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The Legend of the Duck Commander
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Memoir & Autobiography (2013)This no-holds-barred autobiography chronicles the remarkable life of Phil Robertson, the original Duck Commander and Duck Dynasty star, from early childhood through the founding of a family business. Life was always getting in the way of Phil Robertson’s passion for duck hunting.
An NFL-bound quarterback, Phil made his mark on Louisiana Tech University in the 1960s by playing football and completing his college career with a master’s degree in English. But Phil’s eyes were not always on the books or the ball; they were usually looking to the sky.
Phil grew up with the dream of living the simple life off the land like his forebears, but he soon found himself on a path to self-destruction—leasing a bar, drinking too much, fighting, and wasting his talents. He almost lost it all until he gave his life to God. And then everything changed.
Phil’s incredible story tells how he followed a calling from God and soon after invented a duck call that would begin an incredible journey to the life he had always dreamed of for himself and his family. With great love for his country, his family, and his maker, Phil has finally found the ingredients to the “good life” he always wanted.
An NFL-bound quarterback, Phil made his mark on Louisiana Tech University in the 1960s by playing football and completing his college career with a master’s degree in English. But Phil’s eyes were not always on the books or the ball; they were usually looking to the sky.
Phil grew up with the dream of living the simple life off the land like his forebears, but he soon found himself on a path to self-destruction—leasing a bar, drinking too much, fighting, and wasting his talents. He almost lost it all until he gave his life to God. And then everything changed.
Phil’s incredible story tells how he followed a calling from God and soon after invented a duck call that would begin an incredible journey to the life he had always dreamed of for himself and his family. With great love for his country, his family, and his maker, Phil has finally found the ingredients to the “good life” he always wanted.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2013
531 people are currently reading
10695 people want to read
About the author
Phil Robertson
19 books312 followersPhil Alexander Robertson was an American professional hunter, businessman (Duck Commander company), and reality television star on the popular television series Duck Dynasty. He was also featured on the television show Duck Commander, a hunting program on the Outdoor Channel. He served as patriarch of the Duck Dynasty Robertson family.
He attended Louisiana Tech University, where he played football. He received a master's degree in education and spent several years teaching prior to founding Duck Commander, a hunting equipment company.
Robertson was the subject of controversy after a 2013 interview he did with GQ magazine, where he said that homosexual behavior was sinful. As a result, A&E suspended him from Duck Dynasty. Facing a strong backlash from his supporters, A&E lifted the suspension after nine days.
In September 2023, a biographical film on the early life of Robertson, The Blind, was released in theaters.
He attended Louisiana Tech University, where he played football. He received a master's degree in education and spent several years teaching prior to founding Duck Commander, a hunting equipment company.
Robertson was the subject of controversy after a 2013 interview he did with GQ magazine, where he said that homosexual behavior was sinful. As a result, A&E suspended him from Duck Dynasty. Facing a strong backlash from his supporters, A&E lifted the suspension after nine days.
In September 2023, a biographical film on the early life of Robertson, The Blind, was released in theaters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,295 reviews
May 20, 2013
Phil Robertson for President!
This autobiography is a no-holds barred account of his life and the subsequent rise of Duck Dynasty. He doesn't gloss over the bad parts; he admits that he wasn't the best husband or father for a few years.
I have a lot of respect for him, for not pretending his life has always been perfect, for being man enough to admit that he chose the wrong path, and even more respect for him getting on track and raising his family according to his core values.
The world needs more of the Robertson family and less of Teen Mom/Jersey Shore/The Real World.
This autobiography is a no-holds barred account of his life and the subsequent rise of Duck Dynasty. He doesn't gloss over the bad parts; he admits that he wasn't the best husband or father for a few years.
I have a lot of respect for him, for not pretending his life has always been perfect, for being man enough to admit that he chose the wrong path, and even more respect for him getting on track and raising his family according to his core values.
The world needs more of the Robertson family and less of Teen Mom/Jersey Shore/The Real World.
May 15, 2013
I am a fan of this family and their show and what they believe and stand for so I was super excited to read this book that I had recieved as a Mother's Day gift. Here goes my review:
Book Cover - Loved this book cover and found it very attractive and fitting. *
Story - Loved reading Phils words, thoughts, & stories of growing up, raising his family, &
building Duck Commander. The book was fast paced and was a great read. *
Author - Phil Robertson is a very respectable person and a great author. *
Religious Factor - Phils life is an amazing example of how God can use anybody no matter where
they are or what they have come from. Phil speaks strongly about his faith and
relationship with God Almighty. I also loved the fact that Phile had verses
printed throughout the book to back up his thoughts and beliefs. *
Cleanlieness - There was no profanity, sex, violence, etc. used in this book. *
Overall Review: I was so glad that I wasn't diassapointed and that this book met my expectations. It was an great read that I didn't want to put down. I loved feeling like Phil brought me along for the journey from the beginning of his life to meeting Kay from starting a family to building Duck Commander. I really wish that there was more people who would stand up for their faith like this family does. I am behind them 100% and think they are doing a great job with their ministry, show, business, & books. Keep up the great work guys & keep the books coming!
Book Cover - Loved this book cover and found it very attractive and fitting. *
Story - Loved reading Phils words, thoughts, & stories of growing up, raising his family, &
building Duck Commander. The book was fast paced and was a great read. *
Author - Phil Robertson is a very respectable person and a great author. *
Religious Factor - Phils life is an amazing example of how God can use anybody no matter where
they are or what they have come from. Phil speaks strongly about his faith and
relationship with God Almighty. I also loved the fact that Phile had verses
printed throughout the book to back up his thoughts and beliefs. *
Cleanlieness - There was no profanity, sex, violence, etc. used in this book. *
Overall Review: I was so glad that I wasn't diassapointed and that this book met my expectations. It was an great read that I didn't want to put down. I loved feeling like Phil brought me along for the journey from the beginning of his life to meeting Kay from starting a family to building Duck Commander. I really wish that there was more people who would stand up for their faith like this family does. I am behind them 100% and think they are doing a great job with their ministry, show, business, & books. Keep up the great work guys & keep the books coming!
