the last book that you read

How to Answer: What Is the Last Book You Read?

Asking about recent reads is a common question many interviewers will ask. Sometimes this question will be phrased as “what book would you recommend that I read?” Or perhaps, “tell me about your favorite book.” If you are not an avid reader, do not fear! Here is how to craft a response that is genuine, intelligent, and insightful.

What Is The Purpose?

Talking about books with a potential employer – what is the purpose of this? What are they really trying to find out? There are a few differing opinions on the matter. First, this could simply be a conversation starter. The interviewer wants to get to know you a little bit and is curious about what kinds of books you read. Another purpose of this question could be to see how well-read you are (in other words, how many books you read, and what kind). In some corporate environments, being well-read is really important to the company.

Take Time To Prepare

Regardless of the purpose behind the question, we will help you to answer it to the best of your ability. Having a quick summary and keynotes from your book of choice at the ready can be an extreme advantage during your next interview. The truth is, you can choose to talk about any book you have read in the past, not just your last read. Carefully explore options available in the literary world and find ways to professionally talk about them. If you’re having trouble deciding which book to bring up in conversation, this is the blog for you. Keep reading to learn how to answer: what is the last book you read?

Choose a Book You Have Actually Read

While in theory, it might seem like a good idea to do a quick google search for a complex and scholarly novel, it is best to choose a book you have actually read. Simply reading the SparkNotes version will not give you the ability to intelligently summarize the book and have a conversation on it. What if that happens to be the interviewer’s favorite book, and wants to talk more about it? Nope, better to be honest, no matter what book you choose. Maybe choose a book that shares a little bit about you as a person. If you are interested in airplanes, pick a book that focuses on aviation. If you are a history geek, choose a book that focuses on the era that you are most interested in. This is a great way to spark some interesting conversation and help the interviewer get to know you better.

Example: My father was a piolet so I have always been interested in airplanes. The aviation-based novel I just completed inspired me to get my piolet’s license!

Or: To be honest, I’ve always loved cooking books. I enjoy simply reading them to learn about different recipes and techniques. I read them as someone else would read a novel! 

Why these are good responses:

• You are sharing a unique personal fact about yourself
• These responses sound genuine, truthful, and personal
• Further conversation might spark from your responses

Choose a Book That Teaches a Lesson

If you are still having trouble finding the perfect book to talk about, and are not an avid reader, find a book that teaches a lesson. Pieces of literature that are based around morals, values, and lessons will show your interviewer that you strive to learn. Being interested in growing and learning new things is a great trait that is very attractive to many interviewers. Try looking into The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People by Steven Covey. You can order yourself a copy off Amazon, here ! If you like reading YA novels, try to think about one that you learned something from.

Example: The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People has helped me uncover methods to work more productively in a team-based environment. 

Why this is a good response:

• Choosing books that specifically focus on teaching the reader show that you are willing to learn
• Shows that you have a growth mindset
• Communicates that you are committed to teamwork

Find a Success-Based Read

Another fabulous topic you can search for when finding a book to discuss in an interview are success story-based reads. These can be autobiographies or short stories of triumph in any area that interests you. For example, you can choose a book that tells the story of a successful businessperson, inventor, athlete, or artist. Stories that focus on success are a great way to show your interviewer you strive for the best. It can also be a great way to segue into talking about your own personal success stories. If you are looking for a book that is sure to get you inspired, check out Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth. You can find the link to order yourself a copy on Amazon, here !

Example: The book Grit by Angela Duckworth inspired me to never give up on any task I set my mind to. The success stories in this book inspired me to go back to school to finish my undergraduate degree. 

• Shows that you learned something from the book you read
• Communicates that you have been impacted positively
• Segways into sharing more accomplishments and strengths

What if Books Are Just Not Your Thing?

For some people, the thought of finishing an entire book seems almost impossible. If your most recent read was not a book, that is okay, too! Be honest with your interviewer if you prefer to spend your time reading other types of writing. If you are interested in poetry, for example, you can talk about your favorite poet. If you are a movie fan, speak about a script you have read recently and films you have watched that were inspired by your reading.

Even if your answer might sound a little unconventional, it will help your interviewer get to know you and discover if you are a good fit for the company. Sometimes revealing a hobby that is writing-related will allow you to connect further with the interviewer. Even if the only reading you do is the newspaper, that says something about your style, and you should be honest and genuine with the interviewer!

Example: I enjoy reading poetry in my free time, my favorite poet is Edgar Allen Poe. His poetry inspired me to begin writing poems myself. 

• Shows your genuine interests
• Does not seem fabricated/lets the employer know more about you
• Gives you a unique competitive edge to help your interview stand out

More to explore:

• How to Answer: What are your pet peeves? – here
• How to Answer: How do you boost your confidence? – here 
• How to Answer: What salary expectations do you have? – here 

If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing your interviewer. Do you have any book recommendations you would like to share? Let us know!

Get Hired in 24 Hours! 

Download the Top-Rated Job App to get a job in 24 hours!

For more helpful content, check out our blog.

Share this:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

How to Answer "What Was the Last Book You Read?" in an Interview

Introduction

Interviews can be interesting & sometimes the interviewer hits you with interesting questions that you haven’t been expecting. Job interviews often include the question, "What was the last book you read?" While it may seem like a simple question,how you answer can be important. 

So, let's prepare to answer this common question, even if your reading habits are missing.

1. Make a List of Your Favorite Books, Articles, and Essays

By preparing a list of books, articles, and essays you are communicating to the recruiter that you are organized and well prepared. This also makes it easy for you to recall the most interesting topic you can touch at the time of interview. Note down a list of books that covers all aspects of the theme like leadership, time management, self improvement etc.

2. Analyze What You Liked and Your Big Takeaways

Every book you enjoy has something special about it. Maybe it's a great story, useful life lessons, or interesting ideas. Take some time to think about what made you like each of your favorite things to read. Was it an exciting story, or did you learn something about dealing with people that helps you at work? These thoughts will help you answer more honestly and convincingly.

3. Relate Your Favorites to Relevant Skills or Lessons

A book is knowledge of the river, lessons that may be relevant to us are following through it. Always try to communicate those key learnings you have utilized in a real scenario if possible. By mentioning your learning and application in practical life shows that you are a productive person and you can use what resources you have available to do your job better.

4. Tell a Story About Your Favorite Reads

Story is a powerful way to communicate. Tell a tale about the book rather than just naming it. Share how a book has affected your life and career. You should have a story that is meaningful  and makes your answer more interesting and memorable. This shows you have good communication & presentation skills.

In job interviews, even simple questions like "What was the last book you read?" can be important. Our reading choices can become a powerful way to show your adaptability, knowledge, and ability to use what you learn in real life. So, the next time you get this question, be ready to share your reading journey and show employers how it can benefit them. By Tapesh Kushmi Tharu

Recruitment Officer, Jobs Sniper Pvt. Ltd. 

How to answer: What’s the last book you read?

Reading is not only a great way to relax and unwind, but it can also be a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. As a job seeker, it’s important to stay informed and continuously expand your knowledge base. One way to do this is by reading books that are relevant to your industry or that can help you develop new skills. So, what’s the last book you read?

Whether you’re actively searching for a new job or simply looking to enhance your career prospects, reading can provide you with a competitive edge. By immersing yourself in books that cover topics such as leadership, communication, or industry-specific knowledge, you can gain valuable insights and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. Additionally, reading can help you improve your critical thinking abilities, enhance your vocabulary, and even boost your creativity. So, don’t underestimate the power of a good book when it comes to your professional journey.

How to Answer a Question: What’s the last book you read?

There are actually several ways to approach this question, but let me break it down for you. First, let’s talk about why interviewers ask it and what a typical answer might be. Then, I’ll share with you what the ideal response should be, as well as what makes a good or even a great answer.

