“I Just Want You to Know: Letters to My Kids on Love, Faith, and Family”, Kate Gosselin’s memoir that picks up where “Multiple Blessings” left off is being released April 13.
We will be reviewing the book shortly. In the meantime, please use this thread to discuss the book and media surrounding the book’s issue.
The book publisher, Zondervan, has published an excerpt from Chapter One of the book on their website. Here is a mini-snippet from the excerpt. It is an revealing look into the reality of managing a household with eight children - six of whom are the same age.
Kate Gosselin, “I Just Want You to Know”
“Take trash for example. No one ever thinks about their trash. They collect it from their house once or twice a week, set it by the curb, and forget it until the next week. Not us. We lived in an area where there were strict limits on the number of bags you could throw away each week, and we always exceeded those limits — especially when the kids were in diapers. We easily had two bags of trash on an ordinary day, more on birthdays and holidays. By the end of an average week, we’d have four huge cans filled with bags of garbage and diapers.
I remember so many Sundays nights when Jon would be in the garage rationing out what garbage he could put out and what he could hold back for the next week. It was like a game of schoolyard trading where we always got the bad deal. “I’ll trade one bag of dirty diapers for two bags of kitchen refuse that maybe I can compress down into a single bag to put out next week.” But each week, the same problem only got worse.
One solution was to call our neighbor and friend, Miss Beverly. She came over weekly to fold our laundry and was always willing to help us out. She and her husband never used all of their garbage allotment, so Sunday nights Jon would wheel a trash can down a few streets and up a hill to leave it at her house.
I know it seems crazy to worry about trash, but Jon and I spent a lot of time in those days thinking about it. We would fantasize about normal family-sized trash the way other people dream of white picket fences.
During that time, we exceeded our trash quota so often that we left presents on top of the trash cans in hopes the sanitation workers would take everything we put out. Sometimes we left little snacks, baked goods, or candy — anything we had.”
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76 Responses to I Just Want You to Know – Kate’s New Book
I read what is available on Zondervan and liked it. I did not see anything in it that would embarass the kids. There are some interesting stories like the garbage one that shed light on what their life was like at the time — things we didn’t know from the show.
I don’t know if anything in the rest of book wil embarass the kids but this part is pretty innocent.
The trash thing is hysetrical I hate to bring everything back to Jon, but a day he spent rationing and sorting out “must go” trash vs “can stay” trash seems like the good old days.
The trash thing is hysterical I hate to bring everything back to Jon, but a day he spent rationing and sorting out “must go” trash vs “can stay” trash seems like the good old days.
“I present this book to you — Cara, Madelyn, Alexis, Hannah, Aaden,
Collin, Leah, and Joel — as the background on our family.”
I can understand why a mother would write intimate, personal letters to her children; something I wish I might have done to my own children. It might be a way to express a parent’s appreciation for each child’s individual, precious self particularly in the context of a large family. However, I do not understand why a mother would want such letters published for anyone who wants to read especially if some of what is in the letters is personal and potentially embarassing to those children. These are children who have not had normal, private lives and I don’t see how this book will help them or have the purpose it is purported to have. I think that this book is very wrong.
Honestly, whataboutthekids, I am not so sure those kids don’t have private lives. How much can we really know about someone looking at a cartoon *POOP* sign over their first potty success, or watching them get pushed in a stroller around Sesame Place. I know I *saw* Mady’s teeth at the dentist, but I don’t really remember anything about them, lol. I mean, were these trips and activities all that private and personal? I seriously doubt we know everything about them. I am sure thay have lots of little secrets about their interests, struggles, thoughts, friends, favorite music, etc. that we have no clue about.
I really like your comment because you say something I hadn’t thought about:
I can understand why a mother would write intimate, personal letters to her children; something I wish I might have done to my own children.
My own dad collects family stories, and they are wonderful treasures. He likes to focus on the funny stuff. Kate seems to focus more on the stories of their challenges. I do see why you’d wish you’d have these stories or letters for you own kids, too. I wonder, if my pop could sell our family stories for a million dollars so Zondervan could publish it, would our family agree to it? It’s got me thinking… I was the difficult child, but I know that the stories about my difficult personality are told through the eyes of someone who loves me. I know there are “Ann” stories in there. Do I care? I’ll have to think about it some more. Anyone else?
I think that the difference is that yours are family stories, enjoyed within the context and privacy of your own family. No one who does not necessarily love you gets to interpret them within a different lense and, perhaps, judge you. You are not branded as the difficult child by people who did not necessarily love or know you.
I agree, hope and expect that the Gosselin children have private lives but I think that aspects of their private lives have been shared that probably should not have been. In this most recent instance of the book, they may or may not have had a say about sharing these letters.
My comment about the letters was predicated on them being something precious between a child and a parent. I think the fact that those same letters are published and available for sale would detract from their intimacy and make them, virtually, meaningless.
I would not sell letters to my children for a million dollars and not without their permission which the Gosselin children are not old enough to give.
I’m really on the fence about this book. I like the idea of Kate giving some insight and stories about what life was like for them with twins and sextuplets, and especially about how she’s managed to deal with all the drama in her life the past couple years. What I struggle with is the letters to her children. I posted my concers before, and I think someone said that the letters in the book probably aren’t as personal as letters written to her children exclusively would be… and I can agree with that, to an extent but I still struggle with the letters being included at all. The Gosselins’ lives have been semi-public for so long, I don’t think Kate writing a book about her experience would have been any more difficult for the children and would have sold just as well as a book that includes the letters.
I don’t know if I made my point/concerns clear… I guess I go back and forth so much with my feelings about the book that I struggle to actually make a point at all! And as I was typing that, I also thought, “what do my thoughts matter anyway? I’m not living her life.”
Regardless, I’m looking forward to reading the book since I liked Multiple Blessings (and if that makes me a hypocrite, oh well!
)
To be entirely honest, I don’t think I would be bothered if my mom wrote that I was sometimes difficult and tested her authority. That would be a lot nicer than she had ever said directly to me. My mom truly was the monster they paint Kate to be, and used to threaten to kill herself because she didn’t want to deal with me any more. When my brother first told me he was gay I said “mom is going to find a way to blame this on me.” Sure enough, in her mind it is because we used to put makeup on him. When my oldest brother got married I was in the wedding (at 15), and my mom, standing in the kitchen with the entire extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins) pulled the tuxedo style lapels down and exposed my bra and said “Come on, Erin, couldn’t you at least put on a black bra?” I didn’t have one–I had two bras that I had to buy for myself. My point is this, we look at everything through our own filter, so we really can’t say whether or not this is too personal or inappropriate because we don’t know what the Gosselin kids will think about it. My stories are not embarrassing to me, they would, however, embarrass her.
