HILLSDALE—Rosemarie D’Alessandro launches her new book, “The Message of Light Amid Letters of Darkness,” on Thursday, Sept. 7 (Joan’s birthday) at 6 p.m. in the backyard of her home, 45 Florence St. There will be live music, finger sandwiches, and a table of welcoming refreshments.
Rosemarie will talk about highlights from the book and field questions. The full-color book is 8.5 x 11 inches and has 836 pages and there 43 color pictures in it. It includes copies of 332 letters written by Joan’s killer to a pen pal over a 34-year period.
Rosemarie tells Pascack Press she summarizes and comments on each letter and parallels what is going on in her life to most of the letters.
There is an index of 65 significant letters before the prologue to guide the reader to sections of the book that cover important parts of Rosemarie’s life and her thoughts on topics such as grief and what it was it was like facing the killer.
“The story is part true crime because it reveals the mind of Joan’s killer and what evil is really about,” says Rosemarie, founder of the Joan Angela
D’Alessandro foundation, a.k.a. Joan’s Joy, which works for tougher sentencing for certain offenders and provides training, mentorship, aid, and outings for the most vulnerable.
The book, she says, also is a memoir. She describes her experiences after Joan’s death and her journey to become an advocate, changing laws and helping children and victims.
The book will be available to buy at discounted price of and $48.95 for the softcover version (retails on Amazon for $78.95). The hardcover should be available to buy that night, at the discounted price of $57.95 (retails on Amazon for $87.95).
All proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit Joan’s Joy.
Included with each book will be a bookmark with a note signed by Rosemarie. If time permits, Rosemarie will sign books at the event; if not, she says, purchasers can leave their book with her and she will sign it on a later date and arrange for pickup or drop off. More info on the book is available at JoansJoy.org.
Rosemarie says, “This book starts with a tragedy but it’s a true story that ends with a radiant light and hope. Throughout its pages there is intrigue, surprise and inspiration. Everyone who reads it will be able to get something that they can use to help them in their own life.”
Child Safety Event Sept. 30
Save the date for a child safety event on Saturday, Sept. 30 to mark 30 years of Joan’s Joy child safety movement
The 9th Annual Joan’s Joy Child Safety Fest runs 1–5 p.m. at the White Butterfly Sculpture and Garden in front of the Hillsdale Train Station.
Rosemarie says there will be face painting and balloon twisting as well as a professional group, butterfly release, self-defense demo, a singer from “American Idol,” and much more.
Raffle prizes will include many major label gift cards and there will be a silent auction and tricky tray at the Joan’s Joy fundraiser.
The foundation seeks sponsors for this free event. Write rosebd@email.com if you can help.