Category Archives: Joan’s Book

Happy Holidays!

What’s in store for Reclaiming Lives in the New Year…?

Hi everyone. I’ve been absent for what seems like eternity but I wanted to share some exciting updates regarding my book. I’ve been diligently working on a third and final edition. There’s plenty yet to be done but much progress is being made. So….what will be included in this latest version?

Banner courtesy of StoryFirst Media in Madison, WI

In 2023, the Beyond Human Nature documentary premiered at the Green Bay Film Festival to a sold out crowd. Many supporters of the project were in attendance including our exoneree, Michael “Pie” Piaskowski. He, of course, had plenty to say about the endless barrage of false claims made throughout the film by the former Brown County DA, John Zakowski and the former detective, Randy Winkler. I dedicated a chapter to highlight Pie’s rebuttals.

(LtoR) Professor Nolan Bennett, Joan Treppa, and Keith Kutska during a visit to UWGB on February 29, 2023.

A chapter about Keith Kutska’s release in August 2023 has also been added.

Now that all of the men are free and have been for some time, I’ve asked each of them to provide insights into how life is going for them now.  You’ll be amazed at what they’re up to!

At the suggestion of an attorney whom I chatted with at a 2023 book fair – and due to a number of readers expressing difficulty with keeping the extensive cast of characters in the book straight – I’ve compiled a listing that will appear in the front of the book to be used as a quick reference that will include those names which cause the most confusion.

Exoneree Amanda Knox and Joan Treppa at the 2024 Great North Innocence Benefit.

Throughout this process amazing connections are being made which could lead to exciting developments that, for now, are too premature and too uncertain to share. Please send your happy vibes for the best outcomes in each of them. I’ve always believed that timing is key in this journey for justice. I believe that it will continue to be so moving forward. We have always been on the side of true justice. AND WE STILL ARE!

Talented ‘beta’ readers have lent their time and have provided valuable feedback that is transforming this version into the best one yet! The book will also have an entirely new look with a fabulous new cover design I cannot wait to share with you! Rest assured, the book’s important story and message will remain the same.

At this time, I’m refraining from giving a timeline for its completion. So stay tuned…

Okay…time to get back to work. My list of tasks continues to grow. But so does my enthusiasm for this blockbuster edition!

As always, thank you for your amazing support.

During this busy time, make sure to take time for YOU.

From our hearth to yours, have a wonderful holiday season! I’ll see you next year!

Joan

Unrelenting Journey of Hope…

October 2nd; International Wrongful Conviction Day.

A fitting day to acknowledge the importance of my mission on behalf of six innocent men; Michael Piaskowski, Keith Kutska, Reynold Moore, Michael Hirn, Dale Basten, and Michael Johnson.

As the menacing COVID variants have impacted my ability to fully promote this edition, my stance as an unrelenting advocate has not been thwarted!

Encouraging sales have taken place. Amazing feedback has been forthcoming. But I’m not one who embraces inactivity for very long. Like the virus this journey of hope, lending a voice to the silenced, and rousing real change, knows no boundaries. Time is of the essence!

I’ve been gifted with the following opportunities by gracious associates who strongly support this mission of justice:

In-person interview as part of the “Speaking of Authors” series in Edina, MN.

Over-the-phone interview via Kirk House Publishers:

Participation in the Rosemount Country Faire in Rosemount, MN.

Mike and I at Rosemount County Faire on Sept. 25, 2021. Photo courtesy of Ann Aubitz

On October 28, 2021, for the second year in a row, I will speak virtually with Sociology students at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN.

Thanks to dear friends, Lynn Moller and Nina Bingham, for wonderful second edition (5 star) reviews recently posted on Amazon:

A Passion to Correct an Injustice

“What can I do? That’s a question we often ask when confronted with unfair situations; however, we may feel powerless or unqualified to take action. Joan Treppa, horrified at the circumstances of the Monfils case, sprang into action. She had no legal experience, but felt compelled to do what she could. And what a difference her involvement has made in this case, as well as calling attention to the travesty of wrongful convictions. This book is easy to read and Joan’s story is relatable and inspiring. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of drama, frustration, sadness, highs and lows, and hope, infused with bits of humor along the way. It is refreshing to hear a voice from an average person advocating for awareness and change of our not-so-perfect criminal justice system.” – Lynn Moller

Joan Treppa is the Erin Brockovich of the Criminal Justice System

“I first met Joan Treppa on my Facebook page. I asked her some questions about this criminal case she’d been raising awareness of. She was working at the time as an advocate on behalf of a non-profit that represented the wrongly imprisoned. I’d never taken an interest in this subject before I met Joan, but she was so passionate about it that I wanted to learn more. As she told me her story, how she began a one-woman crusade to fight wrongful imprisonments, I assumed she must have a loved one incarcerated. I was surprised to find that she didn’t. But she is such a compassionate person that she has dedicated her life to finding justice for prisoners who wouldn’t have a voice without her. I invited her on my radio show as a guest so she could tell her story. I called her the Erin Brockovich of the criminal justice system; the Joan of Arc of prisoners (her name is Joan, after all). I was so pleased to see her book, Reclaiming Lives, had found a publisher and an audience, and winning awards. It is truly inspiring to see a person so committed to lifting others out of darkness! She challenges us all to be our best through her advocacy work, and her writing. 5 stars!” – Devi Nina Bingham

I continue to connect with individuals/venues to further the goal of freeing all six men whose innocence is irrefutable.

Copies can be ordered through my website via Paypal

Through my publisher

These and other local booksellers can special order copies of my book:

(Minneapolis) Once Upon A Crime

(Stillwater)  Valley Bookseller

On Amazon

Take care. Stay safe. And thanks for your past support!