read it when all the Jon and Kate scandal began to emerge. I wanted to get a picture of their life and family before the mess and to determine if the rumors of them being "Christians" was true. I like Kate, I must confess. Even though she is sharp tonged and complains often, she fought hard to bring those 6 precious babies into the world and I admire her determination and heart. I previously had no idea how difficult such a pregnancy could be. She is a good mother, whatever else her flaws may be.
However, the book was also a sad read b/c for all her claims of knowing Jesus and His care for her again and again, it would seem that she has forgotten her Faith in the upheaval of the past year or so. I may be wrong about that...and I fervently hope I am. I wouldn't be surprised if another book were to be written in the future, and I would definitely read it. Till then...I'll just keep praying for Jon...and Kate...and their precious Eight!
However, the book was also a sad read b/c for all her claims of knowing Jesus and His care for her again and again, it would seem that she has forgotten her Faith in the upheaval of the past year or so. I may be wrong about that...and I fervently hope I am. I wouldn't be surprised if another book were to be written in the future, and I would definitely read it. Till then...I'll just keep praying for Jon...and Kate...and their precious Eight!
March 29, 2009
I read this book because I love the reality show Jon and Kate plus 8. I decided to read Kate and Jon's journey and how they ended up getting a reality show. At the beginning is when Kate and Jon meet and then get married. I then tells about how they struggle to have kids and finally have twin girls Cara and Mady. After a year Kate wanted another kid, but what she didn't know was that instead of getting 1, she got 6. This book tells of the details of Jon and Kate's hard struggle to start a family and their life with 8 kids. I would say this book was a good book. Kate was a very good author and explained all of the details very well, I give it 5 stars out of five, if i could i would give it 10. It is certainly a great book and I recommend everyone who likes Jon and Kate plus 8 or anyone up for a good story, should read this book.
June 28, 2016
I had watched some of the episodes of their show, when it was still on tv, but not all of them and not from the beginning. I was curious about their story. It's interesting and a little sad to see how they started out, compared to where they've ended up, since this book basically tells the story up until the sextuplets were still toddlers. I wonder how much of what we see of Kate, and think we know from her public persona, is accurate to the person she really is inside, and to what extent she's truly been changed by fame along the way. I suppose that's something the outsider can ever really know, but it's something to ponder. If we don't guard ourselves -- our hearts, our souls, our thoughts -- life can change us, and sometimes not for the better, so even if most of us will never be famous, there are still some lessons to be learned.
May 30, 2009
Interesting to read this book as this family seems to be coming unraveled. My opinion: Kate is mildly obsessive/compulsive and Jon has gone along with Kate's every whim and is now cracking. This book chronicles how Kate has over-ridden her husband's wishes over and over (he wanted to wait to have more kids but Kate HAD to fill this void in her life, Jon did NOT want to do the show but Kate knew she had to let the public see the joys and hardships, etc.) I'm secretly hoping all the divorce rumors are a ratings ploy . . . I can be an optimist, right? My advice: ditch the show (hard given the $$$ they are getting), Jon needs a job, Kate needs to learn to respect her husband and let him make some decisions. They seem to have survived alot in their marriage already - hopefully they can get through this too.
June 8, 2010
I guess everyone knows my obsession with Jon & Kate by now, so my reading this book should come as no surprise. It was a very easy read. I wondered if the book would reveal anything the show already hadn't... and, for me it did. Reading what Kate went through physically (and mentally) to have six babies at once was pretty amazing. It was also interesting to hear how much help they had at the beginning. And, believe it or not, Kate comes across even more anal and obsessive than she does in the show. You'll like this book if you're interested in the show or if your curious what it's like to deliver sextuplets.
May 10, 2010
I was never one to watch the whole Jon and Kate show. As a matter of fact I found out about the whole thing just a few weeks before the whole Jon cheating thing.
I watched a marathon of their shows so I could learn what the fuss was about.
Even in this book Kate comes across as a bit ungrateful despite her insistence that she was and is very grateful for everything.
She talks about a home make over and how she felt the TV really did a horrible job. Even if I felt that way I probably wouldn't put it in a book.
I watched a marathon of their shows so I could learn what the fuss was about.
Even in this book Kate comes across as a bit ungrateful despite her insistence that she was and is very grateful for everything.
She talks about a home make over and how she felt the TV really did a horrible job. Even if I felt that way I probably wouldn't put it in a book.
January 8, 2009
Though I generally shy away from books "written" by celeb types, as a fan of the Jon and Kate + 8 television series my curiosity was piqued. I was pleasantly surprised at both the quality of writing and the fact that my interest was maintained. Kate's voice comes through loud and clear and I appreciated her detailed account of the struggles and triumphs associated with her unique pregnancy. Of course, the photographs of smiling children, including my beloved Aaden didn't hurt!
