Kristina Kuzmic, Hamilton-Wenham Grad, Starts First Book Tour

HAMILTON-WENHAM, MA — If the name Kristina Kuzmic rings a bell, it might be from the countless Facebook and YouTube videos shared by thousands that highlight the funnier side of being a parent. She's also a former Hamilton-Wenham High School graduate and she's starting her first book tour in Massachusetts.

Kuzmic moved to Hamilton as a teenager fleeing war in her home country Croatia. Now, her first book, “Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still” is set to be published by Viking Penguin on Feb. 11 with the national tour starting in Boston. Kuzmic has 2.8 million Facebook followers and over 1 billion video views for her vlog geared towards helping struggling parents find hope and humor in their daily lives.

“Massachusetts has such a special place in my heart,” Kristina said. “It’s my first home in the US, it’s the place that made me fall in love with this country, it’s where my first two children were born. I’m excited to begin my book tour in the city that’s so full of meaningful beginnings in my life.”

Kuzmic writes in her book about leaving war torn Croatia, immigrating to Massachusetts and the culture shock she experienced. At the age of 14, she entered Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School.

“I learned English from watching episodes of Saved by the Bell and Beverly Hills 90210,” she said.

She found herself in the theatre department where she worked to diminish her Croatian accent and embrace the American culture around her. Her book delves into Kuzmic's life and struggles while living in Los Angeles and how she pulled herself out of what she calls her lowest points.

Now, with her book, she is telling her full story, and going into depth about the topics she has only been able to touch on her videos. When speaking about writing the book, Kuzmic said, “I knew I needed to be transparent and vulnerable in my writing, because I want this book to be the life vest for anyone who feels like they are drowning, the way I so often felt.”

Publishers Weekly writes, “Moving and hilarious…Kuzmic’s tenacious and refreshingly candid memoir will appeal to any reader.”

Kristina’s kicks off her book tour in Boston at the Wilbur Theatre in partnership with Brookline Booksmith at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. The ticket to the event includes the book, which Kuzmic will sign, and a chance to meet her in person.