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: Audiobook, Biography

Audible Audio

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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

[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! 🥐

[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!

[Fedel Palmero · Rating 3 out of 5]

✅ I very much was looking forward to reading this book. I’m quite inspired by entrepreneurial pursuit and gaining insight into the author’s journey from F1 to owner a top tier bakery is very interesting. The business (from personally visiting) is outstanding, so leaning into the ‘how’ is what I searched for.

❌ For me, there was not enough focus on the business journey, lessons learnt in business creation or unpacking the technical aspects of F1. I think their would have been more value to deep dive into the design process of “Lune”, technical unpacking of creating a croissant, specific learning in aerospace design etc. Using this book as more of a business guide vs a somewhat self reflective journal.

[Rose Cousins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…. Where to start with Destination Moon.
This memoir is an honest and entertaining insight into the dedication and focus of Kate Reid. I’m not a huge memoir reader, but I began reading this story as a huge fan of Kate, her croissants, and her story. A formula 1 aero dynamicist turned pastry chef, Kate Reid describes the ups and downs of her story in brutal, humble, and hilarious honesty. She discusses the development of Lune, as well as her lived experience of anorexia nervosa.
This book was a really powerful read and I am grateful for her honest insights into her recovery and her lived experience. 10/10 would recommend reading!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't often read memoirs, but this was very enjoyable. It was fascinating to read Reid's roller-coaster of a career, including the varying little gigs here and there that don't get included in the usual aerospace engineer to croissant queen narrative. The dive into the years where her anorexia was at its heights was tough but interesting - her acknowledgement that she still struggles with it a sad but honest admission. I also had no idea of the origins of the cruffin, and that they started with Lune.

The final third honestly made me ridiculously hungry, and resulted in a Lune visit - for one of those bloody almond croissants. Sorry, Kate!

[Madelaene Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like a catch up with a friend you haven’t seen for years. Kate details her strive for perfection, in this summary of how fortunate we can sometimes be for not getting exactly what we thought we wanted. I especially appreciate Kate’s very real discussion around illness, which is perfectly concluded with a very jarring epilogue. This is an important read, irrespective of the reader’s opinions around croissants.

[Liz Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Reid has truly lived such an interesting life - from Formula 1 engineer to Lune croissant mastermind. This was a really well constructed memoir - raw, honest and reflective in its exploration of Kate’s relentless pursuit of perfection and purpose - both her biggest strength and greatest weakness.

Would definitely recommend!

[Fofi Meehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lune Croissants in Melbourne are legendary. Sadly due to a wheat intolerance I have been unable to sample them personally however my husband has consumed enough for both of us. I loved this book so much - it’s been a hell of a ride and despite the challenges Kate has triumphed. There may even be room for more pivots- never say never !

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I new the story would be good but so was the structure and the writing. I’ve been recommending it to young and old alike.
Thank you Kate for sharing your personal journey through your life so far.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book & so beautifully written.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring, honest account of Kate’s life of following her dreams and overcoming challenges to achieve them. A great mix of fast cars and pastries!

[Naomi Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

So insightful! Many take aways from the book! Such great lessons can be taken! Highly recommend

[Amber Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heard Kate on an episode of The Imperfects podcast so knew a little of her amazing story so to read and know more was a privilege. Planning on how I can get my hands on a Lune croissant ASAP!

[Shirley Virtue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and inspiring - grit and determination leads to success through the good and bad times.

[Jess Jowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this read! Warning - makes you hungry 😆

[Sherry Mackay · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a bit too much about Formula One stuff in the first half of the book for me. I expected to read more about her food experiences so it got more interesting in the second half of the book.