What Are You Reading: Creative Crew Edition

Hello friends and happy friday!  I'm back with another instalment of What Are You Reading and for today's edition, I asked a few of my creative friends to tell me what they're currently reading. I always find it so interesting learning about what others like to read and with the popularity of these posts, apparently you do too! So without further ado, here's another round of reading inspiration.

Janna Huget

Creative Talent: Makeup Diva Extraordinaire at Behind The Blush

"The book I've been reading isn't a traditional fiction or non-fiction book but a cookbook, 'Cravings' by Chrissy Teigen to be exact! Since moving into my new place and have a much bigger kitchen I have been cooking up a storm. Of course with having a new house there comes the friends and family that want to see it so I have been inviting people over and trying out recipes from her book. The best part of the book is her witty humour and her stories that are a precursor to the easy to follow recipes. A few personal favorite recipes are the garlic mashed potatoes and the prosciutto-wrapped, boursin cheese and bacon-stuffed chicken breasts. I'm not the best cook in the world but her recipes get me excited to try cooking new things and I suppose that's the whole point isn't it! "


Justine Ma

Creative Talent: Hand Lettering/Graphic Designing Genius behind Justine Ma Design & Hand Lettering

justine ma

Title: “The Day the Crayons Quit”

Author: Drew Daywalt

Since having a baby, the only books I've had a chance to pick up are children’s books. Two years later and we've found one that we both reach for!! The Day the Crayons Quit has become a instant favourite since we won them on a recent instagram contest. 

This book is about a box of crayons who write complaints to their owner Duncan. It's filled with humour and wonderful illustrations by Oliver Jeffers. It’s also a really great tool to teach little ones about feelings and I adore going through each crayon complaint with my little gal Ruby—our favourite (and Ruby’s current favourite colour) is black. Black has quit because it’s tired of only being used for outlining :)


Christine Shankowsky

Creative Talent: Professional Confetti Thrower, Party-Planner/Decorator and DIY-er (AKA, she has the best job ever!) with Made Social Co and Just Bella Blog / Just Bella Bash

made social co

Reading is totally my wind down time at the end of the day so I always have a hardy pile of books on my nightstand (or virtually piled on my kindle so I can stay up late reading in the dark, haha ;) 

I just finished 'The Light Between Oceans' by M.L. Stedman. This was one of those books that sticks with you long after you read it. There is some heavy subject matter that wrenched on my mama heart but it was such an interesting story of love, loss, betrayal and incredibly hard, life altering decisions. I couldn't put this one down. 

Next up on my list is The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney - that beautiful book we've all seen gracing all the instagram flat lays lately. It's been getting some serious social media hype and while I'm not against picking a book based on it's cover, this one about a dramatic and dysfunctional family does sound intriguing! 


Marisa Peters

Creative Talent: She's smart, eloquent and keeps it real over on her blog Stream and Stone which tackles tough issues and some serious girlpower feminist perspective #respect

"So, I have to confess that when it comes to books, I struggle with monogamy. I usually have 2 or 3 books that I start and pick up here and there. I have so many half read books. It's less than great. I usually go through seasons where I'm really committed to reading and it gets a little obsessive, but it's been a busy year chasing a baby around all day, so that season is yet to come. Right now the 3 books I have half read are:

"Under the Banner of Heaven" by Jon Krakauer -Krakauer is the author of "Into the Wild" and he's just great. This book is about religious fundamentalism. It's pretty scandalous and tragic. My favourite combination. 

"A Man Without a Country" by Kurt Vonnegut -I mean, I don't know how to describe this book exactly. It's just a diary of a very unhappy, brilliant man. Vonnegut is my all time favourite author. He's derisive and offensive but that suits me just fine. 

"It's Not Okay" by Andi Dorfman - I have no excuse for reading this. It doesn't matter how much feminist material I consume, my obsession with "The Bachelor/Bachelorette" series is unmatched. When Andi (a former bachelorette) wrote a book, I needed to read it. Celebrity gossip is and always has been my guilty pleasure. I'm not sorry about it." 


Jillian Schecher

Creative Talent: Jillian is a creative genius, helping brands and businesses with all visual branding, images, website and logo graphics and more - AKA, she's amazing! No seriously, check out her site to see all she does!

"I must confess I’m a bit of a self-help addict when it comes to books. Typically I have 2 or 3 on the go at all times. Whenever I am seeking guidance or support I always turn to my little library, and I often find myself lending or recommending books to anyone and everyone. My books are pretty much my best friends.

There are some tried and true books that I read on a regular basis. I'm currently re-reading The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte. I first read it about 3 years ago and credit this book for propelling me toward the authentic, joyful and creative path I'm on now.

It really is “A Soulful + Practical Guide to Creating Success On Your Own Terms” and I would recommend it to anyone who is ready to shine a light on who they really are and live an inspired, honest & passion driven life. Yay books!"


ICYMI, here are my previous two WAYR posts: YEG Blog Squad & Girlboss Editions, enjoy!