And of course, I’ll throw in an extra tip to help you absolutely nail this question. Sound good? Let’s dive in!

Why did the interviewer ask this?

To understand more about your interests, values, and how you spend your free time.

Typical Answer

[Specific book title].

Wrong Answer

Does the back of the cereal box count?

Good Answer

State the title and give a brief summary or takeaway.

Great Answer

[Specific book title]. I found the insights on [specific topic or theme] particularly enlightening because [personal connection or application].

Last Tip on How to Answer What’s the last book you read?

Be honest. If you don’t read much, share another way you learn or consume content.

If you’re into this tip, you can download 121 Interview Questions and Answers for free! It’s a great way to get more insights on how to answer those common questions in the best way possible.

Practice Your Answers in a Mock Job Interview

Answering this question is a breeze if you know how! But what really counts is practice. The best way to do that? Give mock interviews a shot! You can learn more about mock interviews here , or try out this Free Mini-Interview .

Final Thoughts on the Question: What’s the last book you read?

In conclusion, by following these simple tips on how to answer the question, “What’s the last book you read?”, you will be able to confidently share your reading journey with others. Remember to be honest and authentic in your response, as it will not only showcase your true interests but also inspire others to explore new literary adventures. Embrace the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about books, and who knows, you might even discover a new favorite author or genre along the way!

So, the next time someone asks you about the last book you read, don’t shy away from the question. Instead, embrace it as an opportunity to connect with others through the power of storytelling. Share your thoughts, recommendations, and the impact the book had on you. By doing so, you will not only inspire others to pick up a book but also create a ripple effect of curiosity and passion for reading. Remember, every book holds a unique story, and by sharing yours, you have the power to ignite a love for reading in someone else’s life.

Jan Tegze, author of the bestseller “ Full Stack Recruiter ” and “ Job Search Guide: Be Your Own Career Coach ,” has over 15+ years of invaluable experience. Jan’s extensive background in full life cycle recruiting and profound understanding of international sourcing, recruitment branding, marketing, and pioneering sourcing techniques.

What negative thing would your last boss say about you?

When have you made a split-second decision at work, you may also like, what are the qualities of a good leader a bad leader.

A good leader possesses a multitude of qualities that set them apart from the rest. They have the ability to inspire and […]

How to answer: What would be your ideal working environment?

When it comes to finding the perfect job, one of the key factors to consider is the working environment. After all, spending […]

How to answer: What is your greatest fear?

Job seekers often face a multitude of uncertainties and anxieties as they navigate the competitive landscape of the job market. From crafting […]

• Job Search Guide Newsletter
• Job Search Guide Checklist
• 5 Free Resume Templates
• Free Networking Tips
• Action Verbs for Your Resume
• LinkedIn Power-Up
• 342 Proven LinkedIn Post Hooks
• 96 LinkedIn Connection Requests Templates
• 111 Email Templates for Job Seekers
• Table of Contents
• Testimonials

How to Answer “What Is the Last Book You Read?”

“ What is the last book you read ?” This may come across as an icebreaker or conversational interview question, but it holds the same importance as any other HR interview question. If you’re wondering how keep reading.

In this blog, we’ll not only provide tips to answer, “What’s the last book you read?” But also sample answers as well as common mistakes to avoid.

Why do recruiters ask? What is the last book you read?

Recruiters can ask this interview question in many forms “What book have you read most recently?”/ “What book are you currently reading?”/ “What is the last book you read?”

However, the purpose behind asking this interview question is the same, to know more about the job seeker. The books you read can reveal your characteristics, values, and interests outside of your job.

How to answer – What is the most recent book you have read?

#1. choosing the right book.

When preparing for a job interview, the question “What’s the last book you read?” Comes up often.

This is more than just small talk – it’s a chance to make a lasting impression. So, how do you choose the right book that showcases your strengths and matches the interview context?

Think about relevance, not randomness

First, skip books irrelevant to the job or industry. Choose one that subtly reflects your skills and aspirations. If you’re applying for a creative writing position, discussing a classic novel might be appropriate.

For a data analytics role, refer to a book on statistics or artificial intelligence. It shows your alignment with the company’s values and interests.

Obsession with perfection

Don’t feel pressured to name the latest bestseller. Authenticity is above trendiness. Choose a book that you really enjoyed and that you can discuss with enthusiasm. Your genuine enthusiasm will be contagious and leave a positive impression on the interviewer. They are not looking for literary critics; They’re looking for someone with genuine intellectual curiosity and passion.

Non-Fiction: Friend or Foe?

Non-fiction can be a great choice, especially for roles requiring specific expertise. Citing a professional biography or industry-related book shows your active learning and knowledge base. Just make sure it’s a book you can discuss engagingly while avoiding dry technical jargon.

Remember, the book is just the hook

While the book itself matters, it is just the opening line. Be prepared to dive deeper. Share what attracted you to the book, what insights you gained, and how it relates to your career goals or personal values.

This personalized narrative reveals your critical thinking, communication skills, and overall passion for learning.

Bonus Tips:

Don’t panic if you can’t think of the perfect fit! Turn the conversation to your reading habits, mention your favorite genres, or highlight how you prioritize continued learning. The key is to genuinely demonstrate your intellectual engagement and curiosity.

#2. Building structure

The moment comes. “What is the last book you read?” Echoes in the interview room. Breathe easy, bookworm! We have a winning framework to turn this question into your bridge to success.

Three pillars:

• foundation: Start strong with the book title and author. This creates instant context and piques the interviewer’s curiosity. Briefly summarize the main theme or plot of the book without revealing spoilers. Think of it as a movie trailer that piques their interest without revealing the ending.
• Bridge: This is where your book becomes your bridge to the interview. Share what attracted you to the book, what impressed you, or how it surprised you. Did it challenge your perspective? Did it provide valuable insights? Weave your experiences and ideas into the narrative, demonstrating your critical thinking and ability to connect ideas.
• Destination: Now, gently connect your book to the interview context. If it’s a leadership book, highlight how a particular leadership theory matches your perspective. If it’s historical fiction, mention how it relates to company values or industry challenges. It demonstrates your ability to apply knowledge and think strategically.

Remember, this isn’t a book report – it’s a conversation. Avoid dry academic jargon and embrace your natural enthusiasm. Use anecdotes, personal thoughts, and even humor to make your answer engaging and memorable.

Practice your answers! Practice with a friend or in front of a mirror, perfecting your structure and making sure your passion shines through.

#3. Adding depth and intrigue

“What’s the most recent book you read?” The title and author are on the tip of your tongue, but the interview deserves more than that.

Here’s how to add depth and intrigue, turning your book choice into a conversation starter that reveals your unique talents.

Go beyond the surface

Don’t just leave the name. Share what attracted you to the book – a captivating review, a personal recommendation, or a specific topic that matches your current interests or career goals.

This shows your curiosity and initiative. Did you find the writing style surprising? Did the plot take an unexpected twist? Share these discoveries while demonstrating your critical thinking and ability to analyze information.

Connect the dots

Weave your book into the fabric of your interview. Does any character’s leadership style match your own? Does a historical event shed light on a current industry challenge?

These connections demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge and think strategically. If the book is relevant to the company’s values or mission, subtly highlight the similarities, demonstrating your alignment and understanding of their culture.

Personalize your journey

Don’t be afraid to share personal experiences or anecdotes related to the book’s themes.

Do any fictional character’s struggles reflect your own? Did any chapters give you valuable advice that you’re applying in your career? These personal touches make your answer relevant and demonstrate your growth mindset.

Remember to include the interviewer! Ask them about their thoughts on the book or related topic. This shows your interest in their perspective and fosters genuine conversation, making the interview feel more like a natural conversation than a grilling session.

