The Other Side

by J.D. Robb
The Other Side cover
Good Books rating 4.24
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 3468
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2026-02-16
  • ISBN: 9781935639848
  • Publisher: Zando
  • Published: 2014-06-16
  • Reviews: 4

Lacy Johnson's 'The Other Side' is a powerful and poetic memoir that details her brutal kidnapping and imprisonment by an ex-boyfriend, her dramatic escape, and her arduous struggle to recover. The book is not just a true crime account but a deeply personal narrative that explores the complexities of trauma and transformation. Johnson's story is told with stark and poetic language, intertwined with police reports, FBI documents, psychological records, and neurological experiments. This blend of personal experience and scientific data creates a raw and unforgettable account of her ordeal and subsequent healing journey.

Reviews
Los Angeles Review of Books · 2026-02-16
inspiring 4.50

The memoir is a testament to Johnson's resilience and courage, offering a raw and poetic account of her harrowing experience. It transcends the boundaries of a typical true crime narrative, delving into themes of survival and personal strength.

The Los Angeles Review of Books highlights how 'The Other Side' is more than just a recounting of a traumatic event. It's a deeply personal journey that explores the complexities of human endurance and the power of self-discovery. The reviewer appreciates Johnson's ability to convey both the brutality of her experience and the beauty of her resilience. The memoir is praised for its stark and poetic language, which makes the narrative both harrowing and hopeful. The reviewer also notes that the book lets readers bear witness to Johnson's transformation, making it a compelling read that stays with you long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    The Other Side not only details an incredible struggle, it lets the reader bear witness to Johnson's discovery that she possesses real courage and a beauty.

    It's a deeply personal journey that explores the complexities of human endurance and the power of self-discovery.

    The memoir is praised for its stark and poetic language, which makes the narrative both harrowing and hopeful.

Goodreads · 2025-10-18
gripping 4.20

The reviewer enjoyed the collection of gripping tales, particularly the J.D. Robb story, which they found to be a standout.

The Goodreads reviewer appreciated the variety of stories in 'The Other Side,' highlighting the romantic suspense elements that made each tale engaging. They singled out J.D. Robb's 'Possession in Death' as a standout, praising its gripping narrative and the way it seamlessly blended suspense with romance. While they enjoyed the other stories as well, they felt that Robb's contribution was particularly noteworthy and a must-read for fans of the genre. The reviewer found the collection to be a great way to explore different styles of romantic suspense.

Quick quotes

    Four gripping tales of romantic suspense include J. D. Robb's 'Possession in Death,' in which...

    The stories are all well-written and engaging, but Robb's stands out.

    A great collection for fans of romantic suspense.

Apple Books · 2025-10-18
fantastic 4.00

The reviewer praised the J.D. Robb story as fantastic but found the other stories in the collection lacking in quality.

The Apple Books reviewer was particularly impressed with J.D. Robb's contribution to 'The Other Side,' describing it as fantastic. They felt that Robb's storytelling was of a higher caliber compared to the other stories in the collection. While they enjoyed Robb's usual style and depth, they were disappointed with the other contributions, which they felt did not match the same level of writing. Overall, they recommended the book primarily for Robb's story, which they found to be the highlight of the collection.

Quick quotes

    The J.D. Robb story was, as usual, fantastic.

    The other stories in the book were nowhere near the same caliber of writing.

    More Books Like This.

Everyday I Write the Book Blog · 2023-08-30
honest 4.25

The memoir is praised for its honesty and compelling narrative, capturing the messy and nonlinear nature of recovery. It is a brave and raw account that resonates with readers.

The Everyday I Write the Book Blog highlights the bravery and honesty of 'The Other Side'. The reviewer notes that the memoir is messy and sometimes scattered, much like the process of recovery itself. This nonlinear narrative is compelling and conveys the raw and honest nature of Johnson's journey. The reviewer appreciates the memoir's ability to capture the complexities of healing and the courage it takes to confront and overcome trauma. The memoir is described as a powerful and honest account that resonates deeply with readers, making it a must-read for those interested in personal resilience and the power of storytelling.

Quick quotes

    It's a brave and messy, sometimes scattered, but always honest and compelling.

    Just like recovery, the memoir is not linear, and it conveys very well.

    The memoir is described as a powerful and honest account that resonates deeply with readers.

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