Book Club / People

Lauren Trend on Alain de Botton and the reads that hit home

She's the co-founder of everyone's favourite website Self Practice - a platform devoted to exploring modern wellness, work and creativity - as well as skincare e-commerce site Application. When she's not running her in demand Self Practice workshops, you'll find Lauren Trend devouring the books that inspire her, from forever favourite Alain de Botton to Andre Aciman's ode to youth, all-consuming love and the Italian summer, Call Me By Your Name. Here, she shares with RUSSH the novels she cherishes and the titles that everyone must read at least once.

I am currently reading …
All the photo/coffee table books I have (and love) but never 'have time' to absorb, slowly.

My favourite book …
(Such an impossible question!) On most days it’s Alain de Botton's The Architecture of Happiness. I re-read it every year.

My actual favourite book …
A photo book by Peter Puklus. It's called The Epic Love Story of a Warrior. I pick it up whenever I feel flat or am lacking inspiration.

The book that changed my life is …
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman.

The character I most identify with is …
Hermione Granger ... Ha!

The last book I read …
(Re-read) Design As Art by Bruno Munari.

The best book I ever received is … Simone Forti's Handbook in Motion - a gift from my dear friend Olivia. She opened her Gallery, Reading Room with Simone's works last year.

The book I would give as a gift is …
The Self Practice WORKBOOK 01.

My childhood favourite book …
Guess How Much I Love You.

My favourite writer is …
Alain de Botton. Because … because his work offers philosophical and rigorous insight in an approachable form.

The book everyone should read at least once is … Self Knowledge by The School Of Life.