I don’t really know because I haven’t read it, I don’t think this book is nearly as sinister as some blogs are making it out to be. I think we tend to hide away those parts of ourselves that aren’t “perfect” rather than acknowledging it. Kate doesn’t do that–she is honest and I think she is trying to say (maybe not artfully) it doesn’t matter how trying they were, it doesn’t matter how annoyed she may have been, she still loves them. I see this more as a reassurance than anything. Apparently if a mom says anything remotely negative, or perceived negative remark, about their kids she is clearly a terrible mother. My niece can be a brat and a half when she wants to be, and she once threw a giant chess piece at me and then ran towards a large parking lot as I jumped over those giant chess pieces and finally tackled her. I love her anyway, and I would hope that no matter how mad I was that day (and I was, and she was punished) she knows that I love her. We put so much pressure on people, especially women, to conform to our ideal of what a wife and mother should be. Kate bucks that, she goes against our norm and that makes people uncomfortable. Any sociology majors out there remember the provoking experiments (I completely forget what the theory is called) but someone would act in a way that didn’t conform to society’s expectations and the responses were confusion, anger, and occasionally violence. I kind of think that is what has happened to Kate. (If none of this makes sense I blame the fever.)
Erin Kate-
I know you didn’t share with us to garner sympathy. But you have my deepest compassion. It sounds like yours was the kind of childhood the “Advocates” might better spend their time on. What an amazing woman you turned out to be, regardless of the past.
Whataboutthekids-
I understand what you are saying. I don’t have a problem with the letters and certainly not the book, but I think it would be just as successful without them. I haven’t read them so I don’t know how personal they are.
Ann-
You, the difficult child? I can’t imagine!
Above is social deviance theory, those experiments are considered unethical now. I loved sociology, I think that is why I am so fascinated by this whole blog war that has been going on for 2 years.
I know that the stories my father collects (and shares!) are meant lovingly as well, whataboutthekids. There are embarrassing stories in there, but I don’t think I would mind sharing them with everyone here, for a million dollars or so
. It’s possible the Gosselin kids, some or all, may resent personal letters to them turned into a book. It’s also possible that they will all shrug it off as, “Oh well, we did not have a conventional childhood, starting with our conception! Thank God Mom knew how to make money off our unusual family.” They may read this book as I read my childhood stories. It’s interesting to read from my dad’s perspective what I remember, and even more interesting to read what I don’t remember. Anyway, the kids will all probably be able to sell their own books about their TV years themselves, and I will love to read them.
Erin Kate, I agree with your idea that Kate draws fire because she doesn’t conform to the idea that we should hide our flaws. She comes across as outrageous, not because she nagged Jon or complained about the mess, but because she was willing to do so publicly. I have enjoyed reading other blogs besides this one. I stumble across threads that were entirely devoted to complaints about husbands, neighbors, co-workers, customer service reps, teachers, friends of friends, in-laws, you name it. It was the type of complaining that occasionally erupts when a few women sit down to chat. Everyone does it. Kate just did it for the cameras.
I don’t really know because I haven’t read it, I don’t think this book is nearly as sinister as some blogs are making it out to be.
I have read the entire book and you are absolutely right – there is nothing sinister in the book and nothing that would particularly bother the kids.
Contrary to what the Huffington Post wrote, she does not go on page after page detailing each child’s reaction to the divorce. She does not mention the divorce except indirectly. There is a variation of a generic line in each childs letter saying something about understanding he or she is confused and/or sad about the recent changes in their family but she will always love them.
Contrary to what “Inside the Internet” wrote Kate did not trash any of the kids. She did write that Leah vomited as baby but went on to mention she had reflux and that Kate felt sad that Nanny Joan was better able to feed Leah than Kate was. She suggests that Leah’s speech may have been so clear so young because of the individual attention from Nanny Joan. Leah is also called Kate’s daity princess and praised for bringing excitement to the family. No damaging talk there.
Kate did write that Collin questions her authority but went on to say she sees that as determination that will help him through life if he makes the right choices. She also talks about his ability to do double digit addition at 5 – calling him a genious. Again, I doubt this book would bother him at all.
And Kate did write that Aaden cried inconsolably as baby going on to mention that he would calm down snuggling in the dark with Mommy while Daddy made them laugh. It came across as tender not insulting to Aaden at all. And of course, she has high praise for Aaden’s thoughtfulness and his determination to do well.
There is nothing in the book that is overly personal, an invasion of privacy, or disturbing at all. Kate does not trash Jon – to the contrary there are many nice stories about their struggles together during the early years of the tups life. She acknowledges her own faults from impatience, to talking harshly to Jon, and overreacting to fans.
The negative hype about the book is much ado about nothing.
Erin Kate, I agree with your idea that Kate draws fire because she doesn’t conform to the idea that we should hide our flaws. – Ann
I couldn’t agree with you both more.
I will confess I am probably one who prefers to hide my flaws, or what I view as my shortcomings, rather than be more open with them. The thing is, I truly admire people like Kate who are more forthcoming – who aren’t always concerned with what others think. I fully realize this particular trait can be problematic and damage relationships if taken to the extreme. A dose of it though? I think it’s awesome.
Of course, it goes without saying that none of us are ”all this” or “all that” and as we grow and mature, hopefully we bring forth our better traits and work on our flaws.
I wish Kate would have had the success she is having now, before she wrote this book. I am happy she is able to provide for the kids, but the premise of the book is a little weird. Do the kids get a free copy of the book so they can read it when they grow up. I just think it feeds the negative image….I’m off enjoying my new career…I’ll write you a letter. I know people that dislike Kate , are going to no matter what. I understood the concept of Multiple Blessings. It was such a unique experience. Maybe it was a part of a book deal in the making long before she knew if she was going to make it on her own or not. Anyway, as always, it is her life and her decisions. I wish her well.
Heidi, you made your concerns clear and I appreciate your willingness to share them.
I bought the book tonight. I have been skimming through it. So far – apart from the letters – it does appear very much to be a follow-up to “Multiple Blessings.” The few pages I have read so far are interesting. I’ll share more as I read.