November 4, 2019
TOO redneck for me!
May 24, 2013
Not a lot of new information, if you read Willie and Korie's book, and watch the show. I recommend their book over this one. It's more compelling, and there is not as much repeating what you've seen on the show.
Glad I read it though. He kinda blows it in the end when he delves into partisan politics. That's when he gets contradictory, mischaracterizes the words of others to bolster his own opinion. Standard partisan stuff. A shame really. It was a fairly decent read until I found myself listening to a sermon from a partisan soapbox.
The rest was cool though. The letters at the end from his sons and Ms Kay was cool.
Glad I read it though. He kinda blows it in the end when he delves into partisan politics. That's when he gets contradictory, mischaracterizes the words of others to bolster his own opinion. Standard partisan stuff. A shame really. It was a fairly decent read until I found myself listening to a sermon from a partisan soapbox.
The rest was cool though. The letters at the end from his sons and Ms Kay was cool.
July 13, 2013
I enjoy the interaction among the family members on TV's Duck Dynasty and laugh at Jase's comments as he constantly gives brother (and company CEO) Willie a hard time. I also appreciate Phil's role as the wise, soft-spoken patriarch. Each show ends with a large family dinner and a prayer.
When I realized Phil had a best-selling book I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised with this readable account of his life growing up in the back woods, lakes and swamps of Louisiana. The large family was poor but learned to be independent and live off the land.
Unlike today's Phil, the younger version lived a wild life until circumstances and his wife, Kay helped him see the need for God. Since then the couple have been committed Christians and have taught their family godly values. Phil has gotten the opportunity to speak about his faith at a number of churches.
The book also explains how Phil's love of duck hunting and dream of building a better duck call led to his founding a duck call company over forty years ago. He crafted his product using an antique lathe he had purchased and enlisted his family members as labor. He drove from one retail store to another, at first building his business one small sale at a time.
The book is engaging and promotes good Christian and family values while not flinching from the details of how Phil had for a long period of time lived a dysfunctional life until God showed him how to be truly happy, hence the title of the book.
When I realized Phil had a best-selling book I wasn't sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised with this readable account of his life growing up in the back woods, lakes and swamps of Louisiana. The large family was poor but learned to be independent and live off the land.
Unlike today's Phil, the younger version lived a wild life until circumstances and his wife, Kay helped him see the need for God. Since then the couple have been committed Christians and have taught their family godly values. Phil has gotten the opportunity to speak about his faith at a number of churches.
The book also explains how Phil's love of duck hunting and dream of building a better duck call led to his founding a duck call company over forty years ago. He crafted his product using an antique lathe he had purchased and enlisted his family members as labor. He drove from one retail store to another, at first building his business one small sale at a time.
The book is engaging and promotes good Christian and family values while not flinching from the details of how Phil had for a long period of time lived a dysfunctional life until God showed him how to be truly happy, hence the title of the book.
January 2, 2014
I haven't really watched much of Duck Dynasty because I'm an animal lover and my family warned me about all the snake shooting, duck shooting, squirrel shooting action going on -- but watching my family get hooked on the show and its characters has made me interested in the Robertsons as a family. So I borrowed this book from my dad and read through it.
There's a lot of chapters that have to do with killing things -- which is fine, if that floats his boat, so be it; I skimmed all of that or skipped it altogether. The best chapters for me were the ones people seem to hate the most -- Phil has had more success converting people to Jesus than just about any pastor I've ever met. He says it frankly and doesn't care if you like it or not. He says it like it is, and like he sees it, and if you don't like it, you can lump it. But often what he says sticks and brings people back to him later on.
It's fine to resent the message, but it's not fine to hate the messenger. Phil has a habit of not mincing words, and a lot of what he says is not only theologically sound but logical as well. He's a Christian. There's no two ways about that. And a Christian is going to share his faith and his politics if they mean anything to him. So what? He's much braver than I am -- and look at the result. He's happy, happy, happy.
There's a lot of chapters that have to do with killing things -- which is fine, if that floats his boat, so be it; I skimmed all of that or skipped it altogether. The best chapters for me were the ones people seem to hate the most -- Phil has had more success converting people to Jesus than just about any pastor I've ever met. He says it frankly and doesn't care if you like it or not. He says it like it is, and like he sees it, and if you don't like it, you can lump it. But often what he says sticks and brings people back to him later on.
It's fine to resent the message, but it's not fine to hate the messenger. Phil has a habit of not mincing words, and a lot of what he says is not only theologically sound but logical as well. He's a Christian. There's no two ways about that. And a Christian is going to share his faith and his politics if they mean anything to him. So what? He's much braver than I am -- and look at the result. He's happy, happy, happy.
July 4, 2013
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, considering Phil Robertson's political beliefs are on the opposite end of the spectrum from mine. But, at least in this memoir, he comes across as sincere and believable, and I got a glimpse into a way of life I knew nothing about. I've never watched the "Duck Dynasty" shows (if that's what they are called), and being an American living in Europe, I'm always curious about various cultural phenomena happening back "home." His descriptions of what it was like growing up in the small-town South, and his family being relatively poor but self-sufficient, were matter-of-fact and fascinating, at least to this suburban girl from the Northeast. I learned some things about my own country, and, if the end of the book veers into proselytizing for evangelical Christianity and justifying his views on where the U.S. has gone wrong, he is only being true to his beliefs, and at a certain level, I have to respect that. I don't have to like his viewpoints, but he does explain how those beliefs were formed, and that always helps in understanding. An interesting read.
