Diane DiProspero-Cook of Parma recently released her memoir, It Was Always You and Me. The book chronicles her life growing up in small town Upstate New York, in a close-knit Italian family, in which her mother, Anna, suffered with depression and prescription drug addiction that occured after the stillbirth of her only biological daughter, Angela, in 1952.
Diane was adopted by Joseph and Anna in 1962. The book not only discusses her life, but also her beloved father’s life, narrating his experiences as a boy, orphaned and struggling to survive and escape poverty, and build a successful life and family.
For those who grew up between the 1960s and 1980s, the era of “secrecy” and “what goes on in this house stays in this house” mentality that was prevalent will be familiar. Diane and her Dad formed an unbreakable bond, where she was taught the meaning of perseverance, loyalty, and love.
In 2016, in a shocking twist of fate, Diane was reunited with first one, then several, biological siblings. Their existence was a surprise, but how their worlds collided was even more shocking. Featured on Channel 13 news with Ginny Ryan, the story progressed to national outlets, Good Morning America and World News Tonight with David Muir, among others, and was featured in magazines in England and Germany.
The book is uplifting to survivors of parental substance abuse, a retro look back into the “Wonder Years” era, and offers insights into adoption and the meaning of family. It Was Always You and Me is told with humor and honesty that will make the reader laugh and cry. It offers a hopeful message that everyone can survive and overcome whatever life throws at them.
Diane DiProspero-Cook will hold a book signing at Barnes and Noble, 3349 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, on Friday, December 10, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. She will also host a book signing at Leaf and Bean Coffee Shop, 3240 Chili Avenue, #21, Rochester, on Saturday, December 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. A future signing at Lift Bridge Book Shop, 45 Main Street, Brockport, will soon be announced.
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