Just to address the letters to the kids, I read two to get a flavor – the one to Mady and the one to Alexis. My impression? The letters are full of love and lots of praise for the children and their unique traits. A lot of it is also somewhat generic and reminisent of what moms and dads frequently say to their children, i.e., “work hard, Alexis.”
The effect of the divorce on each child is addressed in one or two sentences and not very specifically. “Over the last few years our family life has changed….these changes are quite confusing and quite upsetting to you now, I’ll willingly help you understand why someday.
Lastly, Kate, the over sharer at times, has kept that to a minimum in the letters. She does rat Mady out for lying about leaving a beach towel on the laundry room floor. Not exactly scandalous stuff!
Paige, I was posting just as you were!
I am so glad that your impressions confirm what I have garnered from the book so far.
I agree, it is much ado about nothing. It’s great that folks are talking about the book, but I don’t have respect for people forming opinions without having read most or all of the book for themselves. As you pointed out, a lot of what is being said, is simply not truthful.
I don’t really know because I haven’t read it, I don’t think this book is nearly as sinister as some blogs are making it out to be. I think we tend to hide away those parts of ourselves that aren’t “perfect” rather than acknowledging it. Kate doesn’t do that–she is honest and I think she is trying to say (maybe not artfully) it doesn’t matter how trying they were, it doesn’t matter how annoyed she may have been, she still loves them.
ITA. This is the impression I get, as well. It’s like, she doesn’t even necessarily see criticism in what others perceive as being so awful, because it’s said with love and acceptance. So who is really being ugly, then? The ones who see any negative quality in a child as being so shameful that it can’t be talked about? Or the mother who can talk about it because she knows her children are eminently worthy of love anyway?
We put so much pressure on people, especially women, to conform to our ideal of what a wife and mother should be. Kate bucks that, she goes against our norm and that makes people uncomfortable.
Exactly. So much of what Kate does, what she is, goes against the norm of what some seem to expect a mother to be. Why does the norm have to be so incredibly narrow? Different does not have to mean bad. People obsess about the Gosselin children not having some Norman Rockwell existence that probably wasn’t even real when Norman Rockwell was alive.
I am happy she is able to provide for the kids, but the premise of the book is a little weird. Do the kids get a free copy of the book so they can read it when they grow up. I just think it feeds the negative image….I’m off enjoying my new career…I’ll write you a letter.
According to Kate’s TLC blog, Mady and Cara have already read the book and liked it. Their biggest question was – could they use the book as one of the ones they have to read for school.
And the letters do not read as … I never see you so I will write a letter … they read as I want you always to know how I felt at your birth and through your early years.
i cannot wait to get this and read it!
Thanks, Sam. I see so much abuse that outshines anything I ever went through day in and day out. I have actively worked to terminate parental rights. I get really frustrated by people who bash Kate, comparing her to Susan Smith or Casey Anthony.
I’ll admit, I’m a terrible sheeple and probably won’t read it, or if I do it will be a long time before I do. I never read Multiple Blessings. I got to thinking last night about Cheaper by the Dozen, which was written by two Gilbreth children. Their parents were Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, who were experts in efficiency–they often used the kids as guinea pigs in their experiments. They lectured and wrote books, with some knowledge gotten through their children’s work–wouldn’t that be exploitative? However, the children remembered it fondly and with love. Only time will tell if the Gosselin children will do the same, but somehow I doubt the “Mommie, Dearest” book (that other sites often comment and compare this situation to) will ever materialize.
Such a great point Erin Kate. How many columnists regulary write about their children and husband and family life? The morning DJ talked about his divorce, then his daughter, her teen pregnancy, her marriage, his beautiful grandaughter on his radio program. I suppose that could have been embarrassing for his daughter, but he always spoke with affection, pride, and love. From the sound of it, he is very close to his daughter and always has been.
I wasn’t planning on getting this book. t Anybody else ever feel like they have a tad too much Gosselins, lol? I’ll have to watch for a sale or use a coupon!
I guess I didn’t express my thoughts very well…when I said the premise of the book is weird. What I meant was–when Kate does interviews and says she wrote the book because she wants her children to know they are loved–it is more ammunition for the haters. I know they don’t need help. It would just be refreshing to hear her say,” I am just trying to tell my point of view, since there are so many crazies trying to tell it for me.” I know most people that have any common sense know she is writing books and doing shows to support her family and express herself. In fact, I saw her doing an interview last night, and she said she wanted to share her experience with other moms. She was so down to earth and natural. I think it was one of her best interviews yet. She is a tough cookie, and will be fine no matter what her enemies say.
P.S.—there is nothing wrong with Kate wanting her children to know they are loved….I just meant that critics will say–if you were with them they would know they were loved. I know , I know she can’t win. I just wish she wouldn’t make it any easier. But to her credit, she hasn’t really gotten in the mud with her critics.
I can’t wait to read the book. Especially, after reading Paige’s post (#12).
Kate would never do anything to embarass her kids. She’s smart enough not to put the truly personal things in print. I also think there are a lot things we don’t know about the kids and won’t ever know. We only saw a facet of their lives when they were on tv and even from these books.
I applaud her for the way she is raising them and her tenacity to do all she can to provide for them. I think it’s also very commendable that she does not put down their father. There’s no doubt in my mind those kids are blessed to have her as a mother.
The art of writing letters to your children is called “Legacy Leaving”. It’s something that is treasured by the children who will one day want to know about their family. I facilitate a support group and we have a group on it twice a year. It’s very soothing to the writer and the recipient. My own father, when he was sick, asked what I wanted. I said for him to be here for life lessons and all the knowledge he had. He wrote me his life story. Some of it I’d have rather not read, some of it is not very flattering to me as a person, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
I’m not sure if I’ll buy Kate’s book, but maybe. I’ll flip a few pages on the bookshelf.
My hubby brought home my copy of the book tonight and I am really enjoying it. Paige and Anya, I agree with all your statements so far regarding the book. The beach towel incident that was mentioned was in my opinion Kate’s way of giving Mady an example of why it is important to be honest with yourself and others. I can’t think of any parent who does not place the importance on honesty as a value for any child they are raising.
It would just be refreshing to hear her say,” I am just trying to tell my point of view, since there are so many crazies trying to tell it for me.” -Wendy
Oh, I would LOVE for Kate to say that for once, instead of, “I am doing it for my children.” It’s such a good line, Wendy.
