Janette DeFelice
DIVE INTO
IDEAS
Welcome to the captivating world of author/educator Janette DeFelice, where ideas ignite curiosity, science dances with imagination, and stories uncover the profound connections between humans and the natural world.
BOOKS
Delia Rising: A Ballet in Three Acts is a captivating novels that transport you to the world of Victoria Leary and her 17-year old daughter Delia. This book is guaranteed to evoke deep emotions and leave a lasting impact.
Praise for Delia Rising:
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"You might think this is a story you've read before.... But this beautiful and emotionally layered first novel by Janette DeFelice is a powerful story that turns on the lives and painful choices made by Victoria, the mother of an extraordinary ballet dancer, and Delia, the daughter."
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"This first book effort is beautifully written. For anyone who has ever been part of the dance world, the studios in NYC will resonate with every pique turn on the Marley floor. But more importantly, you will follow a mother engaged in an enmeshed relationship with her daughter as she tries to relive her broken dreams vicariously through her. In the process, dealing with the past dysfunction of her own childhood, Victoria makes her life solely focused on her talented daughter Delia, trying to create the life and love she never had. As the two evolve in their separation from each other, they must both face a tragic reality, together. Well done!"
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"This book was an unexpected journey. I was expecting the drama between a former dancer and her talented daughter. I wasn't expecting all of the heart-wrenching drama on top of that. It is a beautifully written story of a coming of age and both mother and daughter breaking free but it's not a happily ever after."
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"This is the story of Victoria and her daughter Delia. To quote Victoria, it's about people being 'stuck in one situation, but longing for another."'
I didn't feel the story was about a dance mom, a backstage mom, or a daughter being forced to pursue a career in dance. It was more. Like so many parents, Victoria has spent the last 17 years of her life focusing on Delia and lost sight of herself...
The story touches on quite a few different issues...."
This collection of essays was written between 2016 (beginning the day after Donald Trump’s inauguration as 45th president of the United States) and 2019. They cover topics relevant to the new political movement emerging during that time, including: why conservatives think the way they do, teaching kids about politics, the construct of gender, student loan debt, sexism, gun violence, and the environment.
Praise for This is What Democracy Looks Like:
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"Her passion comes through big time and I suspect that this socially active writer could be a progressive Peggy Noonan with serious power to move people with her work. She cares and her words move people. Grab it."
ABOUT
Janette DeFelice, MD, MPH, MA, is an author and accomplished medical educator with a passion for translating complex medical and scientific concepts into accessible, engaging narratives. With advanced degrees in medicine, public health, and the humanities, Janette combines her expertise to create impactful content on topics ranging from environmental health to maternal and neonatal care. An experienced educator and published writer, she brings a unique perspective that bridges clinical knowledge, research, and storytelling.
