The Other Side of Paradise

A Memoir

By: Staceyann Chin

Narrated by: Staceyann Chin

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

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.

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. 🙏🏾