Alain de Botton's book, How Proust Can Change Your Life, playfully suggests that literature can significantly impact our personal growth and outlook. With a hint of humor, the title underscores the transformative potential of reading great works, specifically Proust's, which may resonate with readers on deep emotional and intellectual levels.

Alexander McCall Smith's book, What W. H. Auden Can Do for You, serves as a tribute to de Botton's writing while exploring the influence of the poet W. H. Auden. McCall Smith acknowledges the profound effects that Auden's poetry can have on readers, just as de Botton illustrates Proust's importance. Both authors encourage readers to engage deeply with literature for personal enrichment.