Middle Grade
Reader Spotlight
Every month we'll highlight a reader in the Great Lakes Bay region and learn more about them, their work, and their reading life. We'll also discuss books and share a conversation about their journey.
​
Read on to learn more about the delightful book lover Lori Hausbeck of Bay City.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in Flint and then went to high school in Lake Fenton, went to college on the west side of the state, and then moved back to the east side to start a family
Tell us about your family
My two favorite people - my daughter, Emma, and my son, Tate
What has been your favorite work accomplishment/memory?
Being part of the executive team that brought Conscious Capitalism to Hausbeck Pickles & Peppers, then crafting our higher purpose statement and creating the training tools to implement it.
What are your favorite things about Saginaw and Bay City?
I raised my kids in Saginaw and loved all the great resources like the Zoo, the children’s museum, the YMCA & Camp Timbers, Zauel library & splash pool and the North Little League complex. As an empty nester, I am enjoying Bay City for all the restaurants and shops and cultural activities, I love walking on the riverfront and how there are always so many people out and about.
When was the first time you remember a book making a difference to you? What was it?
When I was young, I think I read because I had to, I didn’t really start taking pleasure in reading until I was out of college. When I was a young parent, I’d always wished there was a manual that came with your children. One of the closest things I found was a book that I read in a book club called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It contained great lessons for me and great lessons to teach my children about how to navigate the world.
​
How has reading played a role in your life?
I’ve always loved art and architecture so I’ve collected books that allowed me to experience the great master works without leaving my favorite chair. It’s really gratifying, now that I have the ability to travel, to see those works that I became so familiar with through books, in person.
What book surprised you the most? Why?
I was recently introduced to a book called The Creative Act, and I was surprised by the absolute wisdom that Rick Ruben was able to share, I highly recommend the audiobook, Rick reads it himself, and I find listening a spiritual experience.
If you could chat with any author, who would it be? What would you want to discuss?
I would love to speak with Jane Austin and Emily Brontë about how they were able to write the books that they did given their limited experience and exposure to the world, and at a time when that wasn’t something women were encouraged to do or appreciated for.
​
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m fortunate to have quite a few travel opportunities coming up this year and opportunities to see some bands I really love with family and close friends, also looking forward to catching up on several artist biographies I’ve picked up over the last few months.