Prepare some “pocket questions” related to your chosen book, ready to lead further discussion if needed. This demonstrates your preparedness and keeps the conversation flowing.

Common mistakes to avoid while answering What is the most recent book you have read?

Never try to fabricate your reading habits. This is easily exposed and can damage your credibility. Choose a book you really enjoy and can discuss enthusiastically.

2. To babble

Stay focused and concise. Keep your answer within a reasonable time limit (1-2 minutes) and avoid rambling.

3. Name-dropping

Don’t try to impress with trendy bestsellers or obscure titles you don’t fully connect with. Choose a book that reflects your true interests and values.

4. Technical Jargon

If referring to a non-fiction book, avoid dense academic language or technical jargon. Explain complex concepts concisely, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively.

5. Negativity

Don’t criticize the book or its author, even if you didn’t enjoy it. Focus on the positive aspects of your reading experience or politely turn to another book you would recommend.

6. Overconfidence

Avoid being arrogant or pretentious. Acknowledge your learning journey and be open to the interviewer’s perspective on the book.

7. Spoilers

Do not reveal major plot twists or character endings. Keep your answer free of spoilers and focus on the overall themes and messages of the book.

8. Lack of connection

Don’t just name the book and leave it hanging. Connect it in some way to your life experiences, career goals, or interview context.

9. Answer in one sentence

Don’t give a one-word response like “a novel” or “I don’t read.” Show genuine interest and engagement with the question.

10. Missing out on conversations

Remember, the goal isn’t just to say the name of the book, but to engage in conversation. Ask follow-up questions, respond to the interviewer’s thoughts, and continue the dialogue.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can answer the question “What’s the last book you read?” An opportunity to showcase your intellectual curiosity, communication skills, and engagement with literature.

So, choose wisely, speak confidently, and most importantly, enjoy the conversation!

Check Out More Tips:

• How to Accept an Offer Letter?
• Tell Me About Yourself “Sample Answers for Freshers”

Sample answer What is the most recent book you have read?

Sample answer 1:.

“The last book I finished was ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ by Yuval Noah Harari. This blows my mind!

I’ve always been fascinated by history, but this book takes it to a whole new level by exploring the big questions about human evolution, our impact on the planet, and what the future holds. It left me with a lot to think about and I couldn’t stop talking about it with my friends.”

Sample Answer 2:

“I recently read Carroll Dweck’s ‘Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.’ As a [Your Job Title]I am constantly looking for ways to improve and push myself.

This book resonated with me in explaining the power of believing in your growth potential. The way I deal with challenges has changed and it has already benefited my work [Specific Example],

Sample Answer 3:

“I’m currently reading ‘Cloud Atlas’ by David Mitchell. It’s a wild ride, weaving together six interconnected stories at different points in time and space.

Each chapter is a whole new world to explore, from a 19th-century musician to a dystopian future. It’s challenging, but it’s also very imaginative and inspiring. It’s made me think differently about storytelling and the interconnectedness of things.

Sample Answer 4:

“I just finished listening to Stephen King’s ‘On Writing’ audiobook. I’m not a writer myself, but I’ve always admired King’s storytelling ability.

This book was like a masterclass with him, sharing his insights on craft, character development, and the importance of facing your fears. It was insightful, fun, and surprisingly inspiring.”

Sample Answer 5:

“I recently enjoyed the book ‘The House on Mango Street’ by Sandra Cisneros with my friends. It is an empowering story about a young Latina girl growing up in Chicago.

It raised important issues about identity, belonging, and community which led to interesting discussions with my friends. It reminded me of the importance of diverse voices and the power of stories to connect us.”

Remember to adapt these examples to your interests, personality, and the context of the situation. We hope these samples and tips help you answer the question “What’s the last book you read?”

This will inspire you to prepare your own unique and attractive answer. Always remember to practice beforehand so that you don’t miss the interview and can answer confidently.

Also, practice these Basic Interview Questions and Answers Be fully prepared for your upcoming HR interview.

Best Wishes!

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Customer Service
• Graduate Jobs
• Information Technology
• Cover Letter
• Interview Process
• Interview Type
• Social Media
• What Should I Wear
• Job Related
• Personal Brand
• Previous Job
• Problem Solving
• Weakness and Strength
• Questions to Ask
• Interview Skills
• Common Mistakes
• Salary Negotiation

Surprising Job Interview Question – What is the Last Book You Read?

A long time ago, human beings used to cut trees into thin, rectangular strips. They then used carbon and varnish to print symbols on these shaved trees. The symbols represented a story, and these tree shavings were referred to as “books” (pronounced B- oo -Ks).

Contrary to popular belief, these “Books” still exist today. Sure, they may appear to have been replaced by television and video games, but they are still around, gathering dust in bookshelves so that when guests come by they can see how well read you are.

Employers are allowed to ask a variety of non-work related questions at a job interview. They can ask you what books you have recently read. Here are some bad answers:

• “I like to read Inuyasha fan fiction.”
• “I prefer to wait for the movie.”
• “I like to read erotic novels.”
• “I only read the Bible.”
• “The last book I read was ‘How to Manipulate the Hiring Manager at Your Job Interview.’”
• “The last book I read was ‘Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus’ by John Gray”
• “I have been educating myself in the ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ series.”
• “I don’t like reading.”

Really, you want to stay away from anything that makes you look unprofessional. Don’t mention books that fall in the following genres:

• Science Fiction
• Fan Fiction
• Cheesy Romance
• Pop Mystery (Dean Koontz)
• Vampires/Teen Books Made Into Movies

Non-fiction, classics, standard fiction, poetry, essay writing and some of the more well written mystery novels are all fair game. Be ready to explain the book in its entirety, because if the employer has read the book they are going to want to talk about it with you to ensure you are not making it up. Remember, what you read says a lot about who you are. You want the employer to think that you are a brilliant and educated individual, and your guilty pleasures (like romance novels) should be kept out of the workplace.

Answers for Those That Have Not Read Books Recently

The hard part is coming up with an answer if you have not read any books recently, or you have only read books that will reflect poorly on your candidacy. If that is the case, you can answer like so:

“Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to read for pleasure in quite some time. However, I have been brushing up on some basic sales books. I recently completed ‘Close Like the Pros’ by Steve Marx, and ‘Take the Cold Out of Cold Calling’ by Sam Richter. I have also recently completed ‘Presentation Zen’ by Garr Reynolds. Once I have finished brushing up on sales techniques though, I plan to start ‘The Journeyor’ by Gary Jennings.”

Ideally you will be able to answer this question with a book or two you have recently completed and another book you are starting, and all of these books will reflect highly on you as a person. However, if you truly have not read any books recently, an answer like the one above should be useful for winning over the interviewer.

Take Away Interview Tips

• Only choose books that make you look refined and intelligent.
• Mention books you have read recently and a book you are planning to start.

Related Posts

• 3 Problem Solving Strategies You Need to Be Aware Of July 19, 2015
• 5 Most Annoying Phrases to Avoid at Any Job Interview March 24, 2015
• How to Show You Are Competitive….In A Good Way December 14, 2014
• Did You Bring Your Resume? July 21, 2011

MORE JOB INTERVIEW TOPICS

• Achievements
• Behavioural
• Communication
• Company Research
• Difficult Questions
• Interesting
• Outside Work
• Personal Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Prioritisation
• Question Type
• Quitting Your Current Job
• Repetitive Tasks
• Scheduling an Interview
• Time Pressure
• Tips and Interview Process
• Uncategorized
• Unemployment

ACE YOUR JOB INTERVIEW

What was the last book you read? – Question 11

VIDEO COMING AFTER THE LIVE CONVERSATION ON YOUTUBE – COME AND JOIN US!

Woodward English Conversation Question 11

What was the last book you read? What was it about?

