Lauren McDonough doesn't have a favourite author. She's said that it's because the authors who she's read and loved are so deeply connected to different phases of her life, there's no way she could pick just one.

McDonough is a creative mind that truly embodies the term multi-hyphenate. She is the founder of LUMAURA — a movement dedicated to changing the way we understand and respond to mental health and suicide. But she's also a keynote speaker, writer, mental health advocate, suicide survivor and bilateral below-knee amputee.

Of course, McDonough is also a lover of literature. She says that her favourite books "genuinely changed the way I see and live my life." To her, literature is not just a refuge; it's a tool with the power to change perspectives and shift the way you think and feel about your own purpose.

But when asked which book she would give as a gift, her answer was all about sparking joy. "Sometimes the best gifts aren't books that teach you something or tell a story. Sometimes they're the ones that bring a little joy, make someone smile."

In honour of Disability Pride Month, McDonough shares the last book she read, her favourite book of all time and the book that truly changed her life.

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. I've always been a huge admirer of Brené's work and the message she shares with the world, but reading this book made me appreciate her even more.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page, but more importantly, it genuinely changed the way I see and live my life. It encouraged me to embrace authenticity, to show up as who I truly am rather than who I think the world expects me to be. It reminded me that vulnerability and imperfection aren't weaknesses to hide, but strengths to embrace. It also helped me let go of the constant urge to compare myself to others and instead focus on my own journey, recognising that it's something to be proud of.

What are you currently reading?

I'm currently reading From the Ground Up by Jess Hatzis and Bree Johnson. It's an incredibly practical guide to building a business, covering everything from the early stages of an idea through to growing and scaling a brand. As someone building LUMAURA, a mental health movement changing how we understand and respond to mental health and suicide, I’ve been learning so much as a new business owner.

Jess and Bree are the founders of the cult beauty brand Frank Body, as well as the creative agency Willow & Blake. I had the absolute privilege of meeting and working with them a few years ago, and they are every bit as inspiring in person as they are on paper. Recommending this book to everyone I meet (including you, who’s reading this right now)

What is your favourite book of all time?

My favourite book of all time is Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig. It was a gift that was given to me at a time when I didn’t think anything could help me. But this book did. I really related and found comfort through the words Matt wrote. All I could think was ‘finally, someone who just gets it’ – his humour and wit are incredible too. Here are some of my favourite words from this book, which I feel the need to share today also. “You will one day experience joy that matches this pain.” Amidst the darkness, it often feels like there’s light. This book became my favourite book because, strangely, I felt like it just got me. It gave me light. I’ll forever be grateful for that.

Has there been a book that has changed your life?

A book that truly changed my life is The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku.

Eddie was a Holocaust survivor who endured the horrors of Auschwitz and the Nazi Death March. After surviving, he made a promise to himself that he would smile every single day. Published as he turned 100, the book is both a tribute to those who lost their lives and a powerful collection of the wisdom he gained through unimaginable suffering.

Despite experiencing some of humanity's greatest atrocities, Eddie chose kindness over hatred, forgiveness over bitterness, and hope over despair. The way he viewed the world was nothing short of remarkable, and his perspective left a lasting impact on me.
Reading this book taught me that while we can't always choose what happens to us, we can choose how we respond to it.

Do you have a go-to book gift?

This might seem like a completely random choice, but if I were to gift someone a book, it would be No Rain, No Flowers by Thomas Lélu.

Thomas Lélu is a French artist, curator, and gallerist known for his witty, clever, and often hilarious handwritten observations. The book is a beautiful coffee table book made up of 365 pages, one for every day of the year, filled with his unique quotes and reflections.

I love that it's a little different from a traditional book. Not only does it look incredibly chic sitting on a coffee table, but it's also something you can pick up at any time, read a page or two, smile, laugh, or pause to think before putting it back down again.

Sometimes the best gifts aren't books that teach you something or tell a story. Sometimes they're the ones that bring a little joy, make someone smile, spark conversation, or make someone see the world a little differently. I think No Rain, No Flowers does exactly that.

Growing up, what was the best book on your bookshelf?

I feel completely nostalgic writing this, and I'm sure many other people would feel the same way.

As a 1997 baby, a book that was always on our bookshelf and so well-loved was The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. It was a huge favourite in our house. The idea of finding the Enchanted Wood on the doorstep of your house and the magical adventures the three siblings embarked on was always so exciting to read. As a kid, it genuinely felt like I was going on those adventures with them. Every chapter brought a new world, new characters, and something completely unexpected.

Reading it made my imagination run wild, and I couldn't wait to see what magical land would be at the top of the Faraway Tree next. It's one of those books that instantly takes me back to being a child, and I think that's why it has stayed with me all these years.

Do you have a favourite living author?

I know so many people probably do, but I don't. I think for me, the books I read, love, and connect with are often tied to different phases of my life.

Rather than following a particular author, I'm drawn to books that meet me where I am at that moment. Some have challenged the way I think, some have given me hope when I needed it most, and others have inspired me to become a better person or to chase an idea I never thought possible.

So while I might not have one favourite author, I'm incredibly grateful for the authors whose words have found me exactly when I needed them.

Is there a book everyone should read at least once?

I might be biased here, but a book I truly think everyone should read at least once is Nobody Can Save Me by Matt Runnalls.

Matt is a friend and hero of mine. A world-renowned mental health advocate, Matt lives with bipolar disorder and has lost 10 mates to suicide. His book is raw, honest, and deeply moving, offering a powerful insight into mental illness, grief, resilience, and hope.

I truly believe it's one of those books that has the power to change perspectives and help people better understand both mental health and the people living with it.

Is there a favourite place where you like to read?

I love to read in my bedroom, on my big fluffy beanbag by the window in my bedroom with the blinds open, the natural sunlight shining through on top of the heater. I love it so much because I find it so relaxing and such a cute little space to be able to zone out.

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