May 10, 2017
A real life version of the rags to riches stories. Phil Robertson fought through poverty, family alcohol and drug abuse, and now owns a multi million dollar business. from the first duck call in 1972.
February 22, 2013
What a great book - started watching the show last year. This family has the values worthy of passing on!
November 22, 2013
My husband and I enjoy watching Duck Dynasty, one of the few shows I watch. And, I love how they end each show with a family meal and a prayer. But, I learned so much about this family through Happy, Happy, Happy. Not just about their past, but also about their faith.
Phil Robertson wasn't always a successful, godly man. He married Miss Kay when he was only 16 years old (and she was 15) and he went through years of hard times - drinking, fighting, & breaking the law. But, his life changed when he was 28 and he heard and accepted the gospel message. And, later he started a company he called Duck Commander.
The story is told in 14 chapters which are each a "rule" for "Living Happy, Happy, Happy." For example, Rule #8 is "never sell yourself short (you never know, you might become a millionaire." And Rule #10 is "If you're going to do something, do it right (instead of doing it again).
Each chapter discusses aspects of his life from a young man to being a father to leading us through times when some of his sons rebelled just like he did. Along the way he shares about hunting and duck calls and scripture and the gospel. I laughed and cried many times. It is a very heart-warming story.
Phil Robertson wasn't always a successful, godly man. He married Miss Kay when he was only 16 years old (and she was 15) and he went through years of hard times - drinking, fighting, & breaking the law. But, his life changed when he was 28 and he heard and accepted the gospel message. And, later he started a company he called Duck Commander.
The story is told in 14 chapters which are each a "rule" for "Living Happy, Happy, Happy." For example, Rule #8 is "never sell yourself short (you never know, you might become a millionaire." And Rule #10 is "If you're going to do something, do it right (instead of doing it again).
Each chapter discusses aspects of his life from a young man to being a father to leading us through times when some of his sons rebelled just like he did. Along the way he shares about hunting and duck calls and scripture and the gospel. I laughed and cried many times. It is a very heart-warming story.
October 18, 2013
Jake Ratliff
10/17/13
Mr. Welsh English
Happy, Happy, Happy
I enjoyed this book very much. It is the best autobiography I have ever read. Now I know that that sets it at a high standard, but it definitely hit the mark. It is about a simple man with a very interesting life story. Phil Robertson is a man that had a vision to make a new type of duck call that boomed in the duck call industry, and has evolved into the company that the Duck Commander is today. This year alone they have already sold 700,000 duck calls. Phil grew up in the heart of Louisiana. He had four brothers and two sisters growing up and was very poor. He went to Louisiana Tech University. He played baseball, ran track, and played quarter back in front of the Hall of Fame quarter back Terry Bradshaw. I think that it crazy to think that this all came from one man in 1972 trying to make something new. He now has a show on the A&E network, and has a very successful business. He is also a very devout Christian. He didn’t always used to be such a great person though; he used to have a substance abuse problem, and was not fully committed to his wife Kay Robertson. He then gave his life to Christ and has been preaching the Word ever since. I thought that the book showed a side of him you would have never guess he had if you only watched the television series. He is a great role model, and I think the thing that I like about him the most is how strong he is in his faith. He was confronted by A&E Network and asked to stop praying at the end of the show and he told them that he wouldn’t because it was what he know is right. It is a great book and I would definitely recommend it to others. It was a really good read, and it made me Happy, Happy, Happy.
10/17/13
Mr. Welsh English
Happy, Happy, Happy
I enjoyed this book very much. It is the best autobiography I have ever read. Now I know that that sets it at a high standard, but it definitely hit the mark. It is about a simple man with a very interesting life story. Phil Robertson is a man that had a vision to make a new type of duck call that boomed in the duck call industry, and has evolved into the company that the Duck Commander is today. This year alone they have already sold 700,000 duck calls. Phil grew up in the heart of Louisiana. He had four brothers and two sisters growing up and was very poor. He went to Louisiana Tech University. He played baseball, ran track, and played quarter back in front of the Hall of Fame quarter back Terry Bradshaw. I think that it crazy to think that this all came from one man in 1972 trying to make something new. He now has a show on the A&E network, and has a very successful business. He is also a very devout Christian. He didn’t always used to be such a great person though; he used to have a substance abuse problem, and was not fully committed to his wife Kay Robertson. He then gave his life to Christ and has been preaching the Word ever since. I thought that the book showed a side of him you would have never guess he had if you only watched the television series. He is a great role model, and I think the thing that I like about him the most is how strong he is in his faith. He was confronted by A&E Network and asked to stop praying at the end of the show and he told them that he wouldn’t because it was what he know is right. It is a great book and I would definitely recommend it to others. It was a really good read, and it made me Happy, Happy, Happy.
May 31, 2013
***Wise words from the Duck Commander--who learned to be wise the hard way ***
Phil Robertson, popular star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” writes about his “Duck Commander” life and legacy in, Happy, Happy, Happy. He begins with the description of an idyllic 1950’s childhood in West Monroe, LA.
Phil’s childhood family lived in a “turn-of-the-century” log cabin and they depended on home-grown vegetables, fruits and the pigs’ chickens and cattle they raised for food. Since money was scarce they “…rarely went to town for groceries” and the deer, squirrels, ducks or fish they caught were a much-anticipated plus. Their family lifestyle resembled that of the 1850’s frontiersmen more than post-war 1950’s.
When asked what his priorities are today, this now famous-for-his-duck-call family patriarch is quick to reply, “Faith, family, ducks—in that order.” Yet, it wasn’t always that way. Phil lived a “romping, stomping and ripping” lifestyle until he had a “come-to-Jesus- moment” at age twenty-eight.