• The last book I read was ….
• It was about …

Fiction or Non-fiction – What is the difference?

Was the book fiction or non-fiction?

fiction ( not real , created from the imagination of an author) e.g. a book about a princess and a dragon

non-fiction ( real , provides us with facts and/or events based on real people or true events) e.g. a biography, history books, 1001 facts about a topic

• What do you like to read?

I like to read…

• short stories
• online articles
• motivational stories
• self-help books
• biographies
• encyclopedias / wikipedia
• non-fiction books

Where do you like to read?

• in bed at night
• in a library
• on a blanket in a park
• in a quiet place
• on a beanbag

More questions about reading

• Do you like to read?
• Why do people like to read?
• What type of books don’t you like to read?
• What book have you read many times?
• What motivates you to read?
• How can you motivate someone to read? (E.g. a child)
• Why do some people not like to read?
• What book or story do you remember as a child?
• Do you ever read in public or only at home?
• Are you part of a book club?
• Do you prefer reading a physical book or a digital version?
• How do you choose a book to start reading?
• Do you always finish every book you start?
• What will be the next book you are going to read?
• What would be the title of the book about YOUR life?
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is reading in your daily routine?
• Do you think more people are reading nowadays?
• Do you think people have a problem with reading comprehension?
• Have you read any books with poetry? Why? Why not?

• 934k Followers
• 214k Followers
• 104k Followers

English Conversation

English conversation questions 10-19.

• What is your favorite movie? Why do you like it? - Question 10
• What was the last book you read? - Question 11
• What is important for a healthy relationship? - Conversation Question 12
• What would be an ideal date for you? English Conversation Question 13
• How would you describe yourself in three words? Question 14
• Why are you learning English? Q15
• What is your country famous for? Q16

Pin It on Pinterest

• A+ Resumes for Teachers
• Resume Samples
• Prices & Services
• Email: Candace Alstad-Davies
• Toll Free: 1-877-738-8052
• Local/Int’l: 780-513-0010

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae Help
• Application / Cover Letter Help
• Job Interview Questions & Answers
• Job Interview Preparation
• Social Networking & Job Search
• Education Job Search Tips
• Philosophy of Education Statement Help
• Career Changes to/from Education
• Career Development / Educational Skills
• International / Overseas Teaching
• ESL English as a Second Language
• Classroom Management Strategies
• Personal Development
• Higher Education Career Tips
• School Principal / Administrators Job Search Help

Interview Question and Answer: What Was the Last Book You Read?

Have you ever been asked this interview question during a teaching job interview?  What was the last book you read.. or what book are you currently reading? Why did you choose to pick it up?

Interviewers ask this question because they want to learn how you spend your spare reading time. Or find out if you enjoy reading and what are your reading interests.

If you happen to be reading a book at the moment that may not impress an interviewer, don’t discuss that particular one. Choose to discuss a book you’ve read previously if it would be more applicable. Don’t pick a controversial book.

Personal or Professional Book

When answering this question, you can choose to go one of two ways. Either go with a book that you are reading for pure enjoyment, say a fictional novel, a biography, or a memoir. Or, choose a book you may be reading to aid in your professional development.

It might be a book on a new teaching technique , classroom management , integrating technology , or more specific to your teaching area like ESL (English as a Second Language) methods.

A professional book can be broader than this, though, as reading up on a topic you may teach later, or new topics in your subject matter will aid in your learning . The interviews would view this as researching for your class. If you happen to go the route of choosing a book you read for your self-study, then answering the follow-up question of “why did you pick it up” will be easy to answer.

If you are currently reading a book for pleasure, tell them what it is, the author, and describe why you decided to read it. Maybe the author is one of your favorites, the genre is your favorite, the subject matter was intriguing to you, or you had heard that it was an excellent read.

If some of the books you read are on the “spicier” side

Try to avoid choosing a controversial book or topic. You want your choice to be seen as purely positive and, if it’s not professional development related, as light reading material that can’t be construed in a negative light.

For these reasons, it is a fabulous idea to choose which book you would discuss before the job interview, so you aren’t forced to think of a book on the spot and risk picking an inappropriate one.

No matter what type of reading material you are reading, stress the importance of reading and learning through literature and non-fiction. School principals want their teachers to value literacy, as it is much easier to pass these values onto your students when you hold them yourself.

What book are you currently reading, and why did you choose to pick it up? Please comment below on how you would answer this question in an interview.

Next post: How to Make an Immediate Connection with Any Class

Previous post: 10 Twitter Job Search Tips to Expand Your Social Network

Sign-up to receive free career tips and strategies

Search our site.

Popular Posts

Candace Alstad-Davies    |    Email: [email protected]

Fax: 775-593-3556    |    Toll Free: 1-877-738-8052    |    Local/Int’l: 780-513-0010

Prices & Services    |    Free Newsletter    |    Privacy Policy    |    About Us    |    Contact

© A+ Resumes for Teachers   2001 – 2023

Privacy Overview

• All Previews
• Judging by the Cover
• BOOM! Studios
• IDW Publishing
• X-Men Monday
• Fantastic Five
• AIPT Comics Podcast
• AIPT Movies Podcast
• AIPT Television Podcast
• Talkin’ Tauntauns Star Wars Podcast
• Marvel Cinematic Universe
• Reality Check
• Conspiracy Theories
• AIPT Comics
• AIPT Movies
• AIPT Television

Comic Books Reviews

Comic Books Previews

Comic Books

‘the last book you’ll ever read’ #1 draws you into its horror world.

‘The Last Book You’ll Ever Read’ opens in a way that’ll make you never want to stop reading it.

At this point, it’s safe to say Cullen Bunn may be the greatest ideas guy in comics, especially when it comes to horror. He’s currently writing series like Basilisk at BOOM! Studios and Parasomnia at Dark Horse. Today, The Last Book You’ll Ever Read read kicks off with its first issue and it may be his most disturbing work yet. This story centers around a book that awakens something in humanity and sends it spiraling into a predator and prey mode. Preview it here , if you dare.

This issue opens on an average everyday subway train. Everyone is going about their business reading, zoning out, or chatting with friends. To the right of the panel, we can see someone is reading a book called Sartyr which plays into what is going on in much of the book. Soon, the story follows an average everyday man in a suit and tie who is being stalked by a group of younger blokes. They aim to hurt him badly, but in a twist, it’s the businessman who hurts them back. Brutally.

So begins the chaos that is brought by the book Sartyr , which is written by the story’s protagonist who goes by the name Olivia Kade. Cleverly, Bunn introduces this character on the very first page through captions. These captions end up being words from Sartyr, which is revealed at a book reading by Olivia herself. It’s a clever way to draw the reader into the horror of what the book has to say in the real world. It’s a cinematic choice that draws you into the world very well.

From there, all hell breaks loose across the country. Bunn and artist Leila Leiz give the reader hints on what may be really going on and whether Olivia is in on it. There’s a bit of mystery mixed in with the growing rise in extreme violence. Is it the book or something more that is driving people to literally tear out flesh?

Who’s hungry?! Credit: Vault

The story is haunting in a way that feels all too real. Violence is prevalent in our society, but what if it was turned to 11? That seems to be what this story is about beyond the fantasy elements which makes for a disturbing truism in the narrative. The first issue also has a good bookend to it that gives it a satisfying conclusion all its own. You’ll be interested in what happens next, but Bunn and Leiz give us enough to put this book down and be satisfied till the next issue.

Leiz’s art, with colors by Giada Marchisio and letters by Jim Campbell, makes for a believable book despite the wild premise. The art has a slightly cartoony nature, which amps up the gore and blood when it flows. And boy does it flow, which adds the action and prey response most readers will come away from this book with.

