Friday, February 6, 2009

‘Multiple Blessings’ review

I’m slightly embarrassed that I just NOW finished this book. I was so excited when Superman purchased it for me for Christmas, and, sadly, I closed the book yesterday.

But, boy, was it a great book.

I’ve first got to say that I love the TLC show, “Jon and Kate plus Eight,” so I was thrilled when Kate Gosselin wrote “Multiple Blessings.” If you haven’t seen the show, try to catch it. It’s a great family show, and Jon and Kate are so unpretentious. They’re a strong Christian family thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Kate gave birth to twins and then two years later, sextuplets. I can’t imagine the pain – physical and emotional – that she and her husband endured during those early years.



Granted, not all was pain; I mean, how can it be with those sweet eight little faces smiling at you? And Kate talks very candidly in her book about the ups and downs of being a mother of eight and how strict she has to rule her roost in order for all things to be taken care of. She is SUPER organized. I mean, I don’t know how she does it, but, as she mentions in the book several times, she simply takes one day at a time and trusts God to take care of the rest.

This is an easy read, a book for reading on your porch swing (lol) or, for those of you up north, under a blanket in your favorite chair with a cup of hot chocolate. Tons of pictures are thrown in the book, and there’s even a section at the end from Kate’s journal while she was bed-ridden in the hospital before the babies were born.

I love honesty in writing. I strive to accomplish that, and I encourage my students to write “real” stories – not just happy fairy tales. Kate Gosselin does this with the style of a literary journalist. She is unabashed, unashamed, and will not take anything less than the best for her children – she’s a Supermom.

Anyway, if you get the chance, pick the book up (and if there are any husbands/fiancés/boyfriends reading this, “Multiple Blessings” would make a great V-Day gift for your special someone). It’s fun, it’s uplifting, and it’ll make you thankful for all the multiple blessings – big or small – in your own life.

13 comments:

Rach@In His Hands said...

I actually just checked this out of the Library yesterday...good to hear that you enjoyed it!

A close relative of mine had quintuplets...that I actually helped care for while I was in high school...so I'm really interested to read this book!

Sherry said...

I'm glad to read a review of her book. I love the show and watch it as often as I can. I'm not sure why I am so fascinated by it.

God has blessed them with the TLC show as an awesome financial blessing. The show IS their job -- his and hers. They film 3 days a week. The books (she's working on another one) also are a big asset to their finances. Can you image the cost of 8 children!

I haven't read the book, but since your review, I most likely will. Thanks for sharing.

Wendi@EveryDayMiracles said...

SO want to read this!

Anonymous said...

I so didn't know she wrote a book too!
g

CR said...

This sounds like a great book. I'll have to put it on my cue at the library!

CR

Sara@iSass said...

I love the show. I love how real they are. I am not a big fan of non-fiction. I get bored easily. But I must say I am tempt. Maybe this would be one of those reserve at the library and if I don't get into it then no hard feelings about buying it and collecting dust like The Shack.

Mari said...

would like to read this book. I love the show. Kate's orginazation is amazing! Thanks for the review!

Growin' With It said...

i have wanted to read this book for so long. more motivation now, thanks!

Anonymous said...

I'm tempted to read it, however, I can't get past how rude Kate is to her husband on the show. People make up excuses for her:: she's just trying to run her house, that's her personality, you'd be the same with 8 kids, blah, blah, blah. Sometimes I think it's for 'show'. I remember watching beginning episodes and thinking she wasn't THAT bad, and now, I feel like she has gotten worse. I know they are being 'real' and not 'fake', but come on...John needs to step up to her attitude sometimes!

With all that aside, I do like the show. My husband can't stand it because of her, but I like it. I like to see how she runs things (without the attitude) and how she makes it through the day with 8. I'm especially interested lately in their huge, gorgeous house they just moved into. I wonder how they can afford that??? Hmmmmmm...

Glad to hear you liked the book...I have heard others say the same. I really should read it...maybe I'd have a different view of Kate?

misti said...

I need to borrow this from you when this quarter is over!

Sarah M. said...

I bought that book for my Mom in law for Christmas too! I started reading it while I was there. It was great!

Joyfulsister said...

HI Lois,
I was so blessed by your visit!! Thanks for being part of my encouraging friends. I love watching Jon and Kate I don't think I have missed any episodes since they started. As soon as I finish reading The Shack, I am going to get their book *Yay*.
THanks for the awesome review!!

Hugz Lorie

Brooke said...

i have a friend who's addicted to the show - i'll pass along the recommendation!