His warm, genuine autobiography begins with a no-holds-barred account of Phil’s life before that moment arrived. He describes growing up with rough and tumble brothers, a football career, teaching position, managing a “honky-tonk” bar, brawls, arrests and more that led to his wife Kay leaving him for three months…Full Review: www.examiner.com/list/happy-happy-hap...
Phil Robertson, popular star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” writes about his “Duck Commander” life and legacy in, Happy, Happy, Happy. He begins with the description of an idyllic 1950’s childhood in West Monroe, LA.
Phil’s childhood family lived in a “turn-of-the-century” log cabin and they depended on home-grown vegetables, fruits and the pigs’ chickens and cattle they raised for food. Since money was scarce they “…rarely went to town for groceries” and the deer, squirrels, ducks or fish they caught were a much-anticipated plus. Their family lifestyle resembled that of the 1850’s frontiersmen more than post-war 1950’s.
When asked what his priorities are today, this now famous-for-his-duck-call family patriarch is quick to reply, “Faith, family, ducks—in that order.” Yet, it wasn’t always that way. Phil lived a “romping, stomping and ripping” lifestyle until he had a “come-to-Jesus- moment” at age twenty-eight.
His warm, genuine autobiography begins with a no-holds-barred account of Phil’s life before that moment arrived. He describes growing up with rough and tumble brothers, a football career, teaching position, managing a “honky-tonk” bar, brawls, arrests and more that led to his wife Kay leaving him for three months…Full Review: www.examiner.com/list/happy-happy-hap...
June 28, 2013
A quite enjoyable book. Robertson is an interesting character from the few episodes I've seen of Duck Dynasty. His back story is so much different than my own, yet we are brothers in Christ and share the same faith. There is much I admire about the man.
A few details that stood out to me: he regularly uses the phrase "when I repented" to describe the time he became a Christian. I like that. No ambiguity about what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Second, he is a true laborer in God's harvest field. Robertson has taken his unique gifts, talents, interests and passions and used then for God's glory. No one else could live for Christ the way Robertson does, because no one else is designed to.
His view on the environment may be politically incorrect, but it is Biblically sound. On page 160-161, he lays out both sides of his view: we have permission to"rack and stack anything that swims, flies or walks", yet he is also compelled to make sure that the duck habitat is not damaged. These are not inconsistent, as one might suppose, but an indication of being a wise steward.
If you love hunting, or love Duck Dynasty, or just love a story about a guy who is fulfilling his unique calling before God, no matter how unique it is, then read this book.
A few details that stood out to me: he regularly uses the phrase "when I repented" to describe the time he became a Christian. I like that. No ambiguity about what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Second, he is a true laborer in God's harvest field. Robertson has taken his unique gifts, talents, interests and passions and used then for God's glory. No one else could live for Christ the way Robertson does, because no one else is designed to.
His view on the environment may be politically incorrect, but it is Biblically sound. On page 160-161, he lays out both sides of his view: we have permission to"rack and stack anything that swims, flies or walks", yet he is also compelled to make sure that the duck habitat is not damaged. These are not inconsistent, as one might suppose, but an indication of being a wise steward.
If you love hunting, or love Duck Dynasty, or just love a story about a guy who is fulfilling his unique calling before God, no matter how unique it is, then read this book.
December 2, 2013
I love watching Duck Dynasty so reading this book for me was a must. I just find the lifestyle of the Robertson family so interesting and fascinating. In this book Phil tells about his early years and what it was like for him and his family when he was growing up. He grew up with not much at all and could have gone to the NFL. When reading this book I felt like Phil was my real grandpa and I was gathered around him with my siblings and he was sitting in a chair telling us stories from when he was younger. I felt as though he was really telling these stories to me, I wasn't just reading about them. Phil uses really good voice in his book, which had me hooked from the beginning of the book. I think that my watching the show helps with the aspect of this craft because I know how he talks, so I think that helps me hear his voice more so than if I was someone who didn't watch the show. I would share part of this book with my class and then share a clip from the show and have students compare the voice that the heard in the text compared to Phil's actual voice.
April 13, 2017
I defiantly liked this book, although it wasn't as good as si-cology it was overall still a book that i was interested in. I liked how he talks about the different moments in his life, like how he was drinking a lot, and was doing drugs, and how he just turned to god to turn his life. There is something that some people might not like about this book. That would be the amount of the book that references the bible, and or Christianity. Overall good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2013
I must say I am a fan of Duck Dynasty. I know it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I thoroughly enjoy the television show. When I found out that Phil Robertson had a memoir I just had to get my hands on it. I’m very interested in the history of the family and to find out more about their grassroots background and how they moved forward and accomplished the American dream. And they did accomplish it–truly.
The book wasn’t a tell-all memoir. If that is what you are expecting then you will be disappointed. A lot of it is a cursory overview of Phil’s life. The first sections kind of circled around each other often in a slightly confusing manner. However, it read awkwardly at first and then picked up a fluid motion once Phil became comfortable.
I loved learning about his life and the troubles he went through. The reason why I love reading things like this is because these books give hope back to the readers. Phil had a life that wasn’t easy, but he lived it to the fullest. His ideaology is something I embrace wholeheartedly. I was reading other reviewers who skipped over aspects of the politics. However, I didn’t skip it. I wanted to really understand how everything played into his life.
