Books
"The descriptions of [Kovac's] emotional highs and lows of pursuing a passion—such as the thrill of performance, the sting of competition, and how personal relationships coexist—will resonate with anyone who has ever chased a dream."
–Readers’ Favorite, ★★★★★
Janine Kovac was seven years old when she got a fluttery feeling in her chest while watching her first performance of The Nutcracker. From that moment, she knew she wanted to be a ballerina. It wasn’t long before she herself was dancing the part of a snowflake, flower, mouse, soldier, and Fritz, Clara’s brother, who snatches the nutcracker from her and yanks off its head—all in search of the magic she felt only on the stage.
The Nutcracker Chronicles tells the story of Janine’s pursuit of an elusive dream that compels her to endure blistered toes, weekly weigh-ins, second-hand pointe shoes, and constant insults from her directors. Why can’t you just dance like a pretty girl?
Over a 12-year career, Janine dances with ballet companies in San Francisco, Seattle, Germany, Iceland, and Italy, returning home every holiday season to perform The Nutcracker with Ballet El Paso. Despite the challenges of the ballet world, Janine can’t resist the inner glow and effortlessness she feels on stage, under the lights, dancing to Tchaikovsky in the Land of Sweets, ruled by a sugar plum fairy. That’s when she feels seen.
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Advance Praise for The Nutcracker Chronicles
“...an inspiring account of dedication and the transformative power of dance, inviting readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and resilience. Very highly recommended.”
“Smart, vivid, and full of heart, Kovac nails what it feels like to be a little kid with a big dream, then fearlessly leads us to that dream’s realization and—maybe best of all—to what comes after.”
“This book dazzles with vulnerability and vibrates with the unbridled innocence and energy of youthful convictions, reminding us that certain human needs, like love and confidence and simply being seen, are inside jobs, and while the human body has its limits, the search for that single thing that makes our hearts soar is illimitable. This book is a triumph for our times and a tribute to every one of us who knows what it means to feel more than see the beauty around and in us.”
“Filled with vivid, transporting descriptions of dance, from the fabric of sumptuous costumes to the fascinating mechanics of balance, The Nutcracker Chronicles is a true insider’s take on what transpires behind the scenes, on and off stage, and in the hearts and bodies of dancers. Kovac highlights not just the pure beauty of ballet, but the interconnected waves of enthrallment, hard work, setbacks, celebration, and self-possession that shaped her life from childhood lessons to professional fruition and success.”
“A voice as distinctive and moving as they come. Kovac writes from deeply inside the experience and through it all we are privy to what isn’t seen on stage, for she not only knows she tells, ‘exactly what’s happening on the other side of the curtain.’ Janine Kovac has penned a new ballet of prose that will stay with you long after that final curtain call.”
“Janine Kovac’s evocative memoir of her life in dance, punctuated by all the Nutcrackers in her long and circuitous career, takes us on a journey that is both relatable and extraordinary. Her precise memory for poignant detail took me straight back to those early days of our shared Ballet El Paso Nutcrackers! Brava Janine, you so expertly portray all the complicated facets of a life devoted to dance and all the shapes that life can take.”
“Janine Kovac’s vividly written and cleverly structured memoir will give anyone delighted with ‘Nutcracker’ an insider understanding of what it’s like to be a working dancer, as well as deepen their understanding of the Tchaikovsky classic.”
“Janine Kovac’s witty, honest, heartfelt ballet-centric memoir moves with the grace of dance, from little girl enthusiasms, oven-baked toe shoes, petty jealousies, and nasty teachers to the tireless competition of international auditioning, performance and struggling to make a life on stage. For those who love dance, for those who know nothing of dance, this bittersweet book will speak to you about perseverance, friendship, and what is really important.”
FROM MOXIE ROAD PRODUCTIONS
When Janine Kovac gives birth to micro preemie twins nearly four months before they are due, she channels the grace and strength that carried her through a successful ballet career. The human body has amazing healing powers if you just know how to listen to it.
