Destination Moon: A memoir of fast cars, French pastries and finding purpose

by Kate Reid

Destination Moon is an open-hearted memoir about passion and finding purpose from the woman whose mid-career one-eighty led her from Formula 1 to opening the world-famous Lune Croissanterie.

At thirteen, Kate Reid already knew exactly where she was a career in Formula 1, a life lived at full throttle. Like a master cartographer she had drawn the map of her future – all she had to do was follow the course she’d charted.

But after earning a degree in aerospace engineering and taking up a coveted position at one of the top F1 teams in the UK, Kate discovered that the reality didn’t exactly live up to the dream. The pursuit of perfection that had once made her reach for the moon now sent her spiralling into a life-threatening battle against depression and anorexia.

From the grey skies of England and Monaco’s glittering, million-dollar harbour, to Melbourne’s trendy café scene and the spellbinding counters of Parisian patisseries, Kate searched for something that would bring meaning and passion back into her a destination worth driving towards at full speed.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, Australia, Memoir

Audible Audio

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Rebecca Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a refreshingly honest and engaging insight into Kate Reid's life. From F1 dreams to devastation and a rebirthing as a pastry chef (extraordinaire!), I was completely invested in this story from beginning to end.

We travel the globe, we go to Grand Prixes, we fall in love and suffer heartbreak. But ultimately, what we learn through Destination Moon is that all goals are worth fighting for - it's just that some don't turn out exactly the way we had thought.

Great read.

[bre · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
Unflinchingly honest, raw and utterly inspiring. Kate Reid, the woman that you are.

[Keisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastries, F1, and Melbourne is my whole personality so this book was a super easy 5 stars. Love your work Kate.

[Joanna Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute game changer of a book. Spoke to me. Will pay $8 for her croissants ANY DAY.

[Bethany Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened as an audiobook, which was great. Found Kate really inspiring and it is such a diverse story. Her parents sound like angels! Given it was non-fiction, sometimes I loose interest but this kept me listening the whole time.

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story told in such a down to earth way. Loved reading about the behind the scenes of working as an engineer in F1 and also the history of the cafe scene in Melbourne. Definitely keen to go back to Lune for a croissant!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best story I’ve ever read. I’m not sure if I’m in a particularly susceptible mood, or if the story uniquely speaks to me, but I can’t understand how this book hasn’t completely taken off, alike the Lune pastry product (of which I feel a compulsive need for). Living out of the city, I first came across Lune when looking for a good pastry in Melbourne, 2024. Google told me that Lune was the place to go, so I planned my day and arrived around 9:30, thinking I’d have time to get a pastry, return to my hotel and check out before 10. I was met with a line which I didn’t expect, so I had to change the plans. The pastry was good, but I felt more connected to the local pastries I could get without a 4 hour drive. I then heard Kate do some interviews, thought her story was fascinating and thought I should read her book. Well, I’ve finally got around to it and did not expect to feel so educated, heard, moved and understood, by the story written by someone who clearly felt so misunderstood. Thank you Kate for sharing your story, your passion and pastries, and for recognizing that having a product that’s hard to get is upsetting; I’ve since returned to Lune a few times more since it’s expanded and not had to que for 30+ minutes and the pastry is far more satisfying this way. Next time I’m at lune, understanding the sacrifices you’ve made, the passion you bring and that Lune is not just ‘some big chain’, I’ll devour the taste even more.

[Sus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favourite read of the year. Kate's memoir of her journey so far is well written and authentic. The length is enough to be meaty but not too drawn out.

It felt personally relatable on many levels which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. From chasing her dream job in F1 then finding it doesn't quite measure up, to mental health struggles, a daily narrative revolving around food resulting in anorexia, & then a burgeoning love of pastries - I saw myself in a lot of Kate's experiences (obviously with a very different set of circumstances and outcomes).

I'm really glad I was introduced to Kate and her crossainterie Lune by one of my fave YouTube chefs Andy Cooks, which is what led me to read this. Inspiring and recommended. Definitely want to check out Lune if I ever visit Melbourne.

[Ella Stoddart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It’s such an honest and engaging look into Kate Reid’s life, and I was completely drawn in from the start. Following her journey from F1 dreams, through heartbreak and loss, to finding new purpose as a pastry chef was both inspiring and moving.

The book follows her experiences across different countries and stages of her life, offering insight into how her goals evolved over time. It’s a thoughtful account of ambition, change, and finding a new direction when plans don’t work out as expected.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked reading this, it felt like a sprint the whole way as Kate is someone who has intense passions and dives right in. Gotta admire that drive and determination. From her goal of working in F1 to Lune, and everything in between, she does everything at 100%. She speaks honestly and her sections about anorexia and her lifelong management of it are raw. I have a newfound respect for the simple pastry that is her signature croissant.

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this one and it was fabulous! Whilst made me a little hungry hearing about pastries and uncomfortable with the depths and depressions of anorexia I was so grateful for Kate sharing her insights into this illness. Also for sharing her story! As someone with many passions it really made me think of transferable skills and how it is not to late to achieve a dream!

[Satria · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I have no interest in F1 and baking is not my forte despite loving croissants but reading how these two intersect and shaped Kate’s journey was vey satisfying.