I have read “I Just Want You to Know” and found it to be very endearing and sweet. I got the feeling while reading that Kate poured her heart into each ltr.
I kept waiting to read about the bad things mentioned in the RagMags and on the darkside blogs. Never found anything remotely similar to the things they said were in the book.
IMO there are certain things that parents should teach/tell their children:
1) The begats……their legacy or where they came from
2) The importance of family
3) Love and interaction with family
4) What is important to your child
5) Help them set goals
6) Help them to accomplish those goals
Of course there are many, many others that will probably pop into my head as soon as I hit publish. As the mother of 2 sets of twin girls (all 4 pre-schoolers) I can somewhat commiserate with Kate. There is no way she can possibly give individual attention to each child since she has to deal with 8. You nor I can even imagine what that is like along with everything else in her life. I struggle daily with trying to carve out special time with each of my girls between all the mundane things that a wife & mothers is responsible for. So writing a letter to each child in this book is to me an act of individual love for each one and since it written to them and for them it will become a lifelong treasure.
I personally love the idea and content of the book and when the other 6 are older they will know just as Cara & Mady now know.
Haven’t read the book, but there were 5 excerpts on a website earlier this week, I enjoyed all of them, it was nice to read little snippets of their life.
Lindsey, thanks for posting your review!
I had no idea you were a mother of multiples too. Four little girls. How wonderful (and tiring).
I have finished the book and intend to publish a more in-depth review soon, but I just wanted to mention the letter writing/legacy leaving that Kat mentions.
One of the really nice sections in the book is when Kate discusses her grandparents. They were letter writers. They wrote Kate letters when she was in nursing school and she wrote them back. Kate even has a copy of one of her grandfather’s letters to her in the book. It is short, just an encouraging note letting her know he loves her and is proud of her.
I think this is a tradition that Kate wants to carry on. She mentions putting notes in Mady and Cara’s school lunches (I think we saw that in one episode). I was left with the impression that Kate’s kids will have many more letters written to them besides the ones published in the book. They will be more personal and, of course, they will not be for our eyes. And that is entirely appropriate.
Lastly, I do agree that Kate can retire the “doing it for my children” line re: this book. She does countless interviews and it almost just comes out automatically now. It would be good for her to touch on some of the other reasons.
So Anya,
Now you too know why I am the Uber Kate fan! I wrote her a letter recently telling her of my daily grind with multiples and asked for her advise. Who knows? You just might see me on “Twist of Kate”. Can’t wait for my very own 15 MINUTES.
Thank you Lindsey for the review. I hadn’t thought of it as a model for letter writing to your children. All my kids have are texts like “R U there?” and “Waiting…waiting…waiting…”
I treasure the letters my dad wrote me in college. I wouldn’t mind sharing them with the world either.
I’m reading it now, and enjoying it. Kate seems to be being honest but she also puts a very positive spin on things; I can imagine a Kate-hater’s head would explode reading this book. :0
Does anyone know how the book is selling, where it is ranked?
I have not read the book yet, but have read some of the excerpts. I’ve suggested to Mr. Momsby that it would make a great birthday or Mother’s Day gift & if all else fails I’ll gift myself.
I think Kate has given her children a beautiful gift…I wish with all my heart I could have a keepsake like that from my deceased father & grandparent’s. (If they could have made a million dollar’s all the better) Kate has inspired me to start composing letter’s to my own three daughter’s.
Lindsey,
WOW, I thought I had a handful with an 11yo, 3 yo & 18month old…I was thinking I could use Kate’s organizational skills, but *sigh* they are not likely to come North of the Border. So I’m going to cross my finger’s for you! I’m also going to cross my finger’s for both of us that we make it through girl pre-teen drama & hormones. YIKES
Thank you Momsby for your finger-crossing for u & me. I will embrace all the positive energy anyone sends to me.
Like you I also suggested that the girls treat me with Kate’s book for M-Day, then my mom gave me her copy and I just could not stand to have the book in hand and not read it. We have quite time prior to naptime & for several days I read parts of Kate’s book. All 4 enjoyed the interludes. The 5′s (can read & write) and are now helping the 3′s compose letters to everyone they know. I think that all 4 now know how to spell sincerely just out of repitition.
So Kate’s book has been a real treasure for us leading to some wonderful family interaction and some sweet and precious moments for & with the girls.
Momsby I hope you get your wish for M-Day. I told Hubs I want my own copy still since 4 prs of little hands have taken a toll on my mom’s copy. I love a pristine book!
My best wishes to you with your 3 girls. Make sure to grab every ounce of enjoyment from them now so you will have fall-back memories for the future fervor of puberty, hormones, and those “Teenage” happenings. God Bless.
I and my family have all read the book. It’s fun reading, interesting and kind of warm family friendly stuff. No tell all type that exposes the faults of Jon. In fact, it was amazing that Kate pretty much called herself out for her loose tongue and her odd behavior toward fans to begin with. Pretty neat too…she revealed the humble beginnings she had as a child. Nothing in here that was abusive or too embarrassing for the kids. Heck…I would sure be proud if my mom could have written a book about us and made a million bucks!
“R U there?” and “Waiting…waiting…waiting…” — Ann
LMAO.
Lindsey, I have seen lots of different information regarding the book’s sales.
One of the more reputable sources — the New York Times Bestseller list has it ranked #11 on the hardcover non-fiction list: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/books/bestseller/besthardnonfiction.html?ref=bestseller
Hi Anya,
Thanks for the info. Wow, ranked #11. Hubs & I went to Sam’s this AM where he purchased a copy 4 me from my girls for Mothers Day. At checkout the cashier made a comment about how everbody must be reading Kate’s book instead of KK bio of Oprah. She said nearly everyone coming thru her station was buying a copy. I hope that is the case.
Sam’s also had hardcover copies of Multiple Blessing which I haven’t read. Going to now though cause I’m getting it for M-Day as well. Yippee.
I’m telling some of the guys at the office to purchase this book for their wives and girl friends. It’s just such an easy read and make you feel good type of book. And of course, Kate is going to write something that is safe for kids….no bad mouthing or lewd language. I’m kinda getting so in love with Kate. If People magazine were to ask me…she would definitely be in the top 10 of People’s 100 Best Looking Celebrities!
