The Other Side of Paradise

A Memoir

By: Staceyann Chin

Narrated by: Staceyann Chin

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Staceyann Chin has appeared on television and radio, including The Oprah Winfrey Show , CNN, and PBS, discussing issues of race and sexuality. But it is her extraordinary voice that launched her career as a performer, poet, and activist. Here, she shares her unforgettable story of triumph against all odds in this brave and fiercely candid memoir.

No one knew Staceyann's mother was pregnant until a dangerously small baby was born on the floor of her grandmother's house in Jamaica, on Christmas Day. Staceyann's mother did not want her, and her father was not present. No one, except her grandmother, thought Staceyann would survive. It was her grandmother who nurtured and protected and provided for Staceyann and her older brother in the early years. But when the three were separated, Staceyann was thrust, alone, into an unfamiliar and dysfunctional home in Paradise, Jamaica.

Told with grace, humor, and courage, Chin plumbs tender and unsettling memories as she writes about drifting from one home to the next, coming out as a lesbian, finding the man she believes to be her father, and ultimately, discovering her voice.

©2009 Staceyann Chin (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Critic reviews

"The listener, especially one who is familiar with Jamaican patois, will be delighted by the author's narration of this true coming-of-age tale.... The quick shifts in the story and Chin's whip-fast delivery put listeners on a roller coaster ride." (AudioFile)

Fascinating Memoir

The author performing her own reading of this book gave the story so much richness. Chin's Jamaican accent and dialect gave a deep authentication to her story.

Fantastic and moving memoir

Pretty much every single episode recounted in this memoir is gripping, terrifying, or inspiring
I highly highly recommend reading it

Therapy For My Soul

Absolutely Riveting! Thank you StaceyAnn Chin for speaking your truth so authentically, vulnerably, and powHerfully! Every single page of this book stirred my soul. I’m so glad I listened to the audio book because hearing you narrate it all made me feel more and more deeply connected to you. I resonated with many parts of your life journey and really felt the pain of StaceyAnn as a child. I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions that were sometimes so intense that I needed to take many breaks. In the end it took me 3 months to finish it. I actually started it just days before Covid-19 was confirmed as a global pandemic. Needless to say, this season has been like a spiritual bootcamp and I have worked through many deep layers of healing. Reading this book has definitely informed parts of my healing journey. The world is blessed to have women like you in it. Black, lesbian, and proud! Thank you and Asé. 🙏🏾

WOW! (In a good way)

I’m really amazed at Staceyann’s story. I was called to her through her poetry on Youtube, but reading her memoir has really given me another layer of respect for her! Beautifully written and told! A must read!

Incredible life, incredible performer

After hearing Stacyanne Chin’s Audible Original, MOTHERSTRUCK, I was eager to learn more about her life and hear her perform. This was an enthralling life story and She is such an amazing performer I hope there are more works by Stacyanne Chin in the future!

Amazing

This story is riveting from start to finish. I root for Staceyann and want her to win throughout the entire memoir. Her bravery and resilience is incredible and truly inspirational.

Heartbreaking and real

Being Jamaican this story took me back and reminded me of another side of Jamaica I only heard about. Staceyann did an incredible job of telling her story or would be a shame to read it and not listen to her immerse you into her life. Excellent book!!!!

POWERFUL

Stacyann's journey is a powerful demonstration of a woman discovering her voice! I loved it and want to know more about Ms. Chinn!!

Escape and triumph

Staceyann Chin is always excellent in her performance of her own work. Her writing comes across as authentic; not overly filtered or sanitized. This book reveals a side of Jamaica and, frankly, many Caribbean and other formerly colonized countries that people do not know. It is interesting to see how she navigated relationships and experiences, and boldness, even at a young age, to ask for what she wanted. This is, in some ways, a story about escape, but also of many triumphs. I am glad I just read this, after following her for years and getting a glimpse into her life as she is living it now.

Triumph Over Tragedy

Such a tragic, but inspiring story about overcoming seemingly insurmountable tribulations to finally finding peace. Staceyann Chin is an inspiration to all little girls growing up impoverished and with few options to escape it. Her performance was full of life and detailed introspection. Her voices for each person in her life, amazing! So beautifully done!