"LETTING PEOPLE DOWN" Memories of a Cemetery Worker: And ghost written by all those I have buried, 1989-2017

by Don Alesi

Did you ever wonder what working at a grave yard would be like? It’s not what you think. Don does not wear a top coat and tails. Nor does he work at midnight (the graveyard shift.) In his illuminating memoir, “Letting People Down”: Memories of a Cemetery Worker , Don shares stories about life with dead people. Jumpers, cave-ins, voodoo—he’s seen it all. He also shares some cemetery history and clears up many misconceptions surrounding his profession—one that many consider somewhat ghoulish. Here are just a few of the questions explored in this Although Don’s great sense of humor shines through in these factual anecdotes, he also has a serious side. He’s learned a lot about death and grief during his long career, and his words are genuinely comforting. Through it all, Don has discovered that humor is a great coping mechanism. Whether you’re genuinely curious about cemetery work or are just looking for a fascinating read, you’ll find this book “to die for”!

254 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 2017

Reviews

[Marie Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing collection of stories from a cemetery worker. Some parts of the book are pretty cringe-worthy but the author mostly keeps the [otherwise difficult] topic light with funny and interesting stories.

[Ann Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letting People Down, now if that title doesn't make you curious! Have you ever felt like you weren't reading a book, but having a conversation with someone. Don Alesi has a way of making you feel like you are no longer reading but sitting with him hearing his story. What a story too! Had me laughing throughout the book, even though a sensitive subject. I still want to know what happened to the skunk and how he got out... In his last chapter Don expressed his concerns about writing this book and offending people with his humor. I was not offended Don. If anything I have learned, laughed and cried. Thank you for sharing your story with us!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can hear Don speaking through his writing. He takes you on an interesting journey through his life and experiences. He has a great sense of humor while describing the ins and out of this unique career. He is someone that I would want as my guide through one of the more difficult moments in life.

[Alexis Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Especially if you’re local to the cemeteries, being able to envision exactly what areas of the cemeteries he is describing is pretty neat.

I liked Dons sense of humor as well as his commitment to being honest trustworthy and fighting for what he believes is right.

[Chele Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you thought you'd never laugh reading a book about death rituals, think again. Don had me in stitches--sorry, bad pun--at on point in every chapter. As a military veteran and cemetery manager, Alesi gives us a first-hand account of everything we've ever wondered about graveyards and some things we never thought to ask.
His casual and friendly manner gives an anecdotal tour of his cemetery, which is handled with the utmost respect and he throws in some surprising humor and tips along the way, too.
For instance, if you ever bury a body in the mausoleum in winter and the crypt won't seal properly, do not forget about it until the heat of summer's aroma bubbles up a reminder. Otherwise, it'll be your lunch and nose running away like zombies!
The author reveals a few haunted secrets and his fascinating explanations of origins make sense out of superstitions, giving me a few "A-ha" moments. Some chapters deal with somber losses and situations, especially with difficult customers (believe it or not, his clientele is really the living!) but Alesi handles each one with grace, both personally and in writing.
I highly recommend this book to the curious. It's a very good way to dig through a touchy subject, and a world we have to visit one way or another.