Jarred,
You should send your name & bio in to Kelly @ Regis & Kelly since she has said she will search and “hook” Kate up. Do it only if you are really and truly PRINCE CHARMING and love a big ole bunch of kids mostly all the same age. Otherwise the collective wrath of all the Kate fans might come down on you and may God help you if that happens.
Love reading your “guy” comments.
I am happy to see that it is No.11 , good for Kate and the kids. Already there are rumors of the falsehood of the actual sales of the book. These K-haters really need to find another outlet for their crazy theories. When my mother had cancer, I found a grandmothers book in which you were able to fill in the blanks with your memories of your life and children to pass on. Sadly I could not get my mother to commit to telling her story. How I wish now that I would have pushed the point a bit more, it would be a treasure to read her thoughts again.
Diane, I think I know how you feel. I wish I had pressed my parents more for their memories. There are gaps there that can’t be filled now.
A lesson for those of us now living, I think….
It looks like the book has dropped to No. 22 on the NYT bestsellers list this week.
I guess there’s not going to be a book tour? I had been thinking there might not be.
If you liked Kate’s book please go put up a postive review of it. The haters have edited their reviews to make them seen like legimate reviews. I was going to try to do something about it, but now I don’t know what to do about all the hate reviews. I’ve posted what I was wanting to do on my pro Kate blog.
Amazon and Barnes and noble.
I’m hoping that book sales will pick back up for Mother’s Day. I will be getting my own pristine copy from my girls and have decided that I will not lend either my mom’s copy or mine out.
Someone at church asked if I had purchased Kate’s book and wanted to borrow, I said “no” because Kate needs the book sales.
Tell me true, am I wrong?
Ziggy, it would have been nice to be able do to something about the reviews on Amazon. I do hope those who have read it go and post a positive review.
While the negative reviews on Amazon prob have some impact. I think it’s more the fact that Kate is apparently not doing a book tour. Fans were many and eager to get their book signed and say a “hi” to Kate. I am glad she is not putting herself through the gruel of one after what she’s been through this year and since she’s working on her new show. She’s had so much criticism every time she sets foot out to play w/the kids or run an errand. The tabloids screaming that she’s ditching her kids (even when it’s their father’s time to be with them) would make it so stressful. Maybe she will do a couple of signings close to home. If there had been a tour and she was close by, I would have went. After all this time blogging about Kate, I would have enjoyed seeing her and say “hi”.
Yes, I agree that Kate not doing a book tour certainly makes a negative impact on the sales.
But I do think the negative reviews on Amazon and Barnes & Noble also hurt the sales significantly.
Even had Kate done a book tour, she would still only reach a limited number of people. The negative reviews state such awful things about the book that anyone who may be on the fence would likely not choose to take the chance of spending money on it.
The haters have accomplished what they wanted. But there is hope. Once Kate’s show begins, A Twist of Kate those on the fence regarding her may feel they like her and purchase the book. Although uncommon, it isn’t unheard of for a book upon it’s initial release not do well then something takes place which peeks interest and then the book starts selling. That is my hope for Kate’s book as it truly is a good book and Kate is a very good author. She’s not short in her writing style by any means, but she doesn’t fall prey to a bunch of flowering phrases nor a bunch of blah blah’s just to fill up pages as many authors do. Although I haven’t read 8 Little Faces I did read Multiple Blessings. I used to be a avid reader and read very quickly. Although for some years I haven’t had the chance to read as I used to, I still haven’t lost the ability to read quickly. And although Multiple Blessings was a good book and I throughly enjoyed it, it wasn’t nearly as smooth a read as Kate’s style of writing. One feels like one is just sitting having a conversation with her at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee. One gets some insight into her feelings regarding certain things she was criticized for during that time, some explanations for some of her reactions she was criticized for during that time and she owns up to things she was criticized for.
Ziggy-I saw your post on Amazon.com. Good job. I thought I’d ordered the book but I can’t find a record of it, so I ordered it tonight. A lot of the negative reviews are by a handful of people, primarily someone who calls herself Shelagh and her admirers. I wonder how someone hitting it cold would react. Would they be turned off by Kate or turned off by people ranting about “Khate” and calling her a monster? As for writing open letters to and/or about one’s children, that’s very common including writers like Jean Kerr (“Please Don’t Eat the Daisies”).
It appears that Amazon was deleting reviews by people who attacked the book but who admittedly hadn’t read it. Now, people are “accidentally” coming across copies and scanning them. My favorite was the one who was in the library with her son and a copy just appeared on a shelf near her. These must be the same women with the possessed TV sets and remote controls that keep switching to programs with Kate on it against the owner’s will.
It’s amazing how a book which isn’t selling very well they just seem to run accross in the oddest places!
I really don’t how people coming cold into the reviews would react. When ever I look at reviews of anything on-line, I read the negative first to see if there are issues the people have and not the product. Then I read the postive reviews. So for someone looking at the reviews in the manner I do, it probably wouldn’t have much of an impact. My view would be OK, these people are over the top and anyway for less than $15 I’ll take the shot and judge for myself.
I agree with Ziggy, I alway’s read reviews before purchasing anything on line. If I did not know about the crazy internet mean girls, those reviews would have an effect. The really sad thing is all the garbage that was written about the book before it was even released. People have been over at Amazon messing with the tags etc. for months. Why, not just let people make up their own mind about the book? When will they get it, if Kate is successful her children benefit.
“Why, not just let people make up their own mind about the book?”
Momsby – Exactly. If her book is that awful, why not let it speak for itself? The fact that they go to so much effort to try to destroy it makes one think they know it’s a good book. And if they weren’t afraid it would sell well, why start the effort even before the book was selling? I pre-orderd it from Amazon and when I placed my order, there were already a bunch of negative reviews.
Which also brings me to the amount of effort they go into trying to destroy Kate. Also same theory as her book – if she really was that awful they wouldn’t have to put so much effort into trying to destroy her. Well, I guess I can look at it this way, at least they can’t rest on their laurels that Kate an awful person, they have to keep working hard at it so therefore no rest for them regarding trying to keep the hate going. And I hope we’ve begun to make their mission even harder and more time consuming!
So Kate won’t be doing a book tour this time around?
Personally, I am disappointed. I was hoping to meet her after almost two years of blogging about her. Now, where are all the accolades for Kate for not traveling this spring to promote the book from the moms who criticized last year’s tour? Also, what happened to the online calendar promising to give Kate red check marks (whatever) for everyday she spent away from the kids? Did the calendar keeper run out of green pixels?
