A TURQUOISE LIFE Tells Diann Kissell's Story Over Trauma

WESTMINISTER, Colo.

The murders made headlines around the nation, with one-inch letters splashed across the front pages of both major Colorado newspapers, this new memoir notes. The Rocky Mountain News headline read "DENVER MAN ADMITS KILLING WIFE, CHILDREN." Facing the imminent exposure of an eight-year incestuous relationship with his 13-year-old daughter Diann, Luis murders his pregnant wife and three of his 10 children. Her father's crimes provide the backdrop for Diann's story. It chronicles a journey from traumatized little girl to strong, whole, independent woman and offers hope to all victims of abuse.

In "A Turquoise Life: One Woman's Triumphant Journey," author Kathy Bird gives voice to Diann's story. As a young child, Diann leads a double life. On the surface she's a happy, well-behaved, Catholic who honors her father. In her hidden life with Dad she views herself as a weak, bad, mortal sinner. Silence is safety until she can't stand it anymore. When she talks, it costs her mom and three of her siblings their lives. She believes the murders are her fault; she talked, and they died.

Her father's abuse affects every part of her life; her good side fakes being perfect while her bad side, heavy with shame and self-loathing, makes destructive decisions. She's promiscuous and marries an abusive man. The one bright spot in her life are her four children. Determined her children won't suffer because of her past she seeks help and a new way of living.

She embarks on a healing journey of therapy, redefinition of her spiritual beliefs, self-help books, and workshops on anger and forgiveness. After being a featured guest on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" (Sept, 2, 1987), Diann realizes talking about abuse can help her as well as other victims. By speaking out, she begins to break her father's legacy of shame and give meaning to her life. Diann's memoir is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. By telling this color- rich story she honors her healing.

In addition to much advance praise from professionals and authors alike, "A Turquoise Life" has received only five-star reviews to date on the Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites.

Diann Kissell lives a full, happy, peaceful life: a turquoise life, to be precise. Her large extended family brings her constant joy. She continues to tell her story in both public and private venues. In addition to being active in many charities, Diann cooks, gardens, sews, and of course reads. She lives with her husband Fred in Westminster, Colo.

Kathy Bird is a psychotherapist specializing in trauma. She has a private practice in Lakewood, Colo. She is honored Diann entrusted her to share in her incredible journey by asking her to write "A Turquoise Life." Because of Diann, Kathy has begun a new chapter in her life. She lives with her husband Steve in the foothills west of Denver.

For additional information, please visit http://www.aturquoiselife.com

A Turquoise Life: One Woman's Triumphant Journey
Diann Kissell with Kathy Bird
Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4575-2902-3 336 pages $18.95 US

Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine bookstores everywhere.