November 20, 2008
I enjoyed this book, although I have never watched the tv series or actually even heard of it until several months ago. The Gosselin's were and are truly blessed. Gosh and to think it gets crazy at my house with two children under the age of 4. I can't imagine what theirs is like.
From reading I could tell Kate definitely depended on prayer and faith to get through pregnancy, child birth, child rearing and the "stuff" thrown at her along the way.
From reading I could tell Kate definitely depended on prayer and faith to get through pregnancy, child birth, child rearing and the "stuff" thrown at her along the way.
December 3, 2008
I read this book so quickly! It was such an easy read. I read it every night before bed and had it done in no time!
It was great.
It was great.
November 3, 2009
Every chapter was written in the same format: begin with a scripture, whine, complain, whine and end with one grateful thought. I do not recommend this book.
January 31, 2009
I hate Kate.
February 18, 2009
I'd only seen the Jon & Kate Plus 8 show once, but was intrigued, so I picked up the book. After reading it, I decided to watch a few shows. Now that I've seen about 4 shows total, the one thing I noticed is that the show vs. the book is like reading about two different families. On nearly every page of the book Kate talks about her faith in God. This doesn't bug me, as I'm a Christian too, but those who follow her show and aren't aware of the Gosselin's deep faith in God will be surprised upon reading this book. It also makes me wonder why their faith isn't mention4ed in their show.....does it all end up on the editing room floor?
That being said, the book is a bit on the thin side, i.e., there's not a lot of details. It really just skims over a couple year period of their lives. I figured by the title of the book that it would be about them as parents (it's not titled Jon & Kate Before There Were Eight.) For example, she briefly mentions that Jon receives an email about doing a 1 hour documentary, which they deliberate over, then decide to do it. This takes up about 3 paragraphs of the book, and is never mentioned again. One would think it'd be a great chapter, but perhaps there's restrictions on what they can and can't write about their dealings with TLC.
Overall, the book wasn't a total waste of my time; it provided insight into what a family with multiples must do to make it through each day. I think I even ached a little when I read that at 5 mos pregnant, Kate was as big as I was at 9 mos pregnant. And she still had a couple more months to go! In summary, the book is an abbreviated "tell all" of the pregnancy and first year, their faith, and also a huge thank you to everyone that helped them in any way during all of this. I agree with another reviewer in that it would've been cool if the approach of the book had been Kate and Jon writing alternating chapters instead of the entire book being Kate's voice and observations.
That being said, the book is a bit on the thin side, i.e., there's not a lot of details. It really just skims over a couple year period of their lives. I figured by the title of the book that it would be about them as parents (it's not titled Jon & Kate Before There Were Eight.) For example, she briefly mentions that Jon receives an email about doing a 1 hour documentary, which they deliberate over, then decide to do it. This takes up about 3 paragraphs of the book, and is never mentioned again. One would think it'd be a great chapter, but perhaps there's restrictions on what they can and can't write about their dealings with TLC.
Overall, the book wasn't a total waste of my time; it provided insight into what a family with multiples must do to make it through each day. I think I even ached a little when I read that at 5 mos pregnant, Kate was as big as I was at 9 mos pregnant. And she still had a couple more months to go! In summary, the book is an abbreviated "tell all" of the pregnancy and first year, their faith, and also a huge thank you to everyone that helped them in any way during all of this. I agree with another reviewer in that it would've been cool if the approach of the book had been Kate and Jon writing alternating chapters instead of the entire book being Kate's voice and observations.
January 18, 2009
Participated in a book ray from Book Crossing for this book
Ok, I went into this with as open a mind as I could. The writing and the story itself was decent. It went quickly and kept my attention.
On a personal note though, it sort of ticked me off. The Gosselins lived right around the corner from me up until they basically moved during the night without telling one a few months ago. I didn't think the narration made Kate any more likeable. The show makes her come across as a bit hard, and reading the book, she actually sounds even harsher, in my opinion. For someone that spouts off being Christian, she really doesn't come across as being one. With all the kindness and gifts that were given to them in the early days of bringing the sextuplets home (to the condo and their home) she even admits she didn't take the time to write thank you cards. What about those folks that AREN'T going to read the book? I certainly hope that someone took the time to write thank yous for the $6000 that was graciously given to them to be able to pay the mortgage.
Another inconsistency I questioned...WHO was paying the health insurance? Since she quit her job early on in the pregnancy, and Jon was never able to get to the point of having insurance, where did the $ come from and who was paying the insurance that she hinted at?
And did they ever go to Church? She mentions the church and support, but NOT ONCE does she mention that they WENT to church.
Ok, enough of that... For fans of the show, I'm sure they will enjoy the story. I guess I wanted to read it more as one of those people that drives by an accident and can't help but slow down with morbid curiosity.
