I have followed the Duggar’s story for as long as I can remember and feel a pull to several of the older siblings. When I requested this book on NetGalley, I did so blindly without reading the description (as I do with 90% of the books I decide to read) but I really wish I would have gotten an idea of what I was requesting. This was not my vibe. Memoirs? Absolutely. Self-help? No, thank you.

I appreciate her willingness to share her experience with people-pleasing and relate on many levels to the different situations but the writing was very choppy and geared mainly towards those who are of the same faith as her. This book could have been condensed into a one hour podcast (I’m being very generous with the time frame here).

This would be appropriate for anyone who is of the Christian faith and seeking to conform to a single path of being “cured” from “people pleasing”.

Unlike some other readers, I didn't want or expect a "Duggar tell-all," and am glad that Jinger is trying to move toward other types of writing, a natural extension of the "spiritual freedom" focus of Becoming Free Indeed. However, the packaging and marketing did seem to imply more of the "memoir" focus than the "Christian living" emphasis.
The topic was explored well, and Jinger's writing is personable. I especially appreciated how flexibly she used the chapter-end discussion questions, sometimes including a verse or prayer prompt.

“People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations” by Jinger Duggar Vuolo, offers a candid exploration of the author’s journey from seeking external approval to finding her true identity through faith. Drawing from personal experiences, Jinger delves into the challenges of growing up in a strict religious environment, where the desire to meet others’ expectations often overshadowed her sense of self. The book provides insights into overcoming people-pleasing tendencies by embracing one’s faith and understanding one’s worth in the eyes of God. I appreciate the personal anecdotes and scriptural references, while a desire for more practical applications and find the writing style occasionally challenging. Overall, “People Pleaser” serves as a reflective guide for those grappling with the need for external validation, encouraging a shift towards seeking divine approval and authentic self-expression.

I did not realize that it was a self-help book and thought it was another story about her life. I have been drawn into the Duggars life through reality TV and am always interested in what they have to say especially after growing up in the limelight. This was not that kind of book, but more of a self-help or book of advice for those who are “people pleasers” like her. It was well-written and an easy read but I found myself skipping over much of the religious references and skimming some sections. She doesn’t claim to know all but is courageous enough to tell of her struggles and how she is trying to overcome her fears and doubts and the “people pleasing” part of her that feels more negative. I love her candid approach to it but just wasn’t expecting this so I didn’t like it as much as I thought I might.

Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. The story line kept me interested! Thank you for this advance reading copy!

As someone who has always been a people pleaser, I never really understood how much it took a toll on my heart and soul. I didn't understand how much of my life was to please all those around me, whether I knew it was the right thing to do or not. This book was great to read, and I now understand that I can't please all those around me. I have to please myself first and put God first in my life. I know that God knows that I do the good in my life, and I know those who don't. However, this book was a little challenging because I couldn't get past that I am so much like Jinger, minus the large family or TV status. If you're looking to see if you too are a people pleaser or you're just looking for a good, Christian book to read, then this is the one for you.

I should start by saying I have always enjoyed watching The Duggars; first as a TV show that in hindsight was horrible. Now, I enjoy watching some of the now grown children, including Jinger, find her voice and speak her own truth. I have read her previous book and enjoyed them just as I have People Please.

Listen, these books are always going to have a religious undertone, but I find as a non-Christian I can still enjoy them. I skim over some sentences and bible quotes and still have an enjoyable read. This book does deviate from her previous as it reads more as a bible study guide or sermon which I wasnt exactly prepared for. I did however appreciate her vulberability, the sharing of her truth and the way this book was outlined did provide a few lessons and reasons for me to evaluate my own people pleasing tendencies.

After following Jinger Vuolo for several years and reading her previous book, I continue to be impressed by her openness in sharing her struggles growing up on television and finding her way as an adult. She always walks a fine line of being honest and seeking to better herself while never putting her family down, and I respect her for that. If you are looking for dirt on the Duggars or hoping for a tell-all, this is not it. If you wish to take a journey with the author toward pleasing God more than you seek to please people, then this is the book for you.
While she does use many examples from her own life, even more she uses examples from the Bible and always directs the conversation back to Jesus. I found myself relating to much of what she had to say as she perfectly put into words what I never could for myself. She has a wonderful gift for not holding back while still speaking the truth in love. I especially appreciate that she has not thrown her faith away but is following only Jesus on a new and better path.
One of the points made that has stuck with me is that people pleasing is like a panic room, but a panic room is a dead end. To find out more about that, as well as how to gain ultimate freedom from destructive patterns, in a format that is approachable and easy to read while getting directly to the heart of the matter, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. I eagerly look forward to more books from this author as her story continues to unfold.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

