The Butterfly Garden

Surviving Childhood on the Run with One of America's Most Wanted

By: Chip St. Clair

Narrated by: Christopher Prince

Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Fear rocked Chip St. Clair's world. As a boy, he never knew what would set his father off - maybe the ice cubes had melted in his glass of Tab, maybe dinner was overcooked or undercooked, or the gravy was too runny. Regardless, the beatings always came. As did the twisted games of cat and mouse - being thrown from a rowboat into frigid Lake Michigan, the middle-of-the-night moves to different states, or being left to dangle over a 10-story balcony while his father watched from inside. But one fateful night when the police answered the call, the truth came to light from the shadows, sparking national headlines: Chip St. Clair's entire life - his name, even his date of birth - had been a lie, and the man he called "Dad" was an impostor, an escaped child killer who had been on the run for over two decades. The stunning revelation would send one of America's "Most Wanted" to justice and another on a quest for his true identity.

With chilling detail and a riveting, lyrical narrative, The Butterfly Garden reveals St. Clair's struggle to piece together his haunted past before it consumes him and shares his inspiring metamorphosis from victim to victim's advocate. The Butterfly Garden is a timeless triumph, a reminder that hope can be the most powerful of all emotions, freeing us to soar despite the past and the odds against us.

©2008 Chip St. Clair (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Breathtaking

I listened in two settings. I couldn’t stop listening. It was sad and hopeful, bewildering that anyone could thrive having endured his childhood yet inspirational. Chip and Lisa are amazing how they turned a tragic series of almost unbelievable events into a foundation to help many others. But to know how amazing can only be gained by listening to crushing story after crushing story.

Excellent book!

If you could sum up The Butterfly Garden in three words, what would they be?

Fantastic, sad, poetic.

What did you like best about this story?

The way Chip describes all of the events and his survival. His poetic writing is teriffic.

Have you listened to any of Christopher Prince’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I would again.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many, but the actual butterfly garden was the best!

Any additional comments?

This is such a moving book about much more than child abuse like some others. The ways in which Chip survived, using tools like books and poetry makes it stand out from any other book. An absolute must listen! Lisa is an amazing woman, Chip is blessed to have!

Listened again

I read this book many years ago. Now after many years as a DV and Children’s Advocate I can cringe and cheer Chip (and Lisa)
Remarkable. Heartbreaking and Inspiring.