Ok, I went into this with as open a mind as I could. The writing and the story itself was decent. It went quickly and kept my attention.
On a personal note though, it sort of ticked me off. The Gosselins lived right around the corner from me up until they basically moved during the night without telling one a few months ago. I didn't think the narration made Kate any more likeable. The show makes her come across as a bit hard, and reading the book, she actually sounds even harsher, in my opinion. For someone that spouts off being Christian, she really doesn't come across as being one. With all the kindness and gifts that were given to them in the early days of bringing the sextuplets home (to the condo and their home) she even admits she didn't take the time to write thank you cards. What about those folks that AREN'T going to read the book? I certainly hope that someone took the time to write thank yous for the $6000 that was graciously given to them to be able to pay the mortgage.
Another inconsistency I questioned...WHO was paying the health insurance? Since she quit her job early on in the pregnancy, and Jon was never able to get to the point of having insurance, where did the $ come from and who was paying the insurance that she hinted at?
And did they ever go to Church? She mentions the church and support, but NOT ONCE does she mention that they WENT to church.
Ok, enough of that... For fans of the show, I'm sure they will enjoy the story. I guess I wanted to read it more as one of those people that drives by an accident and can't help but slow down with morbid curiosity.
Read
February 11, 2016I thought it was a good quick read. It touches on the process of how the sextuplets came to be. I was surprised to read at one point seven embryos were spotted in her early ultrasounds but in later ultrasounds only 6 were present. The book is mostly written in Kate's words or thoughts and injected with bits of Jon's opinions on things. I find it interesting that Kate clearly makes it a point to defend herself on different events and happenings. Things like why she felt the volunteers who helped care for the babies may have not had a good opinion of her and is quick to add little things like when she received donated clothing for the children she picked out the good stuff and sent everything else to consignment shops to make money off them, which she insists was on the advice of a family friend who felt they needed that extra income. Things like that in the book make me wonder if she wrote the book mostly to defend herself from some of the negative backlash she has gotten from viewers of the show and various "blogs" written about them.
I like her honesty in that she makes no appologies for some of her demands while hospitalized and her strict routines at home while the babies were so young. She is constantly reassuring readers of her gratefullness for all of the donated items, freebies and gifts of cash that were bestowed apon them during those stressfull first 12 months. She admits to coming across as not appreciative, but assures us that she is. All in all, this is a good quick read and i do recommend it.
I like her honesty in that she makes no appologies for some of her demands while hospitalized and her strict routines at home while the babies were so young. She is constantly reassuring readers of her gratefullness for all of the donated items, freebies and gifts of cash that were bestowed apon them during those stressfull first 12 months. She admits to coming across as not appreciative, but assures us that she is. All in all, this is a good quick read and i do recommend it.
May 9, 2020
Hmmm, this is a tough one to review. I have seen this family's show on TLC and was floored at how religious and preachy a life they live. The Gosselin's religious beliefs are not apparent whatsoever in "Jon & Kate +8." However, the book seems to be one big testimonial of their faith and reliance on God. Kate makes no bones about the fact that after "her God" Jon comes first and then her children. Her family serves the Lord and she wants you to know about it.
The story of the sextuplets birth was an interesting one though. Reading about the first year of their lives was riveting stuff. Kate seems to feel some remorse for her controlling and cranky behavior that first year. But why? Her controlling behavior helped everyone live through it- whether it was scheduling the volunteers, preparing the babes' bottles, or fighting off what had to be overwhelming despair. The first year of their lives she only got out one time on her own. One. Time. In. A. Year.
This is a quick read about a Christian couple who believe that this was all God's plan.
The story of the sextuplets birth was an interesting one though. Reading about the first year of their lives was riveting stuff. Kate seems to feel some remorse for her controlling and cranky behavior that first year. But why? Her controlling behavior helped everyone live through it- whether it was scheduling the volunteers, preparing the babes' bottles, or fighting off what had to be overwhelming despair. The first year of their lives she only got out one time on her own. One. Time. In. A. Year.
This is a quick read about a Christian couple who believe that this was all God's plan.
February 19, 2009
My husband gave me this book for Valentine's Day and I had it finished in 2 days! This was an amazing book and should be read by every Christian Mom. It made me realize I don't have it so bad with 3 kids. Geesh! Jon and Kate had a real test of their faith in God, their faith in their marriage and their strength. I look at them in a whole new light after reading this book. I am jealous of how strongly Kate put her faith and trust in God and just relied on Him to bring them through. I could learn a lot from her! I know I will be referring back to this book again and again during my parenting years!
September 13, 2019
Kate Gosselin shares her experience of multiple births. First twin girls and then 3 years later sextuplets. The faith of her family is demonstrated frequently and accented with applicable scripture.
