This summer, Front Row is highlighting ESPN commentators and other employees who have a passion for reading.
This installment of the “Summer Reading Series” profiles Grand Slam Tennis host Chris McKendry, who is currently in England for ESPN’s exclusive first-to-last ball coverage of Wimbledon. McKendry discusses the books she reads at home and on the road and the emotional memoir that made a particular impact on her.
Do you prefer e-books or actual books?
When I travel, books are on my iPad via the Kindle app. When I’m home, I usually prefer hard cover.
What genre of books do you enjoy most?
I usually bring one mindless read with me to tournaments. Some might call these books “beach reads.” But, I find after a long day of a dozen or so hours on the desk, light reading is a great way to wind down. When I’m not working, I really enjoy biographies.
What are you taking to Wimbledon?
I’m bringing What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. She is the author of Big Little Lies, which was recently turned into an incredibly entertaining mini-series on HBO.
What is the most recent biography you read?
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham. It’s a handful of years old, so I’m a little late on that one.
Is there a book that is particularly meaningful to you?
One of my favorites is Lynsey Addario’s memoir It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War. I read it over a year ago and am still telling people about it. Ms. Addario has chronicled the war on terror since 9/11. Her autobiography is raw and beautiful. Her work is journalism at its best.