Phil is a man who doesn’t do anything in half measures. When he takes on something he does it by giving 110%. I absolutely loved it. I love the values he represents and instills in both his book and his family. I’m not a Christian. I’m not actually anything. (So, no I am not an Atheist. I’ve yet to find a religion that speaks to me) At the end of the book I definitely felt like a heathen. But, that’s okay! I think that is the point of his testimony. I definitely felt moved by his book.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out he had both his BA and his MA. I knew Phil was not a stupid man by any stretch of the means, but I had expected him to have only obtained his bachelors based on television show commentary. I didn’t know he continued going on to get his masters. It is definitely inspiration for everyone to take from. At the end of the day Phil did have a back up plan whether he intended to or not. He may have gone in 100% for the creation of Duck Commander. However, that being said, if it did fail (and with a man who has that type of determination there was just no way he would have failed) he could have gone back into teaching. But, he made everything successful. He has the golden touch due to his faith not only in God (as he says) but also I believe it is in part his faith in himself and his family.
This was a truly inspirational memoir that he has written. I have told everyone I know about it. They look at me like I am crazy. But, I keep telling them to read it and they will see.
The book wasn’t a tell-all memoir. If that is what you are expecting then you will be disappointed. A lot of it is a cursory overview of Phil’s life. The first sections kind of circled around each other often in a slightly confusing manner. However, it read awkwardly at first and then picked up a fluid motion once Phil became comfortable.
I loved learning about his life and the troubles he went through. The reason why I love reading things like this is because these books give hope back to the readers. Phil had a life that wasn’t easy, but he lived it to the fullest. His ideaology is something I embrace wholeheartedly. I was reading other reviewers who skipped over aspects of the politics. However, I didn’t skip it. I wanted to really understand how everything played into his life.
Phil is a man who doesn’t do anything in half measures. When he takes on something he does it by giving 110%. I absolutely loved it. I love the values he represents and instills in both his book and his family. I’m not a Christian. I’m not actually anything. (So, no I am not an Atheist. I’ve yet to find a religion that speaks to me) At the end of the book I definitely felt like a heathen. But, that’s okay! I think that is the point of his testimony. I definitely felt moved by his book.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out he had both his BA and his MA. I knew Phil was not a stupid man by any stretch of the means, but I had expected him to have only obtained his bachelors based on television show commentary. I didn’t know he continued going on to get his masters. It is definitely inspiration for everyone to take from. At the end of the day Phil did have a back up plan whether he intended to or not. He may have gone in 100% for the creation of Duck Commander. However, that being said, if it did fail (and with a man who has that type of determination there was just no way he would have failed) he could have gone back into teaching. But, he made everything successful. He has the golden touch due to his faith not only in God (as he says) but also I believe it is in part his faith in himself and his family.
This was a truly inspirational memoir that he has written. I have told everyone I know about it. They look at me like I am crazy. But, I keep telling them to read it and they will see.
July 9, 2020
I listened to the audiobook version recently , although I have read the book before.
The book is an autobiography of Phil Robertson, who went from a life consumed with alcohol and drugs to a Christian speaker and owner of a multimillion dollar business. Robertson holds nothing back as he tells how God changed his life.
Phil Robertson does the audiobook forward himself. His son Al takes over and narrates the rest of the book. He does a great job and is the best choice considering he lived through a lot of the events himself. Anyone who watched Duck Dynasty or listens to the Unashamed podcast knows Phil probably didn’t have the patience to narrate the whole book!
Anyone who enjoys Christian memoirs and Christian nonfiction will enjoy this one. Anyone who wants to read about second chances and forgiveness will enjoy this book.
Since the Robertsons recently discovered that Phil’s wild ways produced a daughter, Phyllis, 45, I’m really hoping for an updated memoir.
The book is an autobiography of Phil Robertson, who went from a life consumed with alcohol and drugs to a Christian speaker and owner of a multimillion dollar business. Robertson holds nothing back as he tells how God changed his life.
Phil Robertson does the audiobook forward himself. His son Al takes over and narrates the rest of the book. He does a great job and is the best choice considering he lived through a lot of the events himself. Anyone who watched Duck Dynasty or listens to the Unashamed podcast knows Phil probably didn’t have the patience to narrate the whole book!
Anyone who enjoys Christian memoirs and Christian nonfiction will enjoy this one. Anyone who wants to read about second chances and forgiveness will enjoy this book.
Since the Robertsons recently discovered that Phil’s wild ways produced a daughter, Phyllis, 45, I’m really hoping for an updated memoir.
October 8, 2013
Sometimes the greatest lessons I learn about life come from reading people's autobiographies. In it, I glean information about a life that is uniquely different from my own and along the way take back something inevitably life changing. I think it's vital that at some point in everyone's life, you read biographies. It opens your eyes to possibilities you never thought possible until you finish the final page.
There probably isn't a person around who hasn't heard about Duck Dynasty, the newest reality television series to come from A & E, based on the life of Phil Robertson and his family. It was designed to give American family what was missing in television, a functional family. Not since the days of the Andy Griffith Show, Little House on the Prairie, The Walton, or even the Beverly Hillbillies has a more genuine family come across television. The Robertson family's faith is what separates them from a lot of other families as well as the love each of them have for one another. They still gather around the family dinner table for home-cooked meals, something you don't see much of any more. Everybody in America is so busy, busy, busy. They are preoccupied with their cell phones and computers, so they don't take time to sit down with their spouses, children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and grandparents to eat a meal together. The family structure is slipping away from America, but not in the Robertson house.
Phil says it best, "You'll never find me living in a city, folk. Where I live, I am 911. Like I say, if you spend too much time in the subdivision, you go a-runnin' when the snakes fall out of the trees!" This is why he has maintained the life he was born and raised on, living off the land, being self sufficient for the most part and ensuring that his family retains those things that are slowly missing from the family today. He reminds us that young girls don't know how to cook. "Their grandmothers and mamas cooked for them, but they never took the time to learn how to cook. They were more interested in other things. If you go out into the subdivisions and suburbs of America, where all of the yuppies live, you'll see restaurants are packed with people. They don't want to eat slop and they're looking for good food, but they don't want to take the time to make it. Dad is working, Mom is working, and so no one has the time or energy to cook a good meal anymore. So our families end up eating in restaurants, where they're surrounded by noise and clutter, instead of sharing quality time in a family setting."