The Last Book You’ll Ever Read is a strong start to a series with a unique premise and a devilish deeper meaning. Most of all, it comes with a smart introduction that draws you in and won’t let you go.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

• ❌ Remove all ads on the website
• 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
• 📗 Access to our monthly book club
• 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
• 💥 And more!

Sign up for our newsletter

Exclusive previews, reviews, and the latest news every week, delivered to your inbox.

EXCLUSIVE DC Preview: Batman: Reptilian #3

Vault comics signals ‘the last book you’ll ever read’ #1 gets second printing.

In Case You Missed It

Ubisoft continues to lose the trust of gamers after Star Wars Outlaws and The Crew controversies

‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’ director Brian Taylor confirms film did not use AI

New ‘Hellboy: The Crooked Man’ film utilized AI for creature design

‘Blood Hunt’ #1 is a bold beginning to Marvel’s latest event

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Pre-Order DYING INSIDE Now

The Last Book You'll Ever Read

The complete series.

Cullen Bunn (Writer), Leila Leiz (Artist, Cover Artist), Vlad Popov (Colorist), Andworld Design (Letterer)

Read this book at your own peril.

A supernatural horror thriller for readers of Chuck Palahniuk (Lullaby and Haunted: A Novel), Marisha Pessl (Night Film), and Scarlett Thomas (The End of Mr. Y), The Last Book You’ll Ever Read tells the terrifying story of a woman who knows the horrific truth about the past — and future — of humankind, and, when captured in her book SATYR, it becomes the catalyst for worldwide, mind-numbing violence.

Civilization is a lie. Hidden deep in our genes is the truth. And it is slowly clawing its way to the surface. Olivia Kade knows the truth, and she has become the prophet of the coming collapse. Her book, SATYR, is an international bestseller, and it is being blamed for acts of senseless violence and bloodshed all over the world. Olivia's own life is in danger from those who have read her work. Determined to conduct a book tour, she hires security professional Connor Wilson to act as her bodyguard. She only has one requirement: he cannot read her work.

• Product Details

Other books in this series

Staff recommendations.

The Autumnal

Fearscape Vol.1

Black Stars Above

Human Remains

Heathen Unisex Shirt

Art by ashley a. woods and natasha alterici, woman. warrior. viking. outcast. the gods must pay..

This t-shirt is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It’s comfortable and flattering for both men and women.

Be the first to know about upcoming titles!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Mauris vestibulum lorem vitae arcu blandit molestie. Pellentesque ut urna ullamcorper, vestibulum ex non, porta dui. Pellentesque ornare semper nunc eu pharetra.

No items in your cart yet!

What Would You Like Your Last Read Book To Be?

Susie Dumond

Susie (she/her) is a queer writer originally from Little Rock, now living in Washington, DC. She is the author of QUEERLY BELOVED and the forthcoming LOOKING FOR A SIGN from Dial Press/Random House. You can find her on Instagram @susiedoom.

View All posts by Susie Dumond

There’s a fairly common hypothetical question you may have heard: “What would you like your last meal to be?” It’s morbid, but it’s also a way of thinking about what food means to us beyond sustenance, how it can also be a source of memory, comfort, and pleasure. But anyone who loves reading knows that books can provide those same things and more — food for thought, a glimpse into the lives of others, a practice in empathy, a way to travel the world. So perhaps if you’re like me, someone whose life has been greatly impacted by the books you’ve read, you’ve had this dark but intriguing thought: What would you like your last read book to be?

Of course, this question comes with a lot of unknowns. When are you dying? Under what circumstances? How long do you have to read the book? Will you have time to finish the book? Answering this question may also force you to grapple with another philosophical uncertainty: Would you want to know when and how you’ll die? And would that change your book choice?

I’ve been a voracious reader for as long as I can remember. I read over 100 books a year, and regardless of how many books I finish, my TBR still seems to grow at alarming speed. Nothing makes me confront my own mortality like thinking of all the books I’ll never have a chance to read. And thinking about the last book I read before I die already fills me with anxiety. I feel like it has to be something deeply meaningful, something that can unlock a final level of emotional maturity and worldly wisdom. Should it be a classic, something that’s shaped readers for centuries? Perhaps a thoughtful book on death and the meaning of life. Fantasy might help you expand your imagination, a gift before leaving this earth for the next. Would nonfiction be your last chance to learn something real and true? Or maybe a reread of a favorite book. Rereading would at least ensure you know you won’t hate the ending of your last book.

As an occasionally morbid person with an outsized amount of curiosity, these questions have floated through my head more than once. But they struck me in a much different way earlier this year, as I sat with my book-loving grandmother during the final week of her life.

Connecting Through Books

My grandmother, who I called Guy, has always been an avid reader. She lived her entire life in a small, rural Arkansas town, but she lived vicariously through the books she found at the county library. She also instilled her love of reading in my father and in me. As a child, I remember sorting through antique Little Golden Books with Guy, debating whether to dive into The Poky Little Puppy or The Monster at the End of This Book . When I became obsessed with a certain fantasy series about a boy wizard, she became just as enamored with the story. I would wait in line at midnight at the Little Rock Barnes & Noble for the next book in the series to be released. Then, I would read it as quickly as possible so I could hand it off to my grandmother to read next.

I didn’t realize just how much my grandmother read until later, as she reached her late 70s and her eyesight deteriorated. The small county library had a limited stock of large print books, and Guy quickly finished all the books available to her. She asked for my help navigating the internet to order large print mysteries and romantic suspense novels, her favorite genres. After helping her order a stack of books, she’d read them in a matter of days and be back on the hunt for new books again. Although I’d moved across the country to Washington, D.C., searching for books was a way for us to connect. For the next Christmas, I bought her a Kindle and showed her how to set the font to a larger size. This opened up a new world of books to her, no longer limited by finding large print physical copies. Her voracious reading only increased from there, especially once I showed her Kindle Unlimited and how to check out ebooks from her library system. In her final years, my grandmother finished a new book almost every day.

Reading in Her Last Days

During the pandemic, I was separated from my grandmother and parents by 1,000 miles and a world of fear, like many others. In spring 2020, at the peak of COVID-19 uncertainty, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Knowing that she and my mother were both immunosuppressed, I had to watch from afar as my family navigated the overwhelmed health care system, worried that me traveling to help would bring more health risks into their lives. Reading continued to be a major part of Guy’s life as she went through chemo and surgery, providing her a way to escape her terrifying reality. Over a year later, she was deemed cancer free.

It wasn’t until September 2021 that her health took a major turn for the worse. She was 85, struggling with a variety of problems, some related to the cancer treatments and some not, when my parents called to tell me that she’d been admitted to the hospital and, due to a do-not-resuscitate order, was unlikely to return home. Luckily, the world looked different in September 2021 than in March 2020. We were all vaccinated, and although the Delta variant of Covid was ravaging the mostly unvaccinated state of Arkansas, we knew more about how the disease spread and what precautions could be taken to protect ourselves against it. Although I still feared carrying a deadly virus to my high-risk family, we agreed it was worth the risk to provide support and spend time with my grandmother during her final days. This is a gift I do not take lightly. I know many people lost loved ones during the pandemic without being able to tell them goodbye, and I’m forever grateful for the time I got to spend with Guy and that I had the chance to mourn with my parents.

And the timing was incredibly fortunate. When I arrived, my grandmother was mentally clear and alert. We had several good days together as we moved her from the hospital to hospice care, and I was able to talk with Guy about everything under the sun. She reminisced about her parents and siblings, laughed about my dad’s most embarrassing childhood stories, shared memories of seeing my plays and attending Grandparents Day lunches at my elementary school.