Having spent 5 years running an infant room in a Day Care setting, I have some feel for what life was like for this young family, but I went home each evening to my own family of 4 boys with an age gap of 14 years from oldest to youngest, so I really have no honest comprehension of life in the Gosselin household. I would be interested in a followup.
Having spent 5 years running an infant room in a Day Care setting, I have some feel for what life was like for this young family, but I went home each evening to my own family of 4 boys with an age gap of 14 years from oldest to youngest, so I really have no honest comprehension of life in the Gosselin household. I would be interested in a followup.
June 27, 2017
I was hoping this would provide a little more insight into the Gosslin family but sadly most everything I already knew from the show. I did find it interesting how religious they appear to be. I enjoyed the scripture references throughout but I definitely did not get that vibe from the show. Extremely quick, impulse read. Meh.
July 13, 2012
was a little hard to read since I know they divorced. Much of what was written was predictable. Initially, I enjoyed the show but it started leaving me uncomfortable so I quit.
Strikes me odd how the tv show contained no real prayer or church activities, yet the book is full of verses.
Strikes me odd how the tv show contained no real prayer or church activities, yet the book is full of verses.
November 21, 2008
The Gosselins� TV show, Jon & Kate Plus 8, has always fascinated me for some reason. Maybe it’s the idea of raising 8 young children all at once and watching the chaos from the comfort of my own home. Maybe it’s the thought of what Kate will start to grump about this week. Whatever the appeal is to me, I checked out this book right when it came out. The book fills in what happened before the TV show began; the conception, birth, and the first year of life for the sextuplets. But more than that, the book takes a definite religious flavor, with a Bible verse starting each chapter (maybe this should be classified in the 200s for “Family, religious aspects�?)
Now, my issue is not with the sometimes overwhelming religious nature of the book, but mostly with the narrator, Kate Gosselin. Now, Kate is a “love her or hate her� person, how she yells at and berates her husband all through the TV show and her anal-retentive control issues (some call it organization, I call it obsession. But that’s just me). Me, I didn’t care for her “poor me� mantra during her pregnancy, then an ungratefulness at all of the volunteers helping her who she didn’t get along with, or the "gifts" given to her that she didn't like and complained about. I agree with another reviewer who notes that while Kate keeps saying she is so “Godly� and serves God, she hardly shows an action that supports this. I would’ve loved a section narrated by Jon, alas, like in the show, he takes a back seat yet again, poor guy.
Now, my issue is not with the sometimes overwhelming religious nature of the book, but mostly with the narrator, Kate Gosselin. Now, Kate is a “love her or hate her� person, how she yells at and berates her husband all through the TV show and her anal-retentive control issues (some call it organization, I call it obsession. But that’s just me). Me, I didn’t care for her “poor me� mantra during her pregnancy, then an ungratefulness at all of the volunteers helping her who she didn’t get along with, or the "gifts" given to her that she didn't like and complained about. I agree with another reviewer who notes that while Kate keeps saying she is so “Godly� and serves God, she hardly shows an action that supports this. I would’ve loved a section narrated by Jon, alas, like in the show, he takes a back seat yet again, poor guy.
September 8, 2021
3 ½ stars Gosselin, Jon & Kate; Beth Carson, Multiple Blessings. Written from Kate Gosselin's viewpoint, it includes details about their struggles to become pregnant as well as their twins and sextuplets' early childhood. They are open about their spiritual struggles and physical weariness. Kate is a list maker; organization became a must. They learned and adjusted as time marched on. They needed helpers not easily flustered. The job situation was a problem for some time but did ease with time. They learned to find a balance between tranquility and stimulation as well as learned to find calm while experiencing isolation though filled with kids. They had so much to learn. They lost personal space and privacy but gained a house full of kids. They learned to "capture each fleeting memory" as time continued to move on.
During baby milestones, they learned to concentrate on what was important without letting fear take hold and steal their joy as they looked to the future. The book is sprinkled with a small amount of Scripture and biblical principles as they learned to cope with life changes and grew spiritually while they learned to be thankful.
Should life be resignation, acceptance? Or a life of thriving with God in control--relying on God and learning what God wants to accomplish through us as believers, giving God the glory. God uses imperfect vessels. God gives more than what is expected.
The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time--Abraham Lincoln.
This non-fiction story does not move quickly but is simple and interesting.
During baby milestones, they learned to concentrate on what was important without letting fear take hold and steal their joy as they looked to the future. The book is sprinkled with a small amount of Scripture and biblical principles as they learned to cope with life changes and grew spiritually while they learned to be thankful.
Should life be resignation, acceptance? Or a life of thriving with God in control--relying on God and learning what God wants to accomplish through us as believers, giving God the glory. God uses imperfect vessels. God gives more than what is expected.
The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time--Abraham Lincoln.
This non-fiction story does not move quickly but is simple and interesting.
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