Well written. Captivating!

I initially went into In the Shadow of Eight expecting Collin Gosselin to reveal more about what was happening behind the scenes, not only to him but to his siblings as well. But Collin himself says it best: It’s not his story to tell. And I gained a tremendous amount of respect for him because of that. I remember when the show first aired. I watched it, and over the years, it became clear that the environment these children were growing up in was far from ideal. But watching something unfold on television and hearing what it felt like through the eyes of a child are two very different things. I finished this book in ONE day. One. Collin tells his story in such a raw, emotional, and genuine way that you feel like you’re living those moments alongside him. There were parts that broke my heart, but also moments that brought me to happy tears—especially the story of the man who showed little Collin kindness and helped him look good to see his dad. From beginning to end, I felt completely immersed in Collin’s journey. His story captures heartbreak, hope, and the small acts of kindness that can change someone’s life. And that jaw-dropping revelation about his age and the center toward the end? I had to sit with that one for a minute. I won’t spoil it. I expected answers about a family I watched on television years ago. Instead, I found the deeply personal story of a little boy who deserved to be heard. This isn’t the story of eight children. It’s Collin’s story. And it’s one worth reading.