Now, where are all the accolades for Kate for not traveling this spring to promote the book from the moms who criticized last year’s tour?~Ann
I have been wondering that too. Kate’s criticized for what they suppose will happen, but when they’re wrong, they just go on w/o missing a beat. There was a bunch of hoopla about the kids being on DWTS and they never were. Kate and the kids managed to stay hidden from the paps for 6 days in CA, and so she must have the children locked up. It’s unbelievable. I don’t know why they expect anyone to take them seriously.
Maybe you’ll get lucky and she’ll do a couple of surprise signings in PA. Of course, if that happens and you go…well, I’d love a signed copy.
I saw some comments on certain boards questioning that the kids were even with her in CA for that many days as ‘Kate couldn’t have the children around for all that length of time and not parade them around for the publicity”.
Ziggy-My personal favorite was the one who accused Kate of keeping the kids “prisoner’ in the Beverly Wilshire!?!?!?! I hope Kate realizes that it doesn’t matter to the obsessive haters what she does or doesn’t do. They’ll find fault.
I got the book and read it already. I liked it a lot. It IS the follow-up to “Multiple Blessings”. There is nothing negative and a great deal positive about Jon, especially as a father. She acknowledges the help she got, even from the brother and sister-in-law who betrayed her. The only harsh criticism I saw was of herself. We live in an age when people post photos and videos of their kids on Facebook, My Space, Flikr, and You Tube doing embarrassing things (I read that the awful man who posted the video of his little boy spaced out on laughing gas after dental work is now selling t-shirts, etc. of it). Kate is the soul of discretion by comparison.
I knew, from the second special, that the plastic surgeon did a lot of repair work with the abdominoplasty, but I hadn’t realized until I read it in the new book that her abs were ripped down the middle with a four inch gap & that the surgeon sewed the muscles back together, repaired two hernias, & removed 1 1/2 pounds of skin. She said the pain was far worse than after her c-sections & had muscle spasms for a week. It was clear on the second special that the post-op pain was formidable.
She can be plaintive and funny too. I liked it when she said, “Is there a law that says that once you have kids, you have to look frumpy and wear mom jeans and mom hair.” It was very moving at the end when she includes a photo of Nana Janet with one of the 6 as a baby and the caption “In loving memory of Nana Janet.”
I want to do an Amazon.com review too even though it will probably bring out the crazies. I’ll try to work on it this weekend. It did occur to me that this is a book that may well do better in paperback. A lot of people don’t like spending for hardcover. With people like Sarah Palin, groups that support them buy large quantities of books & distribute them as rewards, etc..
Ziggy, that is so ridiculous. When they aren’t seeing the kids which is how they say it should be, they call them prisoners. When the pics are in the tabs, the children are being paraded. I know this is OT, but, I would love to start seeing a backlash towards the paps for stalking the kids. The kids should be able to play in their front yard w/o being snapped. At least the kids are safe from them in the back. It’s easy money for the paps. They can see who comes and goes and they know the kids will want to play out front sometimes. There’s no justification for what the paps do.
Isn’t it also ridiculous that there are days w/o pics of the kids in the front yard, but every time there is one, I read “why are the kids always in the front yard?”
Lily-Kate was asked about them being in front & she said that that’s where the kids like to ride their bikes & other wheeled toys. I agree. The only way possible to keep the kids in the back would be to fence off the back yard & then we’d get the poor little prisoners attack. It’s still a better situation than in their prior house where people could park right on the street and watch the kids, look in the windows, etc. BTW, the tire slashing incident occurred at the prior house while Jon & Kate were still together & no hint of a split.
I do think the bus stop, etc. should be off limits. I love to see pictures of the kids as much as anyone, but, now that they’ll be doing specials like the Dillies & even the McCaugheys do, that should be enough. The paps are not comparable to the TV show. There they worked with a crew with whom the kids were familiar & who the kids clearly liked, not a bunch of strangers shouting vile questions to their mother about her and/or their father.
I’m amazed you don’t see the Kate haters in their self-appointed role as “child advocates” attacking the paps .
I had to laugh about your statement of them calling the kids prisoner. Ididn’t see that one!
I didn’t realize that Kate had to have as much extensive repair work done & what a danger to her health it presented until I saw, I think it was WE, two other moms of six who both had to have the same surgery done (both of theirs were donated also – their stories were so similar to J & K it was startling!) and one of their drs. explained in detail the damage done when a mother carries to many babies. One of the moms went into heart failure during delivery. Both families were like J & K, they knew the risk of multiple’s but the chance of having so many at once were so slim, again, as J & K, it wasn’t even on their radar for so many. One mom even got free breats implants! And the doctor said it wasn’t just for cosmetic reasons – he said the breats get so large that when they return to their normal size they just deflate like balloons & there isn’t much mass to them. He explained what impact that had medically, but I don’t remember the reason he explained because I kept thinking, Kate wanted that, too, she told the dr. that her breats were deflated and he told her to just wear a good bra. One couple was so sad, they had so many miscarriage’s before they finally had their six. She had hand sanitizers like the hospitals use (the kind on the wall) in every room and people couldn’t touch any baby without using it. And if they had touched one baby, they couldn’t touch another until they used the hand sanitizer. But both of these families didn’t have any hesitation to come on camera and state their support. Not criticizing Kate or Jon’s family, as I don’t think I could go on camera either. There was several episodes with both families and there was supposed to be more, but I never saw anymore. I have often wondered if it was because they saw the backlash J & K got. One of the families, some how Dr. Brazelton (sp?) got involved with them. One of her babies had started having trouble breathing and her doctor wouldn’t listen to her, said she was over anxious. Dr. Brazelton happened to want to visit at the last minute or something like that. I know they weren’t expecting him again so soon. He flipped. He said the baby was in respiratory distress and needed to go to the hospital immediately. So off they went and the baby needed emergency surgery. They said if it had waiting another 24 hrs. the baby would’ve died. She wouldn’t take the babies out at all. She was terrified of everything for them. I felt so sorry for her. Finally her dr. told her she had to ease up for herself and for the babies. All I kept thinking with both families, oh please don’t let the Kate haters start on these families! But I don’t think they would’ve as J & K’s was fueled and flamed by you know who. And both families were ‘expoliting’ their kids locally.