This book has a unique take on identity and how ones identity can evolve in the face of adversity.

If you love croissants, you definitely should read this and if you fancy a read on identity, adversity and perfectionism, you absolutely should definitely read this.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first came across Kate's story from an Imperfects episode, and have been enamored since. Kate has inspired various bits of my life, including my ongoing love of F1 and obsession for a good Pain au Chocolat. She's has a phenomenal story to tell, and doesn't shy away from the darknessin her life. I will consume (see read or eat) anything she creates.
ps we love women in STEM 👏🏻👏🏻

[Caitlin Holdcroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir. Kate has lived such an interesting life and she is the perfect ‘regular’ person to write a memoir! I found Kate’s hard work and studiousness inspiring, as well as her bravery to live overseas for her passion, and to start a business from scratch. I also loved how close and supportive her family was.

I never thought I’d enjoy a book about F1 but here we are! I came for the pastries (big Lune fan) and stayed for the adventure.

TW: heavy chats about ED

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d listened to podcasts where Kate was interviewed so I felt like a had a good idea of her story going into this, but I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of detail she put into this book. A really cool life story!

[Sammy Dalusag · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and inspiring read. As an engineer myself, I related to Kate’s experiences, especially during her time in F1. This book also served as a valuable reminder to keep an eye on my own thought patterns and work-life balance.

[Juliet Sharpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Kate Reid is so inspiring - loved hearing her on The Imperfects and this delivered even more! Think I need to get my hands on a fresh straight out of the oven Lune croissant or get to Paris ASAP!

[Imogen · Rating 4 out of 5]

fkn love those lune croissants. proof that you can completely change the direction of your life one day and things can still work out !!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this play about me?

[Alex Banjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book- so thoughtfully written with care. Loved the consistency of the themes throughout - I felt like it was a conversation with Kate through the words on the pages.

[clare moggach · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was great actually. refreshingly honest and authentic. highly recommend the audiobook

[Bettina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down.
I discovered Lune Croissants back in 2019 and I’ve loved them ever since. I’ve tried many croissant around Melbourne, but nothing compares to Lune.

This book was just so honest and open. Kate told her story well. The way she spoke about her anorexia was so raw and real.

⭐️I give this book 5 stars ⭐️

[Chelsea Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found Kate’s story fascinating and inspiring. So much resilience!
Also a lover of Lune in Sydney - thank you for bringing the buttery goodness here!

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I didn’t love Kate Reid before, my, am I in awe of her now! What a phenomenal story about a phenomenal woman and the product of perseverance, community and purpose. Makes for a wonderful read especially living in Melbourne and being surrounded these little pockets of hospitality goodness that Kate recommends.

[SophieRose Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea who Kate Reid was before I started this book. I began reading it based on the recommendation of Zoe Forster Blake. Kate! What a story! Was totally intrigued from start to finish. I’m sorry to hear of your struggles, however I hope you lap up the praises of your success. You deserve them! I can’t wait to try my first Lune croissant! 🥐

[Holly D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be easy to read and it was a nice to delve a little bit deeper in the experiences the author had. Would recommend.

[Jess Jowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read! Warning - makes you hungry 😆

[UnrealAir · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m pro an easy read but one does have to wonder about the cognition and capacity of the average Australian reader sometimes. This felt like it was written for children, not adults

That being said the broad’s tenacity and story managed to make me, the guy who borrowed this out from the library for a hate read, respect her.

As a treat we’re gonna pop down to the Fitzroy joint to reconfirm just how mid the croissants are. Every time I’ve been there they’ve been room temperature and stiff lmao you go queen.

[Vipul · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Fast Cars to Flaky Pastry…
Kate Reid's Destination Moon is a high-octane, fast-paced memoir about finding your true purpose. Reid takes readers on her remarkable, mid-career one-eighty, moving from her high-pressure role as an aerodynamicist in Formula 1 to becoming the founder of the globally celebrated Lune Croissanterie.
For me, the F1 references were a total blast—as someone who has followed the sport for over 25 years, her insights into that world were fascinating! And as a Melbourne resident and Lune fan since 2020, reading the origin story of those amazing, lip-smacking flavour bombs was pure joy.
The book is incredibly honest, detailing her struggles with depression and anorexia after the F1 dream ended. It's an inspiring story of resilience and redemption, showing how she channeled her engineering precision into baking. If you need a quick, authentic, and deeply motivational read with great F1 and foodie insights, grab this book. Highly recommended!

[Yvette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destination Moon is an enthralling and deeply inspiring read. Kate Reid tells her story with humility, honesty, and a generosity that allows you to truly hear her voice through every stage of her life, from the astonishing highs to the profoundly difficult moments. She writes with kindness both to herself and to the reader, which makes the book feel intimate and grounding rather than performative.

There is a special layer of appreciation for all foodie Melburnians. The book is a journey through the cafés and restaurants that have shaped our city’s food culture, past and present, and a reminder of how fortunate we are to have Lune, and Kate, as part of Melbourne’s culinary fabric. I am giving this five stars. Others might rate it lower, but read through a Melbourne lens, it pulled at deep and nostalgic heart strings that will always make this book truly memorable for me.