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  • Estelle Li and the September Issue

  • Top Model, Book 1
  • By: Adam Jay Ung
  • Narrated by: Elyse Osterhaug
  • Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (14 ratings)

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Estelle Li and the September Issue cover art

Estelle Li and the September Issue

By: Adam Jay Ung
Narrated by: Elyse Osterhaug
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Summary

Obsession, coercion, and blackmail?! 

Estelle Li is a young and aspiring Chinese American model who’s equally vulnerable as she is strong and independent. 

She’s willing to sacrifice everything and do whatever it takes to achieve her dream of becoming the next top model. 

This sort of mindset is undoubtedly required to become a top fashion model, with competition high and opportunities few and far between. 

But it comes at a high price.

Follow Estelle Li on her path toward stardom as she tackles personal and professional demons along the way.

Will she become the model she’s always dreamed of being? Or will the fashion industry chew her up and spit her out?

For any listeners looking for a story that encapsulates the experience of what it’s like to navigate the cutthroat world of modeling, you don’t want to miss out on listening to this book!

Prepare to gasp in shock and be left jaw-dropped as you journey through and witness what it takes to be a top fashion model through the eyes of Estelle Li.

©2022 Adam Jay Ung (P)2022 Adam Jay Ung

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What listeners say about Estelle Li and the September Issue

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Listener received this title free

Wow

Very intriguing story about the life of a model. Great book for adults. Captivating story, left me wanting to keep reading more every time I put it down!

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Couldn’t stop listening

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging story about the character in the story, Estelle, who pursues her dreams to be a top model no matter the cost. It’s sort of an ugly look into the modeling and beauty industry, which took me by surprise because it always sounds so glamorous. Hearing this story makes me understand why there are so many self-image issues in the world today, why people grovel to look a certain way, and do anything to reach that goal. Get this one - you won’t be able to stop listening!

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Great story

I really enjoyed this audiobook. It was actually for my daughter, but we started listening to it together, and it became a thing for us to do while driving or walking. Good story, with well-developed characters, and it moves nicely. my daughter loves everything about the fashion world, so was really happy listening to it.

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  • DH
  • 14-10-22
Listener received this title free

Great book and insightful!

Not my usual genre, but thought I would try this one out. I would not trade for a life in the modelling world! But a good book, good story and kept me entertained :)

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Clear and Coincise!

The audiobook is clear and easy to follow. Estelle Li is the perfect size by the world standard, she is independent and really wants to be a model. A great passion she followed through. She was willing to do whatever it takes which is what is needed to be a succeful model. She is a Chinese immigrant who started working in a restaurant as a waitress in a busy place in America. Her father forced her to learn the piano but she pursued her dream.

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Captivating

This book kept my interest the entire time, so I finished it in one sitting. It's enlightening to discover a book with a sympathetic character since the tale is original. In order to fit under the constraints of two separate cultures with disparate values, Adam was able to eloquently convey the stresses and sentiments associated with pursuing ambitions. A interesting trip to read, the book also portrays the difficulties one could have as an immigrant child and places it all in the context of modelling. Looking forward to reading more from author Adam Ung.

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The story just got better and better

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. Such an eye-opener. It is not surprising as we know the rumours behind each of every top model and Hollywood stars’ success but it still shocks you as you hear the very story of a real character who had been through it all. Inspiring story, engaging narratives. To everyone who’s aspiring to be a star, listen to this first. 😉 Watch out for Franky D.

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Drawing back the curtain!

I have always enjoyed watching tv shows such as Britain's Next Top Model. This story has been expertly weaved and I liked that I could visualise the characters clearly in my mind. It's nice just to relax and step into a world I have never experienced in reality. It certainly seemed that modeling was not an easy choice it seems on the surface, but that the central protagonist was determined to succeed. This was a nice audiobook to listen on a walk.

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Interesting listen about modeling

People often assume that models have it easy. After all, they get paid to travel the world, wear beautiful clothes, and pose for pictures. And while it's true that models do get to experience some amazing things, it's also a lot of hard work. This book goes into the challenges and requirements that young women go through to be a model. It was a good listen, and I gained a lot of insight into the industry. You can feel the pressure and the torment that the main character went through on their journey. Entertaining and well done.

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Great start to a modeling series

Really enjoyed getting to know the characters and the in-depth look into the modeling world. The narration made it easy to lose yourself in the story and leaves you wanting to know what's going to happen next. Would recommend and can't wait for the next in the series.

