Confession: I’m a Duck Dynasty fan. Who isn’t, really? (Answer: Jenn’s husband) But I must admit I came around to DD reluctantly. I avoided Duck Dynasty for a long time as it seemed too “redneck trashy” for me (very ironic considering some of the mindless nonsense that I find enjoyable on TV). Meanwhile my family was nuts about it. Over Thanksgiving last year, my parents turned on the TV and initiated us with a Duck Dynasty marathon and their own commentary on their favorite scenes, episodes, and characters. It was almost like my parents were talking about their own friends. I have to admit I was hooked and had to DVR the episodes so I could catch what we missed through the laughter.
My husband, on the other hand, still won’t watch and constantly teases me about it, claiming you lose a brain cell with every view. His TV habits include constant ESPN and the Weather Channel, mixed with the Simpsons, so I’ll take that with a grain of salt. While I’ll admit that the new seasons are more scripted, it is still fun to see what will happen next. What I really love about Duck Dynasty is that even though they laugh at each other, it is all in good fun and they focus on their family. I also found a great article online called the “5 Reasons America Needs Duck Dynasty”: emphasis on family, work, clean humor, men are men and women are women, and public prayer.
I have also devoured the three books that were recently published. See my reviews below and links to reserve them for yourself! If you aren’t part of the Quack Pack, you might be soon!
Book Reviews
The Duck Commander Family: How Faith, Family, and Ducks Built a Dynasty by Willie Robertson
Willie Robertson is the son of the original Duck Commander. He and wife Korie purchased the business from his father Phil and between the generations have created a multi-million dollar empire from duck calls and duck hunting videos!
The book was okay. I learned some but not as much as I hoped. It seemed to really skim the surface rather than dig deeper. Fans will like it. Those who haven’t watched the show will probably get more out of it, rather than feeling like you already knew some of the stories. (It could have been a bit better edited. Korie discloses that her family once owned Howard books… so that explains a bit). Each chapter included a recipe, which was unique. Willie tells most of the story but Korie interjects some.
Jenn’s rating: 3 of 5 stars
Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander by Phil Robertson
Phil Robertson is the family patriarch and founder of Duck Commander. It is a good companion to Willie & Korie’s book. Best to read that one first as Willie has more family details. I was excited to learn that Phil has a master’s degree and each of his son’s have college degrees as well!
Jenn’s rating: 3 of 5 stars
Si-cology 1: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty’s Favorite Uncle by Si Robertson
Hey Jack! (My dad says this to my son every time they talk and X always says “I not Jack. Papa eez Jack.”) Glad they chose to include the hey!’s as it sounds just like Si talking straight to you.
Readers and fans of DD get another view into the real lives of the stars. Great addition as Si is one of the really entertaining, crazy features of the show. Who doesn’t have the crazy uncle (or aunt) in their family.
It is a quick, funny book. I had to put it down at one point just because I needed a breather. Si is funny and each chapter has a bit of over-the-top storytelling. Fans will love it! It is nice to have background into his military career and his family, who aren’t filmed.
Jenn’s rating: 3 of 5 stars
NCPL also has the A&E TV series on DVD if you haven’t watched!
Season 1
Reviews by Jenn, YA Librarian