The Austin Woman staff hits the books and shares our favorite current reads.
Niki Jones, creative director
Book she’s reading: The Girl with Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story by Hyeonseo Leo
Why she loves it: “This fast-paced memoir about the journey of one young woman’s escape from North Korea is a quick read that gives an inside view of what it’s really like to live under a secretive dictatorship.”
Chantal Rice, managing editor
Book she’s reading: Noir: A Novel by Christopher Moore
Why she loves it: “Christopher Moore is one of my favorite authors because he doesn’t shy away from creating fantastically absurd characters and really strange yet hysterical plots. Plus, he’s a master of satire, my chosen genre. With its charming weirdness and kitschy quirks, Noir, a throwback to 1940s detective novels, is a dazzling read.”
Lauren Jones, senior editor
Book she’s reading: The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
Why she loves it: “I studied psychology in college and thus have really enjoyed this book so far. Ann Rule’s ability to create an image for the reader is superb. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in true crime.”
Ashley Goolsby, chief financial officer
Book she’s reading: The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker
Why she loves it: “The way we gather matters and creating inviting, memorable meetings and social events seems so needed in today’s world. I love Priya’s idea and methods and attention to making it easy for me, the reader, to understand.”
Christine Moore, account executive
Book she’s reading: Solutionaries: You Are the Answer by Linda Lattimore
Why she loves it: “Solutionaries offers a step-by-step process to help you identify the values and skills you bring to the world based on your own experiences and how they align with the causes that need you the most.”
Lindsey Granberry, account executive
Book she’s reading: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Why she loves it: “It’s a helpful reminder to think positive and always trust in the universe.”
Courtney Runn, assistant editor
Book she’s reading: Am I There Yet? The Loop-de-loop Zigzagging Journey to Adulthood by Mari Andrew
Why she loves it: “As a longtime fan of Mari Andrew’s illustrations on Instagram, I preordered this book as soon as it was available on Amazon and immediately fell in love. From finding a home in the world to navigating love and heartbreak to traveling solo to the importance of a really good haircut, she leaves nothing out in her guide to life and will make you laugh, cry, nod your head in solidarity and text your friends pictures of all the pages.”
Madilyn Biscoe, marketing and events manager
Book she’s reading: The Body Book: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength, and Other Ways to Love Your Amazing Body by Cameron Diaz
Why she loves it: “I’m loving this book so far! It’s about changing the way we think about food and really thinking about what it’s doing for our bodies. Cameron worked with experts to really break down the processes and explain them so simply that it takes the intimidation factor away. She also talks a lot about treating our bodies with respect and loving them for the cool machines they are.”
Monika Kelley, account executive
Book she’s reading: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
Why she loves it: “The story in this book is so relevant today. It makes your heart grow and it also breaks your heart. It’s beautifully written, the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve read it.”