Mary Jo Buttafuoco’s anonymous life as a suburban wife and mother in sleepy Massapequa, Long Island ended in May 1992, when she was shot in the head on her own front porch. The “Long Island Lolita” saga sparked a media frenzy that has not died to this day. As the years passed and Mary Jo steadfastly stood by her man while the name Buttafuoco became a national punchline and Joey and Amy continued to make headlines, one question lingered in the minds of women everywhere: Why did she stay for so long?
In GETTING IT THROUGH MY THICK SKULL Mary Jo answers that question fully and convincingly, in light of a recent revelation. The answer is simple, yet it took almost three decades of turmoil to lead Mary Jo to one inescapable conclusion: she was married to a sociopath. And while Mary Jo’s face and story are known all over the world, she’s just one of countless women who have become similarly enmeshed with a partner who wreaks utter havoc on the lives around them.
It is estimated that as much as 4% of the population could be clinically defined as sociopaths, meaning that there are countless American women (and men!) caught up in these destructive relationships. Most have no idea that they are living with a sociopath. Mary Jo has studied the topic extensively, consulted with doctors and therapists, and listened to many all-too-familiar stories from others who are struggling with the insanity of trying to maintain an intimate partnership with a sociopath.
Clinical definitions of sociopathy vary, and there is a wide range in the scale of behaviors. Millions of spouses, family members and friends have been manipulated by a sociopath to the point that they eventually become willing victims. It’s a truly alarming and widespread pattern of behavior that needs to be more widely understood, and who better to be the voice than Mary Jo Buttafuoco, who lived it, learned from it, and came out the other side a stronger, wiser and happier woman?
In GETTING IT THROUGH MY THICK SKULL Mary Jo uses her own experiences and shares those of the many others she’s met on her journey to help readers determine if they are indeed involved with a sociopath; and if so, what type (the batterer, the cold and remote robot, the charmer, the hit-and-run sociopath, or one of many other “types” along the spectrum). Complete with valuable reflections and exercises, GETTING IT THROUGH MY THICK SKULL illuminates the reasons women stay in such relationships; explains why the spell of a sociopath is so hard to break, and points out the
many warning signs along the way for those who feel trapped in a relationship they can’t fix no matter how hard they try.
MARKETING AND PROMOTION
 •Mary Jo Buttafuoco has extensive experience and contacts with the media. In the sixteen years following her introduction to the world -- as an 89-pound gravely injured woman with a bullet in her head, resolutely defending her husband -- she has become a savvy and polished media presence. She has appeared on every top-tier television show, including Larry King Live, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, Fox News, American Justice, Jim Cramer’s Mad Money, and the Chelsea Handler Show.
•Most recently Mary Jo’s reconstructive makeover under the care of renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Azizadeh was a two-part Oprah Winfrey Show featured during sweeps in November 2005 and May 2006. Her “healing session” with Joey and Amy on Entertainment Tonight was a huge hit during sweeps week in May 2006. A reliable ratings-grabber, Mary Jo will be a welcome return guest on many shows given the new angle of her book.
•The media has already jumped on this new angle. When Mary Jo offhandedly told a reporter that she’d come to realize Joe was a sociopath, the New York Post printed an entire column about it. Visibly stung, Joey fanned the flames by calling Mary Jo “the meanest person on the planet” on a February Maury Povich show appearance. Far from being cruel or badmouthing her former husband, Mary Jo is merely stating her belief, which is backed up by plenty of experience and research on her part. This new angle will entice newspapers and television shows worldwide.
•Numerous therapists and psychological experts have monitored every aspect of the Buttafuoco marriage and dissected Mary Jo’s behavior and motivation for years. She will approach a prominent psychiatrist or therapist to write her Foreword, as commentary by an authority well-versed in dealing with sociopaths will boost the book’s credibility. Best-selling author Dr. Keith Ablow has already expressed interest.
•Mary Jo is planning to remarry later this year; there will be plenty of media attention surrounding her wedding, which she will use to promote her upcoming book.
•Mary Jo has a long, friendly history with Howard Stern, who has always championed her. He will promote her book to his legions of fans on Sirius Radio and HowardTV.
•The Buttafuoco case is famous worldwide; interest in foreign rights will be strong for this title, as well as first serial rights to a women’s magazine.
•The antics of Amy Fisher and Joe Buttafuoco will never stop… both are currently promoting their sex tapes with their respective spouses. Any mention of either will only help sales of Mary Jo’s book; she is the respectable, relatable mother in this triangle.
•Mary Jo will promote her book on her official website; please see
www.MaryJoButtafuoco.com for the latest news.
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