I also got to share something really meaningful to me. I’d called Guy a year earlier to tell her that I’d officially gotten a book deal; my debut novel, a queer romcom, was to be published in June 2022. I’d hoped she’d be able to see her granddaughter’s book on the shelves someday. Although that wasn’t to be, I’d hurriedly texted my editor as I rushed to the airport, asking if she could share the acknowledgements I’d written formally laid out on the page. She came through with that and with the first drafts of potential book covers within a day. I waited for a moment when my grandmother was awake and in good spirits, and I showed her how my last name — the same as hers — was to be printed on the cover. I read her the line in the acknowledgements where I thanked her for sharing her love of books with me. She couldn’t be alive to see my first book published, but this moment, seeing the smile on her face, will always stay with me.

What I Read

As the days went on, Guy grew quieter, ate less, slept more. That meant I spent more time reading at her side. I juggled a strange assortment of books. Some were humorous to lift my spirits, some were fantasy to help me escape the dreary sounds and smells of the hospice center. Other books dealt directly with loss and grief, and although they certainly made me cry, they also made me feel less alone. Seeing Ghosts by Kat Chow, a memoir about Chow losing her mother too soon to an aggressive form of cancer, helped me think about how to connect with other family during such a difficult time and made me grateful for the long life my grandmother had. Afterlife by Julia Alvarez, a novel about a woman experiencing immense loss and changes in her life, prepared me for the long process of grief. While doing some chores at my grandmother’s empty house, I listened to the audiobook of Afterlife and one passage unlocked a new wave of emotion in me. After hearing of terrible tragedies in the world, the protagonist contemplates the loved ones she’s lost:

“At least, Antonia tries to console herself, neither Izzy nor Sam are having to live through these broken times. But they are also missing the swallows, a large twittering flock darkening the evening sky as they flew off the roof of Roger’s barn yesterday; missing the early-morning view outside her bedroom window, the mist dispelling, the far hills emerging, taking shape, having survived the night; missing the intricate spiderwebs on the barbed-wire fence, their dewed filaments jeweled with light; missing the brisk charge in the air as the wind sharpens, the maples turning red and gold, the kids walking to school with their brand new paraphernalia, little battalions of bright colors, their shouts and laughter recalling a childhood world gone by.”

My grandmother wasn’t yet gone, but there was already so much she was missing, so much I knew she wouldn’t be there to see. Books gave me a way to prepare for my own loss, like the tiny moments when a hummingbird, Guy’s favorite, would flitter by and I would always, always think of her.

What She Read

After Guy passed, after the small outdoor funeral ended, after the casserole dishes from thoughtful neighbors were empty, I packed away the books I’d read in preparation for my return flight home. Thinking of how they’d shaped my memories of my last week with my grandmother, I couldn’t help but wonder what books had touched her final weeks. I went to her house and found her Kindle waiting by her favorite chair. I scrolled through dozens of books: psychological thrillers, historical romances, cozy mysteries, paranormal rom-coms. It was genre fiction as far as the eye could see, all the kinds of books that literary elitists would mock. How could these page-turning, entertaining books teach her about the meaning of life? About how to process the end that was coming? About what might lie beyond?

I wondered if these were the books she would have chosen if she’d known the end was coming so soon. Shouldn’t she have chosen something more steeped in philosophical concepts? Something that grapples with our purpose on earth? It’s what I thought I might have picked. Perhaps a heavy, critically-acclaimed, profound book would have given her some final wisdom.

But if I’ve learned anything in the four years I’ve written for Book Riot and engaged deeply with the reading community, it’s that genre fiction has just as much power to transport you — and transform you — as a reader. Reading high-brow literary fiction and academic nonfiction doesn’t necessarily make someone more enlightened or worthy of respect. What matters is reading what you love, and I’m comforted to know that my grandmother spent her final weeks reading books that brought her joy rather than suffering through something she felt pressured to make her last book.

When my time comes, perhaps I’ll have enough warning to make that final book choice. Either way, I’ll take a lesson from what I learned from my grandmother’s Kindle: Always, always read what you love, regardless of other people’s opinions. The end of your life is no time to do something for strangers’ approval. Reading is a private relationship between you and the books that move you. So read what moves you, as often as you can, for as long as you can.

Check out these related posts from Book Riot:

7 of the Best Books About Death and Dying for Tough Times

Best Books on Grief: In Time of Loss, Go to the Literature

An Ode to My First Reading Buddy

You Might Also Like

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, sweepstakes, and more!

Open up the world's most dangerous comic in reveal for Cullen Bunn's new series 'The Last Book You'll Ever Read'

What if there was a book that seemed to unlock the most savage parts of humanity, that seemed to accelerate the collapse of civilization as we know it with every new reader it gained? What if that book was so effective at unleashing this primal sense of violence that you didn't want anyone close to you reading it? And perhaps more frightening still... what if you wrote it?

Cullen Bunn , the writer behind horror comics hits like Harrow County and The Empty Man , has dreamed all manner of nightmarish concepts in his career, but he's never done anything quite like his next project. The Last Book You'll Ever Read is a new Vault Comics series created by Bunn and artist Leila Leiz ( Alters, Horde ) that explores the questions above — and SYFY WIRE is pleased to reveal a first look at what that means.

Last Book follows Olivia Kade, the author behind Satyr , the most controversial book in the world, a book so potent and provocative that it's getting blamed for the breakdown of the civilized world as acts of violence break out everywhere people are reading it. Still, Olivia is determined to go on a book tour to promote Satyr , even if it means her own life is in danger.

“With this story, I'm exploring some concepts and themes that really trouble and frighten me," Bunn explained. "This is a story of fantasy and supernatural horror, but the themes and concepts haunt me like a ghost in the dark. The Last Book You'll Ever Read is about the collapse of society, about the descent or de-evolution of mankind. The book referenced in the title is the Bible of this massive shift. In ourselves. In our friends and neighbors. In our culture. In the world around us. Reality itself is becoming more fierce and wild, and it is taking us with it.

Is the 'last book' sort of a doctrine to what is coming? Is it somehow bringing about this cataclysmic reckoning? Not even the author of the book, Olivia Kade, seems to know. She knows only that the people around her want her dead because of the words she's written. She hires a security consultant, Connor Wilson, to protect her. In order to protect him, she asks that he never reads her work. From that moment forward, the fates of Olivia and Connor are intertwined. And they are facing a horror of unbelievable proportions. This isn't a story about the end times. It's about a new beginning that is violent and terrifying.”

In the gallery below, you can get an exclusive early peek at how Olivia's world is changing in the wake of her book, and get a sense of the kind of beautifully horrific style Leiz is bringing to the series.

The Last Book You'll Ever Read preview

While longtime horror fans might immediately tie this story and its concepts to things like John Carpenter's In the Mouth of Madness , Leiz also explained that the art is driven by visual inspirations that tie it back to classic Hollywood, creating a singular style for both Olivia and the book as a whole.

"When I read the first script for The Last Book You'll Ever Read , I was immediately captivated," Leiz said. "It got its hooks in me. This mixture of horror, suspense, and sensuality already inspires my art. Being an admirer of film noir and '50s style, I wanted to bring a little touch of both to the book. Marlene Dietrich, Lauren Bacall, and Audrey Hepburn inspired me when designing Olivia, who's a mysterious and cold, but fragile character. Every issue is full of action, and Cullen manages to keep me always in suspense. I always look forward to reading the new script, and I can't wait to read the end of the book... just hoping that it isn't really the last one."

The Last Book You'll Ever Read arrives July 7 with colors by Giada Marchisio, letters by Jim Campbell, design work by Tim Daniel, and a variant cover by Jen Hickman. If the rest of the book is as good as this preview and the overall concept, it seems destined to join the ranks of recent Vault Comics horror hits like The Plot and The Autumnal .

