Jinger Duggar Book: Family Reacts to 'Becoming Free Indeed'

Counting on family? Jinger Duggar’s family members have shown support for the former reality star after she announced her upcoming book, Becoming Free Indeed.

According to the book’s description, Jinger, 29, will recount “how she began to question the harmful ideology of her youth and learned to embrace true freedom in Christ.”

The Counting On alum opened up about writing the new book in a YouTube video titled, “The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Done,” on November 7. As she introduced the memoir, Jinger clarified that it is not a “tell-all about my family” but instead a deep dive into her “spiritual journey.” She will explain her decision to abandon the teachings of Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) minister Bill Gothard, which she called “wrong” and hurtful.

Additionally, Becoming Free Indeed will explore how a yet-to-be-named brother-in-law “who didn’t grow up in the same tight-knit conservative circle as Jinger” played a key role in Jinger’s journey to examine her beliefs. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar raised their 19 kids to follow the IBLP’s ministry, which Jinger said she now believes encourages a “life was built on rules, not God’s Word.”

While several of Jinger’s family members have shown support for her latest career endeavor, a source exclusively told In Touch that her parents are “bracing themselves” ahead of the book’s release on January 31, 2023.

“Jim Bob and Michelle aren’t thrilled by Jinger’s book coming out, but they are hoping for the best,” the insider revealed. “They’re not sure of all the topics she’ll cover, but they have prayed about it and hope that it’s honest, respectful and doesn’t dredge up too much of their family troubles.”

While Jinger insisted the book isn’t about her family, it’s likely that some of the Duggars’ drama – including Josh Duggar’s arrest on child pornography charges and his 2015 molestation scandal – could be discussed.

The source added that Jim Bob, 57, and Michelle, 56, “fear the worst” for what the mother of two will discuss in the book, “especially stories about their faith, raising their large family and especially the dark Josh incident.” The insider continued, “The last thing they want is to bring more unwanted, negative attention and scrutiny to their family.”

However, Jinger does write about some family members in the book. She credits her sister Jessa Seewald’s husband, Ben Seewald, for encouraging her to learn about faith on her own terms.

“I noticed his church read the Bible in its entirety and preached scripture that way,” Jinger explained in the book. “I feel like now I’m in a much better place. I see God as amazing.”

Additionally, the former reality star wrote about how having her life documented on TV since she was 10 made her feel like she lived in a fishbowl. She made the realization while watching The Truman Show in 2016 with her husband, Jeremy Vuolo.

Deal of the Day

Only $12! — (And No One Will Know They Aren’t Designer) View Deal

“You probably already know that The Truman Show is about the ultimate fishbowl. The main character, Truman Burbank, is the star of a reality TV show, but he doesn’t know it. Every moment of his life is captured for television,” the mother of two wrote. “Many people from the outside world have opinions and expectations about who Truman should be and how he should live … When Truman begins to question his reality and tries to get out of Seahaven, his escape is blocked at every turn.”

She continued, “After we finished the movie, I turned to Jeremy and said, ‘That movie is my life.’”

Keep scrolling to see what the Duggars have had to say about Jinger’s new book.

Have a tip? Send it to us! Email In Touch at contact@intouchweekly.com.

Jill Duggar

After Jinger announced her new book on Instagram, her older sister Jill Dillard (née Duggar) rushed to the comments section to show her support. “Proud of you sis and following God’s leading in your life!” she wrote. “Look forward to reading the book!”

Jill further showed support for her sister in a January 2023 Instagram post shared by Jinger, in which the best-selling author promoted a new interview about Becoming Free Indeed with People magazine.

“Proud of you (and Jer as I’m sure you continue to support each other) as you have processed so much I’m sure and yet continued to cling to each other and Jesus!” Jill wrote in the comments. “Walking ‘the straight and narrow’ as God leads you is harder than walking completely one way or another! Love you! Praying continued peace and strength for y’all!

Jill commended her sister and brother-in-law again in a January 19, 2023, Instagram Story video, telling them, “I know that this journey probably was not easy for you guys. So, I’m just proud of your bravery and just continue speaking the truth.”

Amy Duggar

Jinger’s cousin Amy King (née Duggar) also left a positive comment under her original Instagram post. “Love that you are speaking YOUR truth. I’ll always support you and love you,” she wrote.

While commenting on Jinger’s post about her People interview in January 2023, Amy hyped up the Matchbook Coffee collaborator, writing, “SO PROUD OF YOU! FREEDOM LOOKS BEAUTIFUL ON YOU!”

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Jim Bob and Michelle haven’t publicly commented on Jinger’s book, but a source exclusively told In Touch that they fear she’ll reveal personal family information. “It’s no secret that Jim Bob and Michelle would rather all their children keep family matters private,” the insider said. “A tell-all book from one of their own isn’t something they ever worried about, until now.”

While Jim Bob and Michelle have to speak on the subject, Jinger believes her parents will read the book. “I’ve talked with them and I think that they are,” Jinger told Entertainment Tonight in January 2023. “I think they want to hear, even from my perspective, I’m sure that they will read it.”