The Butterfly Garden: Surviving Childhood on the Run with One of America's Most Wanted

The Butterfly Garden is a heart-wrenching memoir of author Chip St. Clair's childhood with an abusive father, who Chip later discovers was wanted for murder and thus, put his family on the run for years. The simple style and scope of this book only adds to the power of the text and the message of survival that St. Clair conveys.

Though the subject matter was difficult to digest, I found myself riveted by the narrative in this book. As a young boy, Chip found solace in art and literature and some of the poems and quotes that helped him cope with his shattered life are included in the book adding depth and insight to the memories. Ultimately, St. Clair's story is one of victory and the tale of his metamorphosis - and the powerful analogy show more of the titular Butterfly Garden - makes this book a powerful and amazing story. show less

It is unfathomable the hell that Chip St. Clair went through growing up. With each passing chapter I was more horrified. The only good to come of this was that Michael Grant was put back behind bars where he belonged. Chip's entire childhood was a farce. He and his parents moved around a lot, sometimes leaving places in the middle of the night. Chip was punished for the littlest things.....a throw pillow out of place, a dirty sock left on the floor. He endured his abuse up until his teenage years. At that point, he knew that he had to get away and somehow find out about his past. He meets his soul mate, Lisa, and the two of them begin uncovering secrets that would shock not only themselves, but local law enforcement and eventually the show more nation.

Chip tells his story with honesty and emotion. He finally becomes the person that he has always wanted to be. Like a butterfly that has been in a cocoon, he emerges strong and free with his loving wife beside him, ready to share his story with everyone, hoping to keep children everywhere safe from abuse. show less

I knew Chip and Lisa slightly as their cleaning business handled the office I worked in. There was also a connection to Justice for Children with some charitable work I was involved with through my employer. Chip seeks to reach even more people with his own story, told bravely. Chip grew in abuse not knowing his parents were on the run. Chip didn't find out until he was in college about the secrets and he tells that story here in a way top especially connect with others surviving such experiences.

This is a book I would strongly recommend to anyone trying to learn and grow from such trials.

Memoir of a childhood marred by abuse. It's a compelling story, but the writing is weak. I donated my copy to the library book sale.

An incredible story. You really feel for Chip, going through the nightmarish childhood he had and re-telling/re-living it in the pages of The Butterfly Garden. I found the book accidentally, but I'm so glad I kept reading. It was sad, heart-wrenching in fact, but so worth the read. Definitely a highly recommended book for everyone! (Well not children)

I highly recomend this, however, be aware, that for me, this book was very difficult to read. As a survider of childhood abuse, I had to re-visit some of my own isses. Of course, that is what this book is for! ** disclaimer: I won a signed copy in a GOODREADS giveaway sponsered by the author, Chip St.Clair.

The overriding sense of living a life filled with fear, jumped off the pages.