I liked the ‘frumpy mom hair & mom jeans’ remark, too. From watching the earlier shows, Kate evidently didn’t have much confidence in her ability to choose clothes and I think Jon enforced that. Now Kate has found she has excellent tasted and is enjoying an aspect of herself she’s just discovered. I mean she’s not wearing jeans cut so low their down ‘there’ or tops with everything hanging out top & bottom and skirts so short that one wonders if it’s a skirt or shirt! I think she dresses very tastefully. The haters act like Kate act like she’s perfect. She doesn’t – as you said, she readily admits her short comings.
PeggyPA, I just picked up Multiple Blessings at the lib the other day. I had never read it, but wanted to read it before I read this one. I hope you share your review w/us. Please post it.
I remember the article about their tires being slashed, it said they moved out right away. I agree, their former home would have been such a bad place for the paps. J&K would have had to have kept their blinds pulled all the time. I’ve seen all the pics of the kids and clicked on all the tabs, but it’s really at the expense of the kids. It’s excessive, the paps have never let up. Ita, the paps are not comparable to the filming of the show. The filming w/the kids is only supposed to be several specials. It sounds like some trips are planned for their summer vacation.
I meant the families of these two families.
Peggy, I didn’t know about the tire slashing until I read it in her book. For what the third time? I remember from watching the show how close their cars were to their house. That would be terrifying. And people coming up to their windows. The paps are different from the film crew. The kids know them, their comfortable with them. And if the paps do the kids like I’ve seen how they do other celebrites, they keep yelling questions at them while their trying to shove the camera right in their faces.
Ziggy, I watched most of the Masche’s show last year.
I had heard there was going to be a follow-up season too, but haven’t seen anything about that yet.
I did read that the family moved from AZ to FL. I thought that was interesting because it did seem the grandparents were very involved in their day to day lives. I am not making any judgment – I am sure the Masche’s considered everything before deciding to move.
I am sure they thoughtfully considered their decision to appear in reality TV as well. Of course, the negatives are discussed endlessly, but there are many positives too. I don’t think the financial stability that such a show can bring should be ignored. It is not every family that has to worry about funding six college educations at the same time.
Yes, I watched for their show to come up, too, but never saw anything about it. I didn’t hear they moved to Fla. That surely had to be something important as they both were close with their family’s. I think they lived close to his but further from hers?
I agree that I dn’t think the financial stability can be ignored. Unless one makes an exceptionally good income, it will always be a struggle. With six of one age, you don’t have the advantages of hand me downs from one to the next , etc. so it has to more expensive that having six of different ages.
Why should families such as this have to struggle when there is an option for them to have a better income, should they so choose to do. Being on TV isn’t the worse thing and are lots of families who have been in show business who have stayed together just fine. The Osmond’s for one. I think they’re the perfect example for our day and time. Even the Osmonds state there were some negavities. But there’s a negative to what ever one does in live, Nothing is all positive. Nothing. It’s how you handle and deal with the negative which counts.
i got the book and i really enjoyed it. the letters were nothing any kid would be embarrassed about/by. and i thoroughly enjoyed the in-between prose by kate. i thought it was another glimpse into their early lives.
i went on amazon (me too) and left a good review. i also answered that some of the reviews weren’t helpful as the person hadn’t read the book they were *reviewing* and that it was done in hate for kate and not a real review.
as far as the masches i have watched them a few times. nothing against them but for me they don’t compare to the gosselins. i don’t know why it’s just how it is. i did see a week or so ago on their show that they showed full nudity on a lot of the kids. it’s not a problem for me but my thought was *all the stink about the gosselin kids’ bare hineys and while they were on the pot and there is nakedness here and nothing?*
seriously? people need ot get a grip on that complaint!
I have tried to figure what the appeal that the Gosselins have which none of the others have, at least not for me. I watched the shows more about it showed how much J & K dealt with each other and the issues the familie had with so many of one age were no different than what J & K deal with. Table for 12 (is that what it’s called?) I have to watch several times as I would like to give them my support as a viewer but honestly they are just pure yawn. I did have more interest in the Masches, though, for themselves. I think she’s the one who got the breast implants. I wish I could think of the other family’s name.
I’m looking forward to A Twist of Kate and the specials. Wonder if Jon will be on the specials? I know he should be as he is their dad, but I just feel like if he is it’s only for the money. When he had the money he stayed away from teh kids weeks and weeks at a time. I see where he’s started his photo ops with his private paps/bodyguard again.
I didn’t like the book, and wish I hadn’t purchased it.
But I love Kate and want to support her. I think the best thing she could do is concentrate on Twist of Kate, and keep the children away from the cameras. We all want to see those precious children, but I think we need to put the kids first. I hope Kate’s new show does really well, then she’ll have the income to support the kids without using them.
happymom: I understand your point, but I think that ship has sailed. If she tries to hide the kids too much, the paps will become even more aggressive since scarcity drives up the price for any photos they get. I remember reading about the insane lengths & physical risks the paps who got that infamous, shot of Princess Diana in a bikini when she was pregnant with Prince William & she and Charles were vacationing on a secluded private island.
Several other families with high order multiples have chosen TV specials and/or articles in magazines like Ladies’ Home Journal to try to negotiate some compromise between recognizing genuine, benign public interest in these children but protecting family privacy as much as possible. It also gives them flexibility to protect the need for personal privacy that increases as a child grows older. If you think back, even on the original show, the areas and situations photographed changed radically as the kids got older with the areas in the house in which filming occurred getting more and more restricted. By the time they moved to the new house, the only areas in the house in which filming appeared to occur were the common areas like the living room, kitchen, and family room. The show did a brief tour of the bedrooms/bathrooms upstairs etc. when Jon & Kate took the kids to see the house before the move, but I don’t recall any scenes from those areas since
HappyMom, I think “Twist of Kate” could be a fun concept. It would be great to see Kate succeed with this project and have it lead to other solo Kate projects. I am supporting her too in this venture!
PeggyP says: Several other families with high order multiples have chosen TV specials and/or articles in magazines like Ladies’ Home Journal to try to negotiate some compromise between recognizing genuine, benign public interest in these children but protecting family privacy as much as possible.