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  • NYFireflyy
  • 14-09-22
Listener received this title free

Hidden Secrets of the Modeling Industry

This is an excellent cautionary tale for young girls trying to enter the fashion or entertainment industry.
I, like everyone else, always think that Hollywood and stardom are all glitters and rainbows- CLEARLY, after reading this book, it is FAR from that.

I especially loved the narration when the narrator switched between male and female voices. I also loved how I could've related to Estelle in many situations, there was a lot of depth to her personality and she felt like a REAL breathing person to me.

I hope there is a book 2 in the making, I cant wait to listen to it! :)

I would recommend this book to any and everyone young girl, and more especially for those who want to pursue fashion/ entertainment; I think it will be a big eye-opener for you as it was for me.

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  • FitFreak
  • 09-09-22

What it takes to be a successful model

In a world where everyone is trying to be something they're not, it's refreshing to read a book like this. The book is about a young Chinese American woman who is determined to become a successful model. She's willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her dream, even if it means sacrificing everything she has. This is a story about following your dreams, no matter what the cost. It's a story about strength and determination, and it will inspire you to pursue your own goals with passion and perseverance. If you're looking for a book that will motivate you to chase your dreams, then this is the book for you.

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  • Blondie
  • 09-09-22

I never even knew!

This audiobook is an eye-opener. A very fascinating story from start to finish. A great narrator in voice and tone. There is so much to being a model that I have never even considered.

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  • Elsa
  • 08-09-22
Listener received this title free

Loved it!

I really enjoyed listening this audiobook!!!

Estelle Li is a young and aspiring, Chinese-American fashion model who encounters a successful manager. He typically requires sexual favors before advancing her career- no surprise there. This story was different in that I felt its pace was slow, but the story was captivating enough to get me to turn the pages. It’s well written in terms of its content, flow, and structure. It has cultural Chinese elements woven into the story, but you don’t forget it’s situated in the modern US. Great writing, great story, great book. Highly recommend this. You'll like it, I'm sure.

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  • Jenny Ung
  • 06-09-22

This needs to be a movie

This was a great book about the dark underbelly of the industry. And perfect timing to read since it’s September and high fashion season. The characters were thoughtful and 3-dimensional. I really empathized with Estelle and can only imagine what models have to go through to “make it”. Great read…

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  • Miss N A Sanderson
  • 03-09-22

Really interesting

Really interesting story about what it’s like to be a top model.
I found that I couldn’t stop listening until I got to the end.
Really well narrated

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  • Steve Tang
  • 01-09-22
Listener received this title free

Interesting and enjoyable.

Not really an audible book person before but having it on long trips turned me into a fan. Wanted to venture into more Asian-American topics/authors. Got this for a long international trip and was not disappointed. Looking forward to more titles from Mr. Ung.

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  • Dylan Hendrickson
  • 01-09-22
Listener received this title free

The best way to experience this book

I previously ordered Estelle Li and the September Issue, but when I saw it on Audible, I decided to pick it up here, too. I gotta say, the Audible version is the way to go. The narration is fantastic, and I'm able to do work while listening and not have to worry about picking up and putting down the book or getting distracted while reading (a big problem for me).

The style of writing also works really well with the narration Elyse Osterhaug provides. The author's style has a lot of allegorical and metaphorical wordplay, but the narration doesn't seem halted or caught up by that at all. Actually, I think it helps the words come off the page even better than reading it myself. Very natural.

As for the book itself, it's really good, and not too long, which is perfect for me. I have trouble committing to longer stories but shorter ones often lose some of the stuff that makes a story memorable. Thankfully, this one does a great job of keeping you engaged without outstaying its welcome. Even if you don't know the first thing about modelling, this is worth a read, especially if you're into cutthroat, industry-focused drama. I'm personally going to be on the lookout for follow up Top Model stories, and will probably be picking them up on Audible when they come out.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 31-08-22

A Shocking Story about the World of Modeling!

WOW,

What a riveting and interesting look into what it takes to be a top fashion model.

I was blown away by how this story kept me engaged and wanting more from start to finish, And I fell in love with Estelle right away.

I had no idea the modeling world was THIS intense.

Whether you have an interest in modeling or not, if you want to be entertained, shocked, and taken on a journey, I highly recommend Estelle Li and the September Issue!

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  • Taisuke Kimura
  • 31-08-22

Brilliant debut novel!

Great read! The author is really good at storytelling. I couldn't stop listening to it and finished it all non-stop. Very fascinating! I highly recommend you to read/listening to it :)