From a familythat inspired Big Love’s story of Bill Henricksonand his three wives, this first-ever memoir of a polygamous family captures theextraordinary workings of a unique family dynamic, and argues forthe acceptance of plural marriage as an alternative lifestyle. Readers ofCarolyn Jessop’s Escape, Elissa Wall’s StolenInnocence, and James McGreevey’s Confession,as well as fans of shows like Big Love and Sister Wives, will beenthralled by the first groundbreaking book in praise of polygamy.
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"I can barely handle one kid and one husband and this guy has three wives and 24 children. I don't endorse polygamy but there is a lot of love in this family. I would have liked to hear more about how they raise their kids and less focus on the relationship of the three wives."
— Rebecca (4 out of 5 stars)
“The Dargers tell their story with candor and an aching authenticity.”
— Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer, creators of HBO’s BIG LOVE“Eye-opening and courageous.”
— Kirkus Reviews“A remarkably candid and plainspoken account…this unassuming book opens the door on plural marriage.”
— Library Journal" Very interesting, though I definitely don't want a sister wife! "
— Cindy, 2/15/2014" Quite fascinating in and of itself, I wish the authors had sugar coated less. It was a little too, "our family is perfect!" for me. It did change my perceptions of polygamy, as well as make me examine my feelings about being a member of a church that once condoned and encouraged the practice of polygamy. "
— Lindsey, 2/7/2014" True story of a plural family. Their goal was to convince mainstream America that their family is extremely similar to any other family. In many ways, they are. I support decriminalizing polygamy. However, I do have to question the sanity of any man willing to take on more than one wife. The writing is a bit bland, but answered most of my questions. "
— Gail, 2/3/2014" Quick read. Written by the family who inspired Big Love (a show I used to love). "
— Jennifer, 1/22/2014" Very very interesting and well-written. A great view of a positive polygamist marriage -- we're so barraged with images of pedophilic polygamists like Warren Jeffries that the very idea of polygamy engenders negative feelings. This book dispels the idea that all polygamy is problematic and that, in a lot of ways, it's just like every other relationship ... it needs respect, commitment, trust, etc. to work. "
— Courtney, 1/11/2014" This was my first polygamist read that wasn't tainted with the evil Warren Jeffs. This books focus is to show the world that polygamy is not all bad and for us to not be prejudiced against them. It's hard, I know that I am not better than anyone else. I certainly have my own beliefs and they don't include polygamy in the slightest. With that said I live in Utah and I am surrounded by people living that lifestyle. It's hard for me to set down how odd it is. I can't see how anyone would choose it but I want my children to be kind to everyone. These fundamentalists not flds, consider themselves Mormons, just like me. They even have their kids go to church activities because we represent the closest beliefs. Hmm. "
— Cara, 1/10/2014" Such an interesting book on a present day polygamous family, who do not feel abused, etc. "
— Sonja, 1/8/2014" Very interesting book, although I could never live that lifestyle, I can see how some others could. "
— Stephanie, 12/27/2013" Interesting to read about issues or events from the perspectives of the different individuals. "
— Nancy, 12/26/2013" The writing is simple, unchallenging, and slightly cheesy, but the story is FASCINATING! "
— Katherine, 12/11/2013" I liked this book. I've read several about terrible polygamist husbands and had thought there must be some happy families out there. So it was interesting to read about happy women making this choice. "
— Sally, 12/5/2013" A quick, easy read that, while interesting as a peek into a "modern" polygamous marriage, I just didn't find it all that compelling or probing. "
— Erin, 8/16/2013" I would actually give this half a star...there was moments where I foun it contradicting and there really wasnt clear cut facts which is what i was really hoping for. It left me with more questions than answers an not in a good way... "
— Allison, 6/8/2013" I love learning about how other people live their lives and I thought that this book gave great insite into the polygamist culture and this family's journey. "
— Sena, 12/8/2012" Very interesting. I understand why they chose the format to write each persons view but it was very repetitive. "
— Melissa, 11/6/2012" A bit repetitive - but deeper than the other recent about polygamy - Becoming Sister Wives- the book about the Browns on TLC. "
— Moira, 11/1/2012" Potentially fascinating information. Kind of a boring read. (Which is good I suppose!) a little simplistic in its language and layout. Still, if the subject interests you, read it. "
— Michelle, 5/20/2012" I resent the Dargers for getting married, because it led to the publication of this book. "
— Kate, 4/15/2012" I tried to be open-minded but I just don't get it. "
— Tammy, 12/2/2011" Interesting account of polygamy. I learned a lot. Makes you think about monogamy, too. "
— Brian, 11/6/2011" Interesting concept, but not a terribly interesting read. If I hadn't taken a class with this type of focus a couple of years ago, I probably would have dropped it before my usual 50p benchmark. "
— Teresa, 9/8/2011Joe, Alina, Vicki, and Valerie Darger live a normal suburban life in a large home in Salt Lake County with over twenty of their twenty-four children. Joe, Alina, and Vicki were married on the same day more than twenty years ago. Valerie, Vicki’s twin sister, joined the family in 2000.
James Lurie, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, has worked for the biggest companies in the news, entertainment, and advertising businesses. He has an eclectic background; he has been a musician, a writer, and a doctoral candidate in Chinese history. He has been an audiobook narrator and even been the voice of a talking gasoline pump. As an actor he has had recurring roles on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Law & Order, Picket Fences, and As the World Turns, to name but a few, and he won a Dramalogue Award in Los Angeles for his stage work.
Eliza Foss is an actress who has appeared in numerous theaters in New York City and around the country. She has narrated over thirty books and short stories, been featured in AudioFile magazine, and won five AudioFile Earphones Awards for her narrations.
Kathleen McInerney won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration in 2011 and was a finalist for the Audie in 2010 and 2015. Her narrations have also earned several AudioFile Earphones Awards. She has performed in New York and around the United States in both classical and contemporary theater. Her credits also include television commercials, daytime drama, radio plays, and a broad range of animation voice-overs.
Eliza Foss is an actress who has appeared in numerous theaters in New York City and around the country. She has narrated over thirty books and short stories, been featured in AudioFile magazine, and won five AudioFile Earphones Awards for her narrations.
Kathleen McInerney won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration in 2011 and was a finalist for the Audie in 2010 and 2015. Her narrations have also earned several AudioFile Earphones Awards. She has performed in New York and around the United States in both classical and contemporary theater. Her credits also include television commercials, daytime drama, radio plays, and a broad range of animation voice-overs.