Perhaps Phil is on to something we all need to hear. While his ways may not work for you, there is some wonderful wisdom in what he has learned by growing up during the time of the great depression and teaching us all to be a little more self sufficient in what we decide to keep or giveaway. There are some great life lessons Phil learned along the way, that I think are the true diamonds in this book and one I plan on incorporating a bit more of before it's too late. Perhaps too much technology is a bad thing and it's time to find our way back to those solid family roots once again.
I received Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions I shared are mine alone. I love all the interesting stories that come from reading this book, to how the family spent their time growing up without Xbox or Nintendo games and instead spent their youth exploring fields, woods and swamps that surround their homes. Even today, Phil doesn't own or use a cell phone or computer, nor does he plan on ever having one. He does promise one thing however, you'll never find him on Twitter or Skype, and if anyone needs to talk to him, they know where he lives. I easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and by the end, I think you too, will be Happy, Happy, Happy!
There probably isn't a person around who hasn't heard about Duck Dynasty, the newest reality television series to come from A & E, based on the life of Phil Robertson and his family. It was designed to give American family what was missing in television, a functional family. Not since the days of the Andy Griffith Show, Little House on the Prairie, The Walton, or even the Beverly Hillbillies has a more genuine family come across television. The Robertson family's faith is what separates them from a lot of other families as well as the love each of them have for one another. They still gather around the family dinner table for home-cooked meals, something you don't see much of any more. Everybody in America is so busy, busy, busy. They are preoccupied with their cell phones and computers, so they don't take time to sit down with their spouses, children, grandchildren, aunts and uncles, and grandparents to eat a meal together. The family structure is slipping away from America, but not in the Robertson house.
Phil says it best, "You'll never find me living in a city, folk. Where I live, I am 911. Like I say, if you spend too much time in the subdivision, you go a-runnin' when the snakes fall out of the trees!" This is why he has maintained the life he was born and raised on, living off the land, being self sufficient for the most part and ensuring that his family retains those things that are slowly missing from the family today. He reminds us that young girls don't know how to cook. "Their grandmothers and mamas cooked for them, but they never took the time to learn how to cook. They were more interested in other things. If you go out into the subdivisions and suburbs of America, where all of the yuppies live, you'll see restaurants are packed with people. They don't want to eat slop and they're looking for good food, but they don't want to take the time to make it. Dad is working, Mom is working, and so no one has the time or energy to cook a good meal anymore. So our families end up eating in restaurants, where they're surrounded by noise and clutter, instead of sharing quality time in a family setting."
Perhaps Phil is on to something we all need to hear. While his ways may not work for you, there is some wonderful wisdom in what he has learned by growing up during the time of the great depression and teaching us all to be a little more self sufficient in what we decide to keep or giveaway. There are some great life lessons Phil learned along the way, that I think are the true diamonds in this book and one I plan on incorporating a bit more of before it's too late. Perhaps too much technology is a bad thing and it's time to find our way back to those solid family roots once again.
I received Happy, Happy, Happy by Phil Robertson compliments of Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions I shared are mine alone. I love all the interesting stories that come from reading this book, to how the family spent their time growing up without Xbox or Nintendo games and instead spent their youth exploring fields, woods and swamps that surround their homes. Even today, Phil doesn't own or use a cell phone or computer, nor does he plan on ever having one. He does promise one thing however, you'll never find him on Twitter or Skype, and if anyone needs to talk to him, they know where he lives. I easily rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and by the end, I think you too, will be Happy, Happy, Happy!
July 13, 2013
Faith, family, and ducks—in that order, as Phil Robertson will tell you—marks the hierarchy of the Robertson clan. The Robertsons have achieved fame and fortune due to their superior duck calls and, more recently, their hit television show on A&E, “Duck Dynasty,” but like most multi-million dollar success stories, the road has not always been easy. “Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander” is the candid autobiographical account of Phil Robertson’s journey through life. The native Louisianan’s humble beginnings molded him into a self-reliant, self-sufficient man who was comfortable and capable of living off the land—skills that proved invaluable later on in life. Phil went through a rebellious outlaw phase as a young man, and after hitting rock bottom, at age twenty-eight he dedicated his life to the Lord and became a born-again Christian, turning his life around and becoming a better husband to his wife, Kay, and to his four sons, Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep. In the 1970s he decided to pursue his dream of making a living via his hunting and outdoor expertise, which led him to creating duck calls that surpassed those on the market in their accurate imitations. Through the American tradition of hard work and perseverance, he eventually built Duck Commander into an empire, later turning the company over to his son, Willie. “Duck Dynasty” chronicles the daily life of the Robertson clan today, complete with humor, values, inspiration, and the redneck lifestyle—providing a glance at a truly American family.
Each chapter of “Happy, Happy, Happy” provides a “Rule for Living Happy, Happy, Happy,” and aphoristic side notes are found on most of the pages. There is also a section of black-and-white photos in the middle of the book. Phil’s story is frank and honest with a serious tone that is occasionally peppered with humor, and readers will learn much about duck lore along the journey. The final chapter provides Phil’s views on contemporary America and the government, and the afterword is entitled “Letters From the Family” and includes brief tributes from each of Phil’s four sons and from his wife Kay. From beginning to end, this book will inform and inspire readers, demonstrating just how much faith, family values, and good old-fashioned hard work can accomplish.
Each chapter of “Happy, Happy, Happy” provides a “Rule for Living Happy, Happy, Happy,” and aphoristic side notes are found on most of the pages. There is also a section of black-and-white photos in the middle of the book. Phil’s story is frank and honest with a serious tone that is occasionally peppered with humor, and readers will learn much about duck lore along the journey. The final chapter provides Phil’s views on contemporary America and the government, and the afterword is entitled “Letters From the Family” and includes brief tributes from each of Phil’s four sons and from his wife Kay. From beginning to end, this book will inform and inspire readers, demonstrating just how much faith, family values, and good old-fashioned hard work can accomplish.