But old habits bring up old haunts and bitter memories—the futile quest for perfection and a career-ending injury. In the sterile, fluorescent world of the NICU, ballet breeds hope as the twins make a miraculous recovery.
Can it also bring resolution to the dancer so many years after the abrupt and painful end to the career she loved so much?
“A tremendous book: a thrilling find for any reader and a tour-de-force for the author.”
Read more about SPINNING here.
cover design by Michelle Argyle of Melissa Williams Design
cover design by Michelle Argyle of Melissa Williams Design
Brain changer: a mother's guide to cognitive science
BRAIN CHANGER is a practical application of self-care, expressing gratitude, managing flow, and cultivating a growth mindset—but with a twist of cutting-edge cognitive science.
This collection of essays by Janine Kovac evolved from guest blog posts written for the site BraveOverPerfect.com. The research and analysis comes from Kovac's thesis "A Linguistic Analysis of Parenting," which received the 2009 Glushko Prize from U.C. Berkeley for Distinguished Research in Cognitive Science.
Cognitive scientist and New York Times bestselling author George Lakoff calls it "inspiring, hard to put down."
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Noelle & Noelle Publishing, 2016
mamas write: 29 tales of truth, wit, and grit
(co-editor and contributing author)
Twenty-four moms (and one dad) share stories from their lives as writers and parents. Essays range from finding one’s calling as a writer through adopting a toddler; a tribute to a dying wife; an account of a premature birth; raising a transgender child; the joys of sharing a favorite childhood book. In a concluding interview, authors share funny and heartfelt responses to questions such as: “How does a busy parent make time for writing?” “Why do you write, and where?” “What writing books inspire you?” and “What holds you back from writing?”
Praise for Mamas Write
These writers dig deep and don’t shy away from tough subjects, but their essays sparkle with humor and energy, too. I love the diversity of voices here, and their wide range of interests. From gauzy preemies in the NICU to a grown son, brooding with piercings and dreadlocks; from dreams of being writers (or mothers, or mermaids) to dreams of just one good nap-it’s all here, and it makes a great read.
Caroline Grant, Editor in Chief of Literary Mama and
Associate Director of the Sustainable Arts Foundation
Bittersweet Press, 2014
MULTIPLIES ILLUMINATED: A COLLECTION OF ESSAYS AND ADVICE FROM PARENTS OF TWINS, TRIPLETS, AND ORE
Multiples Illuminated is a compelling collection of stories from writers and parents of multiples, as well as expert advice that is a must-have for all parents and grandparents of multiples. Having multiples is one of the most wonderful and challenging experiences you will have in your life. Whether you’re expecting multiples, or a few years into the multiples club, you will find stories you love in Multiples Illuminated.
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The book of kid
by Ms. Diamond's Third Grade Class
(editor and publisher)
Janine Kovac didn’t write The Book of Kid, but it is one of her indie publishing projects. It started as a classroom project for the school auction of Chabot Elementary as a book of parenting advice from third graders. The original book was a work that paired art (block prints) with suggestions for grownups. (Spoiler alert: kids want you to put your phone down and pay attention to them.)
The authors of The Book of Kid have generously decided to donate all royalties from book sales to benefit elementary students in Oakland Unified School District.
Bobcat Books, 2016
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violet and ruby
by Chiara Kovac
(editor and publisher)
When Violet and Ruby find a mysterious invitation, their camping trip takes an exciting turn.
Even the tagline was written by six-year-old Chiara Kovac. Read the backstory here.
Here’s what close relatives have to say about Violet and Ruby
Stories for children written by children are the best. Loved the illustrations. I sometimes mixed up Violet and Ruby, but the illustrations always made it clear who was who, with the clever use of v’s and r’s on their dresses. Can’t wait for Volume 2. Full disclosure, I have known the author for six years.
Aunt Rita
