Reading by Valerie Dimino

In The Man Behind the Curtain: A Memoir (Possibilities Press, 2022), Jessica Renee with co-author Valerie Dimino tells her story of rape and sexual assault by her step-father starting at the age of 11. Only when she was 15 and her boyfriend asked the right questions did the truth come to light—a terrible truth that her mother chose not to believe. Backed by a church community, Jessica’s mother and countless other family and friends turned against her, labeling her a sinner even as her rapist was convicted. Jessica’s story is a powerful addition to the Me Too movement and a rallying cry for victims and allies to rise from the ashes of silence. “With a sure and steady hand, Dimino writes so gracefully she almost disappears into the story, allowing Renee’s voice to ring strong and clear. …Renee’s piercingly candid account illustrates how trauma may hurt us, but need not define us. This book will stay with you long after you turn the last page.” –Anne Panning, author of Dragonfly Notes: On Distance and Loss Valerie Dimino is the co-author of the memoir The Man Behind the Curtain. Holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in creative writing from SUNY Brockport, she has 14 years of professional writing, editing, and marketing experience in the fields of higher education, performing arts, and medical informatics. She blogs and shares more of her writing life at valeriedimino.com. Connect with her on Instagram and Twitter at @valeriedimino. This is an in- person event held at Writers & Books, 740 University Ave. Rochester, NY