Discussion Thread: ‘Kate Gosselin: How She Fooled the World,’ Preface, Chapters 1-4

We will do a “book club” style discussion of a few chapters at a time as we read the book together. You are free to read with the group or skip ahead. You are also free to discuss whatever you like, however if you want to partake in the book club discussion, this thread is here to discuss the designated chapters. Robert Hoffman’s book “Kate Gosselin: How She Fooled the World” is available on Amazon for Kindle. The Kindle app is free for multiple platforms, including PCs.

PREFACE

Robert Hoffman fell into the job of covering the Gosselins by chance and circumstance, not having ever seen an episode of the show. He just needed work to support his family, which includes three kids of his own, and US Weekly needed someone on the Gosselin beat. He quickly befriended Jon, and over the years spent a lot of time with Jon and the kids. He only had one direct conversation with Kate, when the two dogs got out into the road when Kate was gone. He held onto the dogs until Kate got back. Hoffman says he mainly wrote this book for Collin, whom he had grown quite fond of. He describes Collin as a sweet little boy with a beautiful heart and endless love to give. He dedicates the book to all eight of the children.

1. Once Upon A Time

Kate was a focused, though shy child who stuck to schoolwork, was driven to accomplish her goals, and was a preacher’s kid who practiced her faith daily. She grew up in the country on a big property with a barn. Her childhood, at least from the outside, seemed All-American.

2. When Katie Met Jonnie

Kate has written at length, both publicly and in her diary, about how she felt about Jon. She was head over heels in love with him from the day she met him, and sings praises about what a good father he is. She also seemed to appreciate the good job he did taking care of her after her tummy tuck surgery, and then going home to take care of the kids while she continued recovering at the Glassmans. She also describes him as brilliant. At least for awhile, their relationship as she describes it seemed quite loving and her admiration for his parenting, patience and intelligence is clear.

Kate shares this tender moment in her diary:  “Yesterday, all six followed daddy in to our room while he was changing after work…from the kitchen I heard him say ‘ hello my little Gosselins’ and it made my heart melt! He so loves his kids and he said it in such a sweet tone!!!! I really had to smile at that comment!”

Kate makes reference to Bob, Beth’s husband, offering Jon a job because he also recognized his brilliance.

3. Jon & Kate 101: How Did We Get Here?

As previously reported, Kate contacted the Reading Eagle to cover the story when she was pregnant, not the other way around as she claims. Despite putting up a façade of wanting to protect the children from the press, in fact Kate aggressively pursued the media attention.

4. Sign Here – Or Else!!!!!

Kate was not happy with first drafts of TLC’s non-disclosure agreement. She didn’t feel they were broad enough. She wanted to be sure it was clear no one could talk about the family at all, not just the filming and not just about negative things. The agreements extend “in perpetuity.” The contract includes, “The undersigned understands and agrees that the any monetary damages will not be sufficient to avoid or compensate the Producer or the Gosselin Family for the unauthorized use or disclosure of the Confidential Information and that injunctive or other equitable relief would be appropriate to prevent any improper actual or threatened use or disclosure of the Confidential Information or other breach of this Agreement.”