October 25, 2013
1. Many of the same stories were in Willie and Korie's book, The Duck Commander Family, but I didn't care. I also read a lot of the passages in Phil's voice. It was funnier that way.
2. I love how "take me or leave me" Phil is. He says whatever he wants and makes no apologies.
3. How evangelical Phil is really inspires me. As a Christian, how many opportunities have I wasted because I was scared? Phil says flat out that because he loves everyone he is going to tell them about God. He makes it sound so easy and it really is. If more Christians were less scared, what would this world look like?
4. Phil for President! I'd vote for him.
5. Poor Jep was the brunt of both Willie and Phil's jokes in both books. But they both value his weirdness and talents.
6. Phil is an inspiring dude in many ways. Not only his spirituality, but his vision as an entrepreneur as well. It really makes me feel that anything I set my mind to I can do because Phil did it. And with God's help, of course.
7. The hunting laws are completely ridiculous.
8. I also love how family oriented the Robertsons are. It takes good people to be able to work with family every single day and not kill them.
9. It's very hopeful that Phil came from such wild ways to becoming a Christian. I myself will look at someone and say, "I don't know if they will every see the light." But God can take hold of the most wayward of people and change their life. God isn't in a box. We sometimes put him there, but God is bigger than everything.
10. Preacher, Katy Jane, is here every night folks. haha
2. I love how "take me or leave me" Phil is. He says whatever he wants and makes no apologies.
3. How evangelical Phil is really inspires me. As a Christian, how many opportunities have I wasted because I was scared? Phil says flat out that because he loves everyone he is going to tell them about God. He makes it sound so easy and it really is. If more Christians were less scared, what would this world look like?
4. Phil for President! I'd vote for him.
5. Poor Jep was the brunt of both Willie and Phil's jokes in both books. But they both value his weirdness and talents.
6. Phil is an inspiring dude in many ways. Not only his spirituality, but his vision as an entrepreneur as well. It really makes me feel that anything I set my mind to I can do because Phil did it. And with God's help, of course.
7. The hunting laws are completely ridiculous.
8. I also love how family oriented the Robertsons are. It takes good people to be able to work with family every single day and not kill them.
9. It's very hopeful that Phil came from such wild ways to becoming a Christian. I myself will look at someone and say, "I don't know if they will every see the light." But God can take hold of the most wayward of people and change their life. God isn't in a box. We sometimes put him there, but God is bigger than everything.
10. Preacher, Katy Jane, is here every night folks. haha
October 2, 2013
Just makes you happy, happy, happy reading it!
Seldom do I read a book cover to cover without stopping, but that's what I did with "Happy, Happy, Happy"; once I started reading I just could not put it down.
I will admit that I am a HUGE fan of the Duck Dynasty T.V. show, having followed the Robertson family since the show was first televised. Quirky (or quacky as the case may be :), the family antics are humourous and entertaining, but also filled with pathos and laced with family values and Godly wisdom.
Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson clan, writes a book that does not detour from the message and ministry of the T.V. show. God is glorified throughout the book. In fact he admits wholeheartedly that the prime reason for the book and their popular T.V. show is to draw people closer to God.
The book is the powerful testimony of a man who struggled with alcohol and anger until, as Phil says, he "repented" and God powerfully changed his life. It was after his conversion that he sought to invent the best duck call and with God's direction able to see his dream realized.
This is a book that is filled with redneck wit, hard-working know-how, and family devotion. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish!
Seldom do I read a book cover to cover without stopping, but that's what I did with "Happy, Happy, Happy"; once I started reading I just could not put it down.
I will admit that I am a HUGE fan of the Duck Dynasty T.V. show, having followed the Robertson family since the show was first televised. Quirky (or quacky as the case may be :), the family antics are humourous and entertaining, but also filled with pathos and laced with family values and Godly wisdom.
Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Robertson clan, writes a book that does not detour from the message and ministry of the T.V. show. God is glorified throughout the book. In fact he admits wholeheartedly that the prime reason for the book and their popular T.V. show is to draw people closer to God.
The book is the powerful testimony of a man who struggled with alcohol and anger until, as Phil says, he "repented" and God powerfully changed his life. It was after his conversion that he sought to invent the best duck call and with God's direction able to see his dream realized.
This is a book that is filled with redneck wit, hard-working know-how, and family devotion. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish!
May 31, 2013
I read Willie Robertson's book a week prior to reading this one. I must admit I enjoyed Willie's book more, however that could be because we're around the same age.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Phil's early life. It was almost like reading about Little House On The Prairie because his family lived like they were in the 1800's!
The part that lost my interest was when he was describing different ducks and calls. I just wasn't too interested in that, but I did read it all.
I was also pleasantly surprised at how religious this family is. It was refreshing to read because they truly are everyday people, they've just gone through a lot of extraordinary circumstances.
One thing that shines through both Phil and Willie's books are that they are intelligent. These southern guys worked their way to where they are now and deserve the recognition and fame they are experiencing. I just hope the fame doesn't go to their heads too much and land them in trouble someday.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Phil's early life. It was almost like reading about Little House On The Prairie because his family lived like they were in the 1800's!
The part that lost my interest was when he was describing different ducks and calls. I just wasn't too interested in that, but I did read it all.
I was also pleasantly surprised at how religious this family is. It was refreshing to read because they truly are everyday people, they've just gone through a lot of extraordinary circumstances.
One thing that shines through both Phil and Willie's books are that they are intelligent. These southern guys worked their way to where they are now and deserve the recognition and fame they are experiencing. I just hope the fame doesn't go to their heads too much and land them in trouble someday.