First off, I adore Jinger. I appreciate her as a sister in Christ sharing her story to glorify and honor Christ. I did read her previous book "Becoming Free Indeed" which really went into her upbringing and background, and how the Gospel truly transforms. I felt this book was almost a continuation from that. While it wasn't so much written in a biography format, Jinger shares her real life experiences to show us how she is truly an average person just like me and you. Or put another way, we are sinners in need of a savior. Jinger's book goes through the ways we see ourselves bending or masking in life to please others. I can definitely relate to a lot of these situations she brings up. But at the end of each chapter she encourages by coming alongside and poses questions to help reflect. I thought People Pleasers was a great book to help reflect upon the ways we tend to not be our true authentic selves, and then encourages to be not who we want to be, but who Christ calls us to be. People Pleasure is a bit more light hearted compared to Becoming Free Indeed, but I still felt like I was sitting down with a friend and having a real conversation with a sister in Christ.

This is a religious self help book for "People "Pleasers". It was written by Jinger Duggar of the infamous Duggar family made popular by their long running TV show. Jinger uses examples from her own struggle with being a people pleaser. She ties in lots of supporting Bible verses to help get her point across. I hope this book will help other people who have the same tendencies as her to find freedom. Thanks to @NetGallet for the ARC of this book.

Jinger is a great storyteller. I just wish her books pulled more from her own personal stories and less biblical.

DNF at 26%

Oh, how I love to hate the Duggars, and I was doing t long before everything came out about the oldest son being an incestuous molester and into child porn. Now, understand that I have no quarrel with most of these poor children who have simply been the unfortunate recipients of their parents’ bigotry and then made to be unwilling child stars besides (and then the horrendous Jim Bob took all the money. He. Is. Awful. And he thinks he’s better than you, despite it all.)

I had always hoped that some of the children would see through the parents and Jinger looks to be one of those who has, at least in part. I don’t think she’s the one whose husband has openly confronted Jim Bob, and she’s still religious, but she has disavowed the Gothard gospel that she was raised with and….(gasp!) wears pants. Good on you, Jinger (worst name though. All the “Js” are bad enough, but, “Jinger?” Not her fault, of course.)

However, I think I should have read Jinger’s first book and not this one, because my guess is in the first one she talked about her life, which is what I was interested in reading. This is a self help book for people who, like her, are people pleasers. She even has questions at the end of each chapter to see what you learned. I’m not really sure what makes Jinger qualified to write a self help book as I’m pretty certain she is not a psychologist (let’s face it. Michelle taught all those kids from the Gothard homeschool method so they, sadly, probably have the equivalent of about an eighth grade education in everything except abortion provider protesting and judgment.). Plus Inam whatever the opposite of a people pleaser is, so this is not something I need.

I will keep my eye out for a cheap or free copy of Jinger’s first book. I hope one of her daughters (she only has two, so it looks like someone has learned about birth control on the sly!) becomes a death metal rocker.

I received this book as an ARC from Thomas Nelson in return for an honest review.

While Jinger had some really great ties to scripture and fun stories to share, I didn't feel like everything tied together well. This was more or less a reflection on her own experiences battling people pleasing, with very little in terms of practical advice or encouragement.

Not a terrible book, just not anything special either.

This book tells some of insight behind how Jinger perceives herself and how she feels others perceive her. She goes into great detail using many bible references to help explain her life. An interesting read.

I really enjoyed reading more about Jinger's life and the struggles that she so willingly shares with her readers. As a recovering people pleaser myself, I could relate to some of what she was saying and I loved how she brought everything back to God. I enjoyed her first book a little more, simply because the style and tone felt more like we were talking over coffee versus this one felt more teaching. Still very good, but it didn't appeal at the same degree for me as the first book.

I was given a copy of this book for free on Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

“People Pleaser” focuses on helping individuals break free from the burden of imaginary expectations and people-pleasing tendencies. Jinger shares her personal experiences and struggles with people-pleasing and provides a gentle approach to addressing this issue. I found this book to be very informative, hopeful, and inspiring. I appreciated the biblical references as well.


Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I guess I didn’t realize this book was more of a self help book than a book about her life. I didn’t love it but I don’t like books in that format usually.

I went into "People Pleaser" blindly believing it to be an extension of Jinger's previous memoir but found it to instead be categorized as self help. While I am not quite the religious demographic this book caters to, I can very much relate to always doing my best for others before taking care of myself. This was a refreshing look at what it's like to let go and let others see you and embrace the true you, flaws and all.

**Thank you Net Galley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**

Jinger Duggar's third book offers a personal exploration of her childhood and upbringing in a strict, religious environment, focusing on how it shaped her identity, particularly as a "people pleaser." For those who work with or identify as people pleasers, this book provides some interesting insights, though it doesn’t introduce new information and is more of a semi-memoir/self-help piece. While fans of the Duggar family will likely appreciate it, the book is highly religious and may not resonate with those opposed to or indifferent to Christianity. Although the book doesn’t offer concrete advice for breaking free from people-pleasing tendencies, it provides valuable reflection on how difficult it can be to reconcile this behavior with faith, and the importance of community and connection in overcoming burnout. The audiobook, narrated by Jinger herself, adds a personal touch. However, for those expecting an exposé or deeper motivational content, the book may fall short. Still, for readers seeking a better understanding of the challenges faced by someone with a people-pleasing nature, it can be helpful.

There's no question that most of those who are going to be drawn to "People Pleaser: Breaking Free From the Burden of Imaginary Expectations" will be drawn by their familiarity with the life and ministry of New York Times bestselling author and longtime reality television presence Jinger Duggar Vuolo, one of 19 siblings featured in "19 Kids and Counting" and "Counting On."

The sixth child in her family, Vuolo is now only a few years away from the end of her reality television life and the now 31-year-old is married to husband Jeremy with two daughters. In the years since her time on television ended, Vuolo has been on a journey of discovering her own faith and becoming a bestselling author. While it's clear she still loves her family, Vuolo speaks openly about the dysfunctions of Bill Gothard's teachings (on which she and her siblings were raised) and mentions, though somewhat briefly, the well known issues of one of her brothers.

Vuolo, however, still very much identifies as Christian and attends Grace Community Church. Her husband, a former professional soccer player, is employed by The Master's Seminary.

"People Pleaser" seems to be Vuolo's continued effort to put away the remnants of her unusual childhood and early experiences with what many would call abusive religious practices. In "People Pleaser," Vuolo shares her personal journey of constantly seeking approval of others and how she began to turn away from that and found her own identity.

Essentially, "People Pleaser" is about Vuolo's journey toward relying on God for her approval and sense of self-worth and how she discovered the beauty of community, learned to identify how sin can hinder one's ability to be in community, embraced being able to diagnose oneself with honesty but not judgment, and ultimately figuring out who we are in God's eyes.

There is a quiet simplicity in "People Pleaser" that is refreshing and it's clear that Vuolo writes with sincerity and an open heart. While "People Pleaser" is less memoirish than most of her writing, Vuolo still uses examples from her own life and invites others to join her on this journey. Each chapter ends with questions, reflections, and discussion points for consideration and one can easily see "People Pleaser" serving as an experiential small group reading experience. While I think the book is appropriate for anyone, there's little doubt that Vuolo's intended audience is Christian women and/or those who've likely read her other books to which she references fairly regularly.

I will confess that I was hoping for more of a deep dive from Vuolo. "People Pleaser" keeps it fairly simple and straightforward and more than once I found myself mumbling "That's sure a first-world problem." While it's natural that Vuolo would write from what she knows, and in many cases that's a childhood and young adulthood caught on film, the simple truth is that a lot of these examples feel separated from the harsh realities in which so many people live. This is not, for sure, to minimize the trauma associated with the Gothard experience - I have a couple friends who were raised with that and it's hardcore and undeniably traumatic - however, time and again it felt like the examples in "People Pleaser" were really just skimming the surface.

Ultimately, I'm not sure that "People Pleaser" was written for a reader like me, however, I'd imagine Vuolo fans will appreciate this latest literary journey. I'm not sure that "People Pleaser" will attract Vuolo new fans, however, longtime fans and readers will likely appreciate her insights and theological reflections on this relevant subject.