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maximum_moxie's review against another edition
3.0
A compelling look at the hidden dark side of evangelical religion,the surprising alliance of disparate factions to promote morality, and the mystifying compliance of many women in their own subjugation.
A little dry in the the beginning, as it introduces the main figures of patriarchal Christianity, the book hits its stride when relating the stories of real women and the ideologies they themselves adopt to rationalize conventional gender roles. This isn't a sensationalist expose of obvious cruelty, but rather a thoughtful and sensitive analysis of what some see as a sane reaction to an insane society.
A little dry in the the beginning, as it introduces the main figures of patriarchal Christianity, the book hits its stride when relating the stories of real women and the ideologies they themselves adopt to rationalize conventional gender roles. This isn't a sensationalist expose of obvious cruelty, but rather a thoughtful and sensitive analysis of what some see as a sane reaction to an insane society.
erinbirnel's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Gaslighting
alexisrt's review against another edition
3.0
I came into this book expecting to be in basic agreement with the author and her conclusions, knowing that this was a critical look at conservative Christianity. Although I did, I found myself wishing that Joyce would back off somewhat in how she interpreted the material. I would have enjoyed it more if she had let her sources speak for themselves.
notkyrieirving's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent overview of the Quiverfull Movement as a whole - I enjoyed the historical dive into the concept as well as interviews with members of the movement woven throughout the book. I would be really interested in seeing an addendum or sequel to this book that covers the Quiverfull Movement in a post-Duggar world, and wonder what the author's perspective on the role of social media in spreading the movement in an Instagram/TikTok age looks like.
coralrose's review against another edition
4.0
This was a different perspective on some of the theology that at least has influenced my family over the years. Made me thankful for the moderate approach my parents took and the fact that they gleaned truth and let the chaff fly away.
andipants's review against another edition
2.0
There was a lot of interesting information in this book, but man was it a slog to get through. Part of the issue for me was that I've already read a fair amount on the subject in various places, from blogs and websites to long-form journalism, so all the main points and many details were already familiar to me. The other problem for me was that I did not find the prose particularly engaging. The author does a lot in terms of telling the history of the movement, but it reads like a dry history text; more personal stories from actual members and ex-members would have been useful to illustrate the viewpoints and how the ideas are actually brought to life. Some of these are included, but not many. She also picks a few points and then keeps repeating them without expounding a whole lot in terms of nuance or examples. I definitely found myself skimming several places in the second half of the book.
If you don't know much more about the topic than what you've seen on 19 Kids and Counting and have the interest and attention span, this is a good resource to check out, but if you're only casually interested or already fairly familiar with the subject, this probably isn't the book for you.
If you don't know much more about the topic than what you've seen on 19 Kids and Counting and have the interest and attention span, this is a good resource to check out, but if you're only casually interested or already fairly familiar with the subject, this probably isn't the book for you.
liadra's review against another edition
5.0
I hardly know what to say about this book. I can say that I enjoyed it. But I can't say that it was a comfortable read, or even one that appealed. My enjoyment came more from the fact that it was informative and challenging, and also the fact that it wasn't presented as "propaganda" but merely a series of facts and observations that allowed the reader to make their own conclusions. Now, I have many Christian friends, and friends of many other denominations as well, and I do not fault these people for having faith. In fact, I think faith is a very important part of life. Faith in what may be debateable, but for the most part I think that if people chose to live good lives that the who is less important. But the message of this book isn't about leading that kind of life. It speaks to (far) right Christian fundamentalism in general, and in particular, the Quiverfull movement. Now, what is interesting is that in several places the book makes it clear that leaders of these coupled movements claim that this is non-political. And then, with barely a breath taken, the message goes on to totally refute this - it's actually quite amusing even as it is mind boggling. I have often said that The Handmaid's Tale is one of the most frightening books that I have ever read, and this book here speaks to why. The math, as they put it, is quite simple. If I have two children, and my children each have two children, and their children each have two children - we've got, what, 14? Now, if I'm a member of Quiverfull, and I have ten children and they each have ten children, and each of those children has ten children - well, you do the math and then lets talk about political power. (But remember, they're not a political movement. Right?) I won't even begin to address the matter of women and submission. You really have to read this mix of Old and New Testament theology to begin to get a sense of what is going on. No. Really. You do.