• Comic Previews
• Cullen Bunn
• Vault Comics

Related Stories

Why The Cabin in the Woods Is Still a Horror Comedy Classic

The Best Slasher Movies on Peacock for May 2024

Abigail Sets Streaming Premiere: What to Know, How to Watch at Home

Can You Call the Number from the Chucky Season 3 Finale?

The 13 Best Horror Movies on Peacock for May 2024

Michelle Rodriguez reflects on Fast Saga's hip-hop ethos

Everything to Know About the Abigail Movie Soundtrack

Come Play Is The Babadook with Smartphones, and It Works

R.I.P.D. Creators Talk Abandoned Franchise & Resurrection Hopes

Does Abigail Have a Post-Credits Scene?

Abigail Honors Late Angus Cloud in End Credits Tribute

Abigail Reviews: What Critics Are Saying

Recommended for you.

Linda Hamilton on Resident Alien Role: "I'm Not the Funny Girl, I'm the Straight Man"

The Classic Twilight Zone Episode That Inspired Jordan Peele's Us

Resident Alien's Alan Tudyk on Harry's New Love Interest, Edi Patterson's Blue Avian

Tell us, Tom Selleck: Who are you, really?

The 79-year-old actor opens up — kind of — in his memoir, “You Never Know.”

Unlike Ben Franklin, who arrived in Philadelphia after a long journey by foot and boat, with enough money to buy three puffy rolls, Tom Selleck entered Los Angeles in the family car, dad at the wheel, ready to settle down in Sherman Oaks, a short drive from Hollywood.

Though Franklin is not mentioned in Selleck’s memoir, “ You Never Know ,” his work ethic and didacticism are widely evident. Another great American is also present: Huck Finn. By combining Franklin’s homiletic pronouncements with Huck’s folksy immediacy of voice, Selleck, along with co-writer Ellis Henican, has created an easygoing, talky American memoir.

And why not? Sturdy as Mount Rushmore, athletic and eminently likable, Selleck exudes traditional American masculine traits; he’s the very embodiment of the strong, silent type. But silence can be a hazard when it comes to writing a memoir, which after all is a genre of self-reflection, confession and exposure.

Known for his privacy, Selleck has written a what book instead of a why book, a chronology of doing , as he writes about his life. As he says late in the book, “Feelings are hard to describe.” So readers can decide if they’re satisfied with a résumé — a running of the credits, if you will.

I like Tom Selleck, and while waiting for the book to arrive, I watched a lot of his movies and shows. Though I find the memoir disappointing, it will make a great audiobook, and I wonder if that’s what he had in mind, letting his easygoing voice tell a story that is soothing because he keeps it on the surface.

A quick list of some doings: student at USC, where a drama professor referred him to a Hollywood agent; acting classes to improve his “instrument”; joined California Army National Guard in 1967; appeared on “The Dating Game”; TV commercials; print ads; B movies, then better ones; survived the Hollywood cattle calls until he was chosen for a new TV show titled “Magnum, P.I.” By now it’s 1980, and Selleck is 35. He’s paid his dues and lived up to his principle of “Don’t know where I’m goin’, but there’s no use bein’ late.” Hi, Huck.

This Hollywood education exposes a ruthless industry that both tests and forms Selleck’s values. He sums up his success by quoting Calvin Coolidge: “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence,” a very Franklinesque aphorism. But, despite Selleck’s persistence, he wrestles with the “critic on my shoulder,” that voice that says you’re not good enough. Soon, though, another phrase — a mantra, really — takes its place: “Tom, you’re good enough.”

The book gives us a lot of doing and name-dropping. We may learn about the risqué incident when Carol Burnett had her legs around Selleck’s neck, and his photo shoot with a naked Barbara Parkins, but we learn nothing about his love life — according to my research outside the book, he’s been involved with more than three famous actresses — and little about his first marriage. He dilutes his inward thoughts with vague phrasing such as “I kinda knew,” “I don’t know why … well, actually, yes, I do know why,” or “I sit here, pen in hand, trying to explain my emotions … I can’t.”

Such coy deflections and elisions try our patience and may leave some of us wondering why he wrote a memoir if he can’t express feelings. Instead, we get clichés like “In the film business, work is waiting for you every day, and you owe it your commitment every day” and repetitions of the line he uses in his TV commercials for reverse mortgages: “This isn’t my first rodeo.” In his memoir, does Selleck have difficulty separating himself from the characters he depicts? He’s selling himself to his readers, and we’ll buy it because we like him and he’s a good actor, but cliché and evasion erode intimacy .

Ten chapters detail the creation and success of “Magnum, P.I.,” and we learn much about television production and its grueling deadlines, and that actors chew ice before doing a scene so their breath won’t show up on camera. We also learn how loyal and dedicated Selleck is to his crew, those folks who make our favorite shows possible. During the last season of “Magnum,” Selleck asked his network to give his hard-working team of seven years a bonus; the studio refused. So Selleck arranged to have his own bonus docked and gave $1,000 to each crew member. Commendable.

“Magnum” is firmly part of what scholar Susan Jeffords calls the “remasculinization of America,” a post-Vietnam cultural shift that, through films and popular culture, reinvigorated hypermasculine images and traditional male values. “Magnum” featured a Vietnam veteran, an ex-Navy SEAL, who relocates to Hawaii and becomes a private investigator. He became a character millions of men admire and emulate. But Selleck says little about his longest-lived iteration of American masculinity, Frank Reagan of the TV hit “Blue Bloods,” now in its 14th and final season. A lifelong Republican, Selleck, I’m sure, enjoys playing a character who has the same last name as a president he admires.

Reagan is an aging patriarch who wields his masculinity both as the NYPD police commissioner and as a father who sits at the head of the table during family Sunday dinners. Selleck does not share what it’s like playing this older man who covers up his body with an overcoat and a cowl-neck sweater. Instead, we’re told the business details of “Blue Bloods,” not its personal impact on its star.

Selleck is completely silent about the nine “Jesse Stone” TV movies he made beginning in 2005. Stone, a cop, does open up, revealing both the whats and the whys of his character, especially in the exchanges between him and his male therapist. Selleck is also at his sexiest, lounging in bed, the famous chin doubling as he reaches for his reading glasses. How does a masculine icon age? Selleck doesn’t say.

Closing on a pastoral note in the epilogue, the 79-year-old actor walks around his ranch and checks the water tanks he needs for his avocado crop while reminiscing about the stories he’s just told us and the ones he’s keeping to himself. In the book’s penultimate sentence he writes, “I am the steward of those stories, the same way I am steward of my land.” Unsurprisingly, Selleck fails to mention his allegedly improper transfer of over 1 million gallons of water onto “my land” in 2015.

It’s hard to separate the dancer from the dance, the mustache from the man, but not impossible. Memoir is supposed to puncture the facade of performance, or at least try to. Perhaps Selleck will trust his audience enough to write a more intimate sequel. He’s been speaking to us for a long while now, and I’m sure he has more to say.

Sibbie O’Sullivan, a former teacher in the Honors College at the University of Maryland, is the author of “My Private Lennon: Explorations From a Fan Who Never Screamed.”

Tom Selleck

You Never Know

By Tom Selleck with Ellis Henican

Dey Street. 352 pp. $29.99

More from Book World

Love everything about books? Make sure to subscribe to our Book Club newsletter , where Ron Charles guides you through the literary news of the week.

Check out our coverage of this year’s Pulitzer winners: Jayne Anne Phillips won the fiction prize for her novel “ Night Watch .” The nonfiction prize went to Nathan Thrall, for “ A Day in the Life of Abed Salama .” Cristina Rivera Garza received the memoir prize for “ Liliana’s Invincible Summer .” And Jonathan Eig received the biography prize for his “ King: A Life .”

Best books of 2023: See our picks for the 10 best books of 2023 or dive into the staff picks that Book World writers and editors treasured in 2023. Check out the complete lists of 50 notable works for fiction and the top 50 nonfiction books of last year.

