In the Shadow of Eight - Collin Gosselin

In the Shadow of Eight

By Collin Gosselin

  • Release Date: 2026-10-13
  • Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 152 Ratings

Description

Collin Gosselin, one of the sextuplets from ​Jon & Kate Plus 8, breaks his silence ​to share the shocking story hidden behind the facade of a ​picture-perfect family.

“Collin's story is a powerful reminder that even our deepest wounds can become the foundation for growth, healing and hope.”
—Jay Shetty

“As someone who knows firsthand the lasting impact institutional trauma can have on a young person's life, I was deeply moved by Collin's honesty and strength. So proud of Collin for turning his pain into purpose and powerfully sharing his story with the world.”
—Paris Hilton

For years, the world watched Jon & Kate Plus 8 through a lens of curated joy. But while the cameras captured the milestones, they missed the moments that defined Collin Gosselin’s life: the Christmas morning where the gifts were reclaimed as soon as the cameras went down, and the basement room where silence was his only companion.

In the Shadow of Eight is the first account of a secret childhood lived in the gaps between the frames. Collin is finally sharing the truth about being held down, the basement cell where he was hidden for years, and the cocktail of powerful antipsychotics forced on an eleven-year-old boy. This is a reckoning with the dark side of fame: the systems, the entourage, and the institutions that allowed one boy to be erased. This is the never before told story of how he escaped and found his way back from the dark.

Reviews

  • A story that deserved to be heard

    5
    By Madilynnemc
    I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and hearing Collin’s story from his own perspective. Growing up watching Jon & Kate Plus 8, it’s heartbreaking to think that while the world was watching what appeared to be a happy family, there was a little boy behind the cameras who deserved so much more. No child should ever have to fight to feel loved, safe, or believed, especially by the people who are supposed to protect them. I thought the book was a really worthwhile read, and I admire Collin’s courage in sharing such personal and painful experiences. After having so much of his life narrated by others, he deserves the opportunity to tell his own story. I hope writing this book has brought him some peace and healing, and I truly wish him nothing but happiness moving forward.
  • Wow!

    5
    By saaverine
    I had anger reading this book. I never watched the show, but i knew of it! We talked about it in human growth. I’m not going to rewatch videos to give any funds to the horrible person who birthed this angel. I will support him in social media! Thanks for telling your story, and apologies for everyone that failed you around you. This book really makes you observe everything more! Finished this book in 3 days.
  • Must read!

    5
    By Tammy9472
    WOW! This is really good and he is detailed on his encounters throughout his life. Bless you Collin for being so brave and honest in telling your story!
  • Wow!

    5
    By Mr.Stephanie
    Thank you for sharing your Story.
  • Straight to the Point

    5
    By CareMer
    Well done.
  • Wow

    5
    By bryce724
    This book was incredible. Collin is so eloquent. I finished it in a day. One of the most upsetting books I’ve ever read. Collin, if you somehow see this, I am so proud of you. Thank you for being a light and a voice. And you could have a bright future as an author if finance doesn’t fit the bill!
  • Collin you are a hero

    5
    By pinkyjk03
    I don’t even know what to say or where to start ! This is heartbreaking and hard to comprehend that it happened.
  • In the shadow of eight

    5
    By M0NST3R1638
    Best book ever I hate that he had to go through all that all of the kids deserve better