Maria Cornejo

"I love Patti Smith and the story of her beginnings in New York City with her then boyfriend, the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. It's a fascinating look at that period of time and at two very creative people who inspired a whole generation of artists. Smith continues to be so relevant, particularly given our political climate."

"My husband Mark Borthwick's independent spirit and the beauty he finds in the things we take for granted truly inspire me"

"Classic Kerouac Beat Generation, and also about America in the ‘50s which I was really fascinated by as a teenager growing up in England. I did my college thesis on this book. It has a special place in my heart."

"I love anything by Isabel Allende. When I read her, it pulls me back to my Latin roots."

"It’s about New York, but a gritty vision of New York that doesn’t really exist anymore. This is what I thought NYC might be like when I was a teenager."

"It’s a classic. I used to read a lot of books when I was a kid and there are very few that you remember the way I remember this book."

"I felt reassured that he explained how the world is actually a safer place than it’s ever been, but that we are just constantly bombarded with information which makes us feel unsafe. He’s very matter-of-fact about things. I met him once at the White House and it was a real fan moment for me."

"This new generation gives me such hope. Cleo is a shining example of the joy, activism and positivity that is leading us to a better world."