Author Event: Janine Kovac "The Nutcracker Chronicles" Book Launch

Launch Party: The Nutcracker Chronicles by Janine Kovac

We are thrilled to host the launch of Janine Kovac's latest book, The Nutcracker Chronicles. Perfect for those interested in the challenges of balancing career and family, this memoir offers a captivating look at the life of a ballet dancer–turned–literary curator.

About the Book:

The Nutcracker Chronicles presents a modern twist on the beloved holiday ballet, weaving together the enchanting story of Clara and her nutcracker prince with the true-life tales unfolding backstage. The memoir begins with young Janine Kovac cast as Fritz in Ballet El Paso’s production of The Nutcracker, under the stern direction of Ingeborg Heuser, a German dancer who once performed for Hitler. As Janine’s journey progresses—from El Paso to San Francisco Ballet, and eventually to Iceland—she transitions from soldier to soloist, from dancer to wife, mother, and literary curator. Her story is one of finding new joy and purpose as the spotlight dims on her ballet career and brightens on the roles she steps into next.

What to Expect:

• Author Reading: Janine will share selected passages from The Nutcracker Chronicles, giving attendees a glimpse into her evocative storytelling.
• Book Signing: After the reading, pre-order your copy of The Nutcracker Chronicles and get a special chance for it to be signed and customized by Janine Kovac.
• Q&A Session: Engage in a lively discussion with the author about her journey, her writing process, and go deeper into the stories behind the book.

About the Author:

Janine Kovac enjoyed a twelve-year career as a professional ballet dancer in Iceland, Italy, San Francisco, and her hometown of El Paso, Texas. Outside of the ballet world, her distinctions include UC Berkeley’s Glushko Award for Distinguished Research in Cognitive Science, an Elizabeth George Foundation Fellowship from Hedgebrook, and the Calderwood Fellowship for Journalism from MacDowell. Janine is the author of Brain Changer: A Mother’s Guide to Cognitive Science and Spinning: Choreography for Coming Home, which received a National Indie Excellence Award. In addition to dancing in The Nutcracker, she’s rehearsed The Nutcracker, choreographed sections of The Nutcracker, and, most of all, sat through The Nutcracker. Janine lives with her family in Oakland, California.

Host or Publisher SAGRADA