I agree with all your points. I think some people (many with ulterior motives) are determined to see this as a black and white issue, but I don’t believe that it is. The fact is, the producers have made adjustments all along as the children have gotten older and the extra scrutiny arising from Jon’s actions brought the family more publicity than they ever expected. If what we hear about this summer is true, there will be a handful of episodes and many will be filmed with the kids embarking on new experiences.
None of us have a crystal ball to predict how eight different personalities will look back on the filming years from now, but I have no doubt in my mind that Kate has thoughtfully considered all the options and feels the best decision for the family as a whole is to continue “Plus 8″ in a re-formatted fashion.
I think Kate’s ship has sailed. Her book sales have tanked. Less than 11,000 out of the initial printing of 400,000 have sold. Boy, did Zondervan underestimate how really over Kate we are. Only 379,000 to sell before they break even. There will be no royalties on this book. Books usually do best the first two or three weeks they are out and this one had the Mother’s Day to boot and it FAILED!
Remember her first books when there were thousands going to her signings, lines snaking out the door and around corners? The first and last one for this book drew less than 40 people. This is good. The shows will tank and the pimping of the Gosselin children will soon be over.
Kate has behaved like a diva and she isn’t a popular guest for talk shows. You can bet that she will never be asked on The View again. I’m glad she renewed her nursing license because it looks like she is going to need it.
Kate has alienated too many people. I will watch her first show to make a list of advertisers so I can contact them and tell them the word will spread — boycott them.
Seriously??? If that makes you happy…as the kids say these days…whatever!!:)
I think Kate’s ship has sailed. Her book sales have tanked.
I must confess I don’t follow Kate’s book sales with the obsession that haters do. I didn’t know until much later that “Multiple Blessings” and “Eight Little Faces” were best sellers. Even if I accept your numbers as factual, the fact that this book did not do as well as her previous ones doesn’t prove anything beyond — this book did not do as well as her previous ones.
Remember her first books when there were thousands going to her signings, lines snaking out the door and around corners? The first and last one for this book drew less than 40 people. This is good. The shows will tank and the XXX of the Gosselin children will soon be over.
Um, actually I don’t remember that! I went to a book signing last year and there were several hundred people lined up, not thousands. Thousands is pretty impressive! The last signing drew less than 40 people? Are you talking about the last minute signing in Santa Monica on a Friday night? Was someone actually spending their Friday night counting how many people were in the line? Because if they were…that is kind of sad, don’t you think?
Since you apparently possesses a crystal ball to see into the future as to how Kate’s new shows will perform, may I borrow it??? I think the time might be right for me to get back in the stock market and being able to see the future would come in so handy!
Kate has behaved like a diva and she isn’t a popular guest for talk shows. You can bet that she will never be asked on The View again.
Well, again, I may lay a bet on The View asking Kate back, but only if you lend me that handy crystal ball of yours. As for being a diva, I don’t form my opinions of celebrities by what I read in the rags. Everyone who was willing to be quoted in connection with Kate’s appearance on DWTS had nothing but very positive things to say about her. I guess you missed those stories.
I will watch her first show to make a list of advertisers so I can contact them and tell them the word will spread — boycott them.
Oh please, you are only going to watch the first show? Ok, I am a size 4. Now we both told a fib.
As for the whole boycott thing, you bringing me back to Gwop circa 2008.
“Memories, like the corners of my mind….” lalalalala
dessertgirl-Are you planning to support these kids? Why would you want to hurt them by causing financial harm to the family’s primary breadwinner? If you’re right, which I don’t think you are, and Kate has alienated too many people, then the ratings will reflect it. Why do you have to go out of your way to try to drive away advertisers.
As for the sales, in the first place, we’re talking hardcover sales. I’m a hardcover junkie myself but many people prefer waiting until a book comes out in paperback. At least on Amazon.com, there was a concerted campaign that began before anyone could have read the book to bad mouth it, inflate the numbers of bad reviews, and attack anyone who had anything favorable to say about it.
You’re well within your rights to not like Kate and to not watch any show that she’s on, etc., but I find it incomprehensible that anyone can have that much malice towards a total stranger. What if you get your wi.sh and Kate has to go back to work as a nurse. Do you seen any signs of Jon stepping up to the plate and getting the kind of job that would enable him to pay significant child support once the escrowed money from Jon’s share of the equitable distribution runs out? Kate will likely have to work double shifts or 10-12 hour shifts, often with mandatory overtime in order to support the family. When Jon did stay home with the kids, after he decided he hated doing the book signings and speaking engagements, he complained of being tied down and they hired help. How much time, in your ideal world, do you think she would have with the kids in that situation? Do you think he would actually pick up the slack if it interfered to much with his new life?
Why don’t you just leave Kate to fate?
Anya-Now, now. Maybe dessertgirl is one of those poor souls whose TVs and remote controls have been taken over by Kate Gosselin’s terrifying telekinetic powers, along with her making arm and leg restraints appear and pin down helpless and horrified GWOPers in their recliners, thus forcing them to continually watch Kate on TV. Then telekinetic Kate takes over their computers and brains forcing them to spend hours blowing up pictures of her body, particularly her face, hair, breasts, fingernails, toenails, and skin, & pouring over the blowups examining them for signs of plastic surgery and/or hair extensions and of visits to nail and tanning salons. They cannot even go to the library without telekinetic Kate making copies of her book appear next to where they are trying to hide from her powers & forcing them to skim the contents. Perhaps we should hold a telethon to help these poor, terrified people.
Peggy your points about Kate returning to a ‘normal’ lifestyle are good points and points I have made on my blog and have seen others make elsewhere. And everywhere I’ve seen these reality facts of life pointed out, never ONCE have I ever seen them addressed by any of the ‘child advocates’.
Those of us who support Kate – I seldom see remarks about her hair, her makeup, her dress, her breats, her fingernails, her toenails, etc. which is as you stated gone over with a fine tooth comb in blowups. It’s only the ‘child advocates’ who do this.
If the non-Kate supporter wants to make a effort to record all the advertisers on her show and write them and encourage a boycott against said advertisers, then those of us who support can can do the same and thank them for supporting her show and asking they continue to do so and made sure we buy their products.
For the Kate haters and the ‘child advocates’ exaggeration to the extreme is the name of the game, not dealing in facts. i.e. ‘thousands’.
And regarding Kate’s book – I wouldn’t be a bit surprised that upon the sucess of her show, the book sales with shoot up. It won’t be the first nor the last that a book didn’t do well went initially published and later became a hit.