Other Side of Paradise, The

I first heard StaceyAnn Chin in Jamaica this past May(2009) at the Calabash Literary Festival at Treasure Beach. I was spending my weekend learning about Jamaican culture after spending a week working with Jamaican teachers through my University. I was immediately drawn to her and her story as I listened to the two chapters she chose to share with the audience. Until that point I had not heard of or experienced her spoken word, but was quickly made aware of her work through family upon returning to the states. I purchsed this book looking for insight into the lives of the children of Jamaica (not all children of course, but the lives we do not hear about)and because of the great impression she made upon my husband and I during her reading. The story that was conveyed contained vivid and detailed, emotion filled recollections. As is often the case here in America, Staceyann tells about how many children and families struggle with extreme poverty each day, even when there is great wealth around them. Many at the mercy of others who often exploit, hurt, and furhter oppress our most vulnerable citizens, children. StaceyAnn brings to light the lack of value Black women have in this WORLD as worthy of respect, protection, education, and opportunity. I found many similarities in her struggles to maintain her personal safety as a young girl with the plight of many young girls (and now young boys) in America. I commend her for telling such a powerful account of life and not holding back because some may be uncomfortable to the harsh truths life holds for many families, especially black families, around the world that includes the choices that should not have to be made by adults much less children. The literary merit of this work is great. It's poetic nature enhances the quality of the reading experience. Some passages are just meant to be read aloud. StaceyAnn's voice was evident and well received. Staceyann also brings out the consequences people face when their home becomes the playground for Europeans and Americans. I read this book in one day...it is that compelling. Give this book a chance and see it through until the end. Thank you StaceyAnn for opening you life to the world. I hope we as people take it in and work to protect our families and communities.

Staceyanne Chin's long-awaited memoir is, quite simply, riveting. Once I began reading, I did not want to put the book down. And when I finished it, I immediately thought, "I need to read this again." Her compelling life story is matched by her incredible writing. With this narrative of the first two decades (or so) of her life, Chin takes her readers on an emotional journey. It is the story of an individual who embodies Otherness on many levels - race, gender, class, family status, sexual orientation - yet who, from birth it seems, had the courage and conviction to push back against a world that continually tried to suppress her. This is a book that will make you laugh, cry, rejoice, mourn, and occasionally say, "This child doesn't know when to be quiet!" And if you have ever felt like an outsider (or if you have a heart for those who do), you will be inspired by her will to do more than survive. And if you appreciate good storytelling, you might rank this one alongside of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" and Alice Walker's "The Color Purple." Yes, it's that good.

I so enjoyed reading this book! It had me drawn in from the moment I started reading! I had the wonderful experience of meeting this talent writer in person at an event in Philadelphia. She was hilarious and entertaining! That was when I had bought her book in hard cover and had the joy of getting it signed by Staceyann Chin. She was so personal and awesome. So when I later came across her book again in digital print I had to have it in this form as well. The book is very well written and really grabs the reader's attention throughout the book. I hope to have the opportunity of seeing her at another book signing in the future. The book sends you through a mix of emotions, sadness, anger and happiness. I have never read any thing like this. I just love her memoir and I am not into memoirs but this one was just too well put together to pass up. I thank her for sharing her pass experiences with the world. I could see this being made into a box hit movie some day!

I am Jamaican and when I read the book I had a different context than a non Jamaican or someone who has not lived in the island would have. The issues with poverty and children who do not have a consistent or stable parental unit or family is something that as a county Jamaica struggles with every day. The issue that being a homosexual who is "out" in Jamaica is slightly different from the time when the author was writing about but there is still not the acceptance that would be hoped for and there are no persons in prominent business or political positions who have stated their sexuality in that regard which is what it would take to move the issue to the next level (although it really is no one's business but their's and I understand why they would not want to be the sacrificial lamb for the cause). The book was well written although the sections at the start when she was supposed to be younger were written in a tone that seemed to be that of an older voice. It is a good book and it showed the social issues that has resulted in many of the problems that Jamaica is experiencing now.

Great read! Very engaging!

This memoir is set in Jamaica and tells the story of Staceyann's early childhood days through to her college years. Being an 'unwanted' child, she - like any other young child would be - is excited at the thought of meeting her mother for the first time, only for her mother to show resentment when they meet. Her mother subsequently abandons her (after telling her that she will return after 2 weeks) so she ends up living with relatives and friends. She lives through sexual assault, physical and verbal abuse and often seen as the perpetrator, rather than the victim. This is typical of life as a youngster in Jamaica, even to this day. She is very intellectual for a girl of her age and as such asks many questions only to be scolded and told that she 'chats too much'. Her only comfort is her grandmother who encourages and listens to her. From the start, this book had me engaged. The language is easy to read and follow. As a Jamaican, I resonated with a lot of the responses that the elders gave to the young Staceyann. These are so typical of Jamaican's. Through all the ups and downs, Staceyann came out as a victor and not a victim. Staceyann is a bold, brave woman who knew what she wanted from an early age and nothing or nobody could stop her from achieving it. This is a story of hope, determination and courage, despite feeling unwanted and unloved. Highly recommend. I look forward to reading more of Staceyann's books.

There were aspects of her life that so reminded me of home and some of the people I grew up around. She’s an interesting writer and I look forward to reading more of her words.

A story all too common in this culture emotionally raw but significantly motivating. I hope it is readily available to others living the same circumstances so they can have hope for the future.

I really enjoyed this book. I just wished it was more in depth and that Staceyann Chin had given us more information about how she evolved once she arrived to live in the USA. Most of the events that she recounts was while she was growing up in Jamaica.