Against All Odds: My life with Down Syndrome : 'Will inspire you never to dim your light.' - Katie Piper OBE

by Ellie Goldstein, Katie Piper (Foreword)

'Will inspire you never to dim your light.' - Katie Piper OBE

The debut book in Katie Piper's UnSeen series looks at fashion model's Ellie Goldstein's astounding journey as she overcomes adversity and makes history by becoming the first supermodel with Down Syndrome to represent prestigious brands, such as Gucci and Adidas, in major campaigns around the world.

When Ellie Goldstein was first diagnosed with Down Syndrome, her mother was soon told that her new-born would amount to nothing. For 21 years and counting, Ellie Goldstein has been defying the odds and overcoming every hardship thrown at her.

Told she wouldn’t walk, Ellie has danced on mainstages. Told she wouldn’t learn, she has gained a college education. And told not to dream, Ellie has gone on to become the first model with Down Syndrome to be photographed for Gucci and continues to change the face of fashion from the inside out in countless international campaigns.

Ellie's heart, humour, and hard work has allowed her to achieve her dreams. An advocate for disability, Ellie uses her platform as a disabled model to act as a role model and inspire other people with Down Syndrome.

Ellie's story highlights the importance of family, and how community and support can carry people through the toughest of times. Against All Odds includes the perspective of both Ellie and her mother Yvonne, making Ellie's story the perfect read for parents and carers of those with disabilities or those who, like Katie Piper OBE, are passionate about championing the most vulnerable in society.

Against All Odds is the first book in Katie Piper's UnSeen series, which shed light on untold stories of unwavering hope that deserve to be heard. The UnSeen empowers readers to own their stories and know that they too deserve to be seen.

Ellie's inspirational story will challenge you to unlearn everything you thought you knew about living with a disability and inspire you to see adversity as fuel for your fight.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

Published September 21, 2023

Reviews

[Michelle Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

When she was born, her parents told her she would never walk, never talk, never lead a normal life. What is normal??? Well, she has shown them over and over again they are full of beans and have no idea what they are talking about!! Ellie Goldstein is blazing her own trail in the world showing that normal is BORING!!! Born with Down Syndrome, Ellie has gradated from college and is a model, literal MODEL!!! for Gucci, Adidas, and countless other companies. She chronicles her life from before being born to now with chapters by her mom, sister, and a few friends along the way.

This is a MUST READ for everyone. It is a reminder that nothing should hold you back from achieving your dreams.

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Ellie Goldstein who was born with Down Syndrome. Her mother was told when
she was born that she would amount to nothing, which was a heartbreaking statement for any new mother to hear.

Proving this statement wrong Ellie is a true role model and inspiration to anyone with additional needs. Becoming a famous fashion model notably becoming the first model with Down Syndrome to be a model for Gucci.

Family and community are an important part of Ellie’s success. Ellie’s mum, dad and sister have been an integral part in her life supporting her unequivocally. I loved Ellie’s humour and innocence which shines throughout her story.

I am a special needs assistant and know first hand the struggles many children face. To see children and young people develop is so rewarding and this book will inspire all young people and their families as well. Against all Odds is a book everyone should read, helping us to avoid stereotypes and to treat everyone with respect and compassion.

[Elizabeth Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exceptional story from the perspective of Ellie, her Mum, Sister and support workers. However it was spoiled for me by the reading by Katie Piper. Her voice grated and was unnecessarily twee! Great to describe the journey and the difficulties but at times I wanted a “normal” voice. The conversations with authors at the end of audibles are often interesting but this added nothing to what had been said in the book. Yes good to hear Ellie and her Mums’ voices but it was far too long. Agree her story is inspirational and needs to be shared and also that of others who are often excluded in our society. However I’m afraid I won’t be listening to others in the series because of the reader.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Arc)

'Against All Odds' is a sort of memoir by Ellie Goldstein which shares chapters written by those she loves - such as her mother, sister and her school teacher who was a second mother to her - and it was so interesting to see Ellie's life prior to all of her fame as a model and see her tips and tricks. My favourite part was her guide to romance which cracked me up.

[Sarah (blissbubbley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much of Ellie’s story reminded me of my own family and how they were told almost 40 years to not expect much from my brother, born with Down Syndrome. I liked the way the book had the different aspects of the family and I enjoyed her sisters view as it’s the same role I have - also as the older sibling too. Love the humour of Ellie too - that known cheekiness. Lovely book, recommended.