Books·My Life in Books

4 books CBC Paralympic Winter Games reporter Lauren Woolstencroft loved reading

The champion Alpine skier discusses four of her favourite books.
Lauren Woolstencroft is a Canadian alpine skier and the first Canadian winter Paralympian to win five gold medals at a single Games. (Canadian Press)

Calgary-born Lauren Woolstencroft is an Alpine skier and eight-time Paralympic gold medallist. The CBC Sports reporter is part of the CBC broadcast team for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, taking place March 9-18, 2018.

Below, Woolstencroft shares four books she loved reading. 

Open Heart, Open Mind by Clara Hughes

Clara Hughes is a Canadian cyclist and speed skater who has won multiple Olympic medals in both sports. (Canadian Press, Touchstone)

"This book is so open, honest and inspiring. I was lucky enough to be at the Paralympic Winter Games with Clara in 2002, 2006 and 2010 and have always been fascinated by her dual-sport athlete story. While reading her book, I found I was far more interested in Clara the person. This is a great book by an amazing Canadian hero!"

Open by Andre Agassi

Andre Agassi is an American retired professional tennis player. (Canadian Press/Alfred A. Knopf)

"This book is less about tennis and more about a person in search of himself. I was hooked from beginning to end. I enjoyed Andre's storytelling, from his early days with a controlling father  to winning, losing and back to winning again. I don't think you need to be a tennis fan to read this book, but if you are it's even better, with great behind-the-scenes stories about Andre and other tennis stars of his era."

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Graeme Simsion is an Australian author, screenwriter and playwright. (James Penlidis/HarperCollins)

"This was a very fun book that I could not put down. I loved the main character's personality and perspective, and I found this book both funny and an interesting exploration into human behaviour."

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Julia Donaldson is an English author and playwright. (Pan Macmillan)

"Reading is one of my favourite activities to do with my son and this is one of our favourite books! This is a great book to read over and over with great rhyming and a clever mouse. My son loves the illustrations!"

Lauren Woolstencroft's comments have been edited and condensed.