May 16, 2013
I'm not afraid to admit that I am a huge Duck Dynasty fan. The guys are funny, the family is not dysfunctional, the family table is there at the end - so much better than all the dysfunctional reality tv out there. So, for me, this was an enjoyable read and things were not always happy, happy, happy for Phil Robertson - the family patriarch. He went through his own dark times and in his late twenties repented. This is a man of strong, fundamental religous beliefs which have guided his life for the past 40 plus years. His family supports these beliefs and it is apparent in watching the program that they may have their differences but family and their belief in God is all important to them. And they are fun to watch - these guys have a terrific sense of humor. This may not be a book everyone would enjoy but thanks Phil Robertson for telling it like it is.
May 9, 2013
Phil Robertson eloquently describes the joy of living simply, loving unconditionally, and serving humbly. Though probably not the purpose of the book, I was convicted of my own shortcoming with my family and my faith. This book delivered on detail. Anyone who has seen the popular television show will hear Phil's voice telling this powerful story of redemption and grace.
April 26, 2018
I miss watching Duck Dynasty, but this was the next best thing. it made me laugh loudly and it made me cry at one point.
December 1, 2014
Many of the stories about growing up poor and starting the Duck Commander business--even finding Jesus--were interesting.
However, overall, terrible. Robertson's memoir turned to preachy (regarding religion and politics) far too often for my enjoyment. Perhaps the most offensive was the inadequate, one-sided history lesson of Washington, Jefferson, and Adams and their beliefs on religion. According to Robertson, if we allow prayer in schools (something our Founding Fathers sought to prevent), all of this country's problems will go away.
It's not surprising that this proud, Bible-thumping collection of conservative, lying garbage included a strong dose of hypocrisy. He writes, "Jefferson warned us that socialism would ruin the American democracy, and look what's happening in our country now" (208). Just 168 double-spaced pages earlier, he explains that his father's disability check from the state of Louisiana didn't go "nearly far enough" (40). His father also started his life using money from the G.I. Bill after World War II.
A final hateful passage: "When it's one woman and one man, you won't catch this stuff [the aforementioned 'herpes, chlamydia, AIDS, syphilis, and gonorrhea']. But if you disobey God, His wrath will be poured out upon you. It's not a coincidence that horrible diseases follow immoral conduct--it's the consequences that follow when you break God's laws" (213).
However, overall, terrible. Robertson's memoir turned to preachy (regarding religion and politics) far too often for my enjoyment. Perhaps the most offensive was the inadequate, one-sided history lesson of Washington, Jefferson, and Adams and their beliefs on religion. According to Robertson, if we allow prayer in schools (something our Founding Fathers sought to prevent), all of this country's problems will go away.
It's not surprising that this proud, Bible-thumping collection of conservative, lying garbage included a strong dose of hypocrisy. He writes, "Jefferson warned us that socialism would ruin the American democracy, and look what's happening in our country now" (208). Just 168 double-spaced pages earlier, he explains that his father's disability check from the state of Louisiana didn't go "nearly far enough" (40). His father also started his life using money from the G.I. Bill after World War II.
A final hateful passage: "When it's one woman and one man, you won't catch this stuff [the aforementioned 'herpes, chlamydia, AIDS, syphilis, and gonorrhea']. But if you disobey God, His wrath will be poured out upon you. It's not a coincidence that horrible diseases follow immoral conduct--it's the consequences that follow when you break God's laws" (213).
June 24, 2013
Phil Robinson is a rugged outdoorsy kind of guy, sold out to the Lord after years of giving into sinful desires of the flesh. He has raised his family the way he was raised, in the woods, hunting, fishing, making a way of life that could sustain them. But that isn't all, he holds a masters degree in education, played football until he decided that the woods and gaming was where he belonged. His second string went on to be a Super Bowl champion. That is where he was headed before a flock of geese flew over his head during one football practice, then he walked away and into the woods.
He did many things before inventing a duck call that truly sounded like a duck. He and his family went on to build a business an an empire. Good reading, love the family aspect, but as a city girl, the chapters about ducks, different calls, and skinning animals just weren't my cup of tea, but they were interesting enough to keep me reading.
Miss Kay has my admiration for sticking with this crazy woodsman.
Happy Reading!
He did many things before inventing a duck call that truly sounded like a duck. He and his family went on to build a business an an empire. Good reading, love the family aspect, but as a city girl, the chapters about ducks, different calls, and skinning animals just weren't my cup of tea, but they were interesting enough to keep me reading.
Miss Kay has my admiration for sticking with this crazy woodsman.
Happy Reading!
June 20, 2013
This is a wonderful book. Phil Robertson's story is inspiring and sincere. He's traveled a journey that is common to many, but what he's made of it is extraordinary. Some folks scoff at the Duck Dynasty reality-tv show, put off by the beards and the cammo, or by the simple ways, or by the guns and prayer. Yet this man has made a family that any American would be proud of. Tell me, is there another show on television, now or at any time that ends each episode with the family meal and a prayer to God Almighty? Short of the televangelists, no. Phil speaks openly of his early struggles with responsibility, drugs, alcohol and authority. Through the love of a good woman, he has become the epitome of the godly man. He is humble in his love for the Lord, and speaks openly and passionately about his obedience to God. He says, "It's been a blast following Jesus!"
May 9, 2013
Amazing book....he truly is an amazing person...he has earned everything he has today by hard work, determination, love, family and god! This is one man I would love to meet and talk with...WTG Phil Robertson!!!
January 15, 2016
If you like the show and like what the Duck family stands for, you'll love hearing about the humble beginnings and craziness that launched the business and some of the not so "great" things in Phil Robertson's life. Listening to Phil's story only made me like him more.
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