Find your favorite genre: Three new memoirs tell stories of struggle and resilience, while five recent historical novels offer a window into other times. Audiobooks more your thing? We’ve got you covered there, too . If you’re looking for what’s new, we have a list of our most anticipated books of 2024 . And here are 10 noteworthy new titles that you might want to consider picking up this April.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

The Award-Winning Books You’ll Actually Love

With so many books sporting metallic stickers, it can be hard to know which one to pick up first. We’ve got you covered with a list of this year’s crème de la crème.

Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.

In a perfect world, we’d be able to read every single prizewinning book every single year. In a perfect world, we’d be able to read every single book, period! But in reality, time is short, and you can’t always count on a fancy sticker to guarantee a great read. That’s why we did the pre-reading for you and rounded up the absolute best award-winning books of the past year. Read on for the ones you really don’t want to miss.

Night Watch, by Jayne Anne Phillips

The 2024 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for fiction is a story of resilience and reinvention, set in a Civil War–era mental hospital. Born in 1861 (the same year of the confederacy’s secession), 12-year-old ConaLee has “not seen the War except in what it ruined.” Her father has been absent all her life. Her mother has gone mute in response to the relentless abuse of a violent veteran, who inserts himself in their lives before dumping them at a Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Within this West Virginian asylum, readers' assumptions about 19th-century mental healthcare are tested and secrets of ConaLee’s past are unveiled. Flashing between perspectives and timelines, Phillips traces the long tail of trauma through her characters’ lives and our nation’s history.

How to Say Babylon, by Safiya Sinclair

The winner of the 2024 National Book Critics Circle Award for Autobiography is an intimate and ferocious tale of the author growing up under—and eventually, outgrowing— a father’s strict Rastafarianism. Sinclair spent her “early childhood in a wild state of happiness” on Jamaica’s achingly beautiful coast. But she soon learns that she is not simply a child on an island—she is a girl in a culture obsessed with female purity and obedience. As her father’s control tightens, her own creative passions grow; soon, she must choose between betraying the values that raised her and forfeiting the woman she desperately wants to become. While Sinclair’s story itself is deeply inspirational, it is her language that makes this book truly exceptional; her background as a prizewinning poet ignites every sentence.

What Happened to Ruthy Ramirez, by Claire Jiménez

The heaven & earth grocery store, by james mcbride.

If you haven’t already read the latest, Kirkus Prize–winning novel from the author of Deacon King Kong (Oprah’s 85th Book Club pick ), what are you waiting for? This characteristically energetic read takes readers back in time to 1930s Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where Black and Jewish residents lived side by side in a neighborhood known as Chicken Hill, sharing apartment blocks and dark secrets. Though set up as a mystery—complete with a dead body—the story finds its footing in Dodo, the deaf, parentless boy hidden by locals from officials attempting to put him in a home for the insane. Heartwarming and heartbreaking, a feat of language, life, and imagination.

When We Were Sisters, by Fatimah Asghar

The first ever winner of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction—an award named for the late Canadian writer and aimed at addressing the “continued inequality of women in the literary world”—is a debut novel about three orphaned Muslim sisters raising each other and coming into their own in America. The children of Pakistani immigrants and the daughters of a mother who died years ago, Noreen, Aisha, and Kausar are “familyless in America” save for their beloved father. When he is senselessly murdered, they are sent to live an uncle, whose “care” ranges from brutally strict to utterly neglectful. While this may sound like a grim premise, the novel is illuminated by Asghar’s rich and inventive language, the book’s nuanced exploration of gender identity, and the girls’ ever evolving and death-defying bond.

A First Time for Everything, by Dan Santat

While this National Book Award–winning graphic memoir is technically for children, adults and middle graders alike will see themselves in this story of self-discovery, international exploration, and first love. For many recent eighth-grade graduates, a three-week-long class trip across Europe would be a dream. For 13-year-old Dan—who has spent middle school dodging taunts from his classmates and doing his best to be invisible—it’s a nightmare. But as he makes his way across the foreign continent, he shares in humiliations, adventures, and some touchingly relatable tween-age romance with his once terrifying peers. Gradually, he begins to recognize the cracks in everyone else’s facade, and the bravery pulsing beneath his own protective shell. Santat’s luxurious illustrations give us a window into the narrator’s awe, allowing us to see the Eiffel Tower and the exotic European Fanta selection alike with fresh eyes.

The Hive and the Honey, by Paul Yoon

The winner of the 20th annual Story Prize, this collection of stories reckons with the Korean diaspora and the ties that bind. A North Korean maid, living in Barcelona, learns that the child she left behind may have grown into a Soviet middleweight boxing star. A samurai escorts a Korean orphan on a late winter voyage through 1608 Japan. The children of North Korean defectors build a new life for themselves in London—only to be pulled back into the past by an encounter with a strange child. With spare language and open questions, Yoon draws attention to the physical vastness of the world, and the emotional nearness of our experiences within it.

Charley Burlock is the Associate Books Editor at Oprah Daily where she writes, edits, and assigns stories on all things literary. She holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from NYU, where she also taught undergraduate creative writing. Her work has been featured in the Atlanti c , the Los Angeles Review , Agni , the Apple News Today podcast, and elsewhere. She is currently working on a book about collective grief (but she promises she's really fun at parties). 

Your Daughter Is Now a Mother—Who’s in Charge?

Why Every Kid Needs a Kooky Grandma

Everything You Need to Know About Colm Tóibín

All 105 Books in Oprah’s Book Club

Oprah Announces Her 105th Book Club Pick

How This Styrofoam Cup Held Together a Family

How to Feel Powerful in Every Setting

50 Unique Gifts for Book Lovers

Judy Blume on Why She Quit Writing

An Unexpected Remedy for Anxious Thoughts

Cheslie Kryst’s Mother Is Honoring Her Legacy

We’re All Reading Wrong

To access the full benefits of literature, you have to share it out loud.

Listen to this article

Produced by ElevenLabs and News Over Audio (NOA) using AI narration.

Updated at 4:32 p.m. ET on May 3, 2024

Reading, while not technically medicine, is a fundamentally wholesome activity. It can prevent cognitive decline , improve sleep , and lower blood pressure . In one study, book readers outlived their nonreading peers by nearly two years. People have intuitively understood reading’s benefits for thousands of years: The earliest known library , in ancient Egypt, bore an inscription that read The house of healing for the soul .

But the ancients read differently than we do today. Until approximately the tenth century , when the practice of silent reading expanded thanks to the invention of punctuation, reading was synonymous with reading aloud. Silent reading was terribly strange, and, frankly, missed the point of sharing words to entertain, educate, and bond. Even in the 20th century, before radio and TV and smartphones and streaming entered American living rooms, couples once approached the evening hours by reading aloud to each other.

But what those earlier readers didn’t yet know was that all of that verbal reading offered additional benefits: It can boost the reader’s mood and ability to recall . It can lower parents’ stress and increase their warmth and sensitivity toward their children. To reap the full benefits of reading, we should be doing it out loud, all the time, with everyone we know.

Reading aloud is a distinctive cognitive process, more complex than simply reading silently, speaking, or listening. Noah Forrin, who researched memory and reading at the University of Waterloo, in Canada, told me that it involves several operations—motor control, hearing, and self-reference (the fact that you said it)—all of which activate the hippocampus, a brain region associated with episodic memory. Compared with reading silently, the hippocampus is more active while reading aloud, which might help explain why the latter is such an effective memory tool. In a small 2012 study , students who studied a word list remembered 90 percent of the words they’d read aloud immediately afterward, compared with 71 percent of those they’d read silently. (One week later, participants remembered 59 percent of the spoken words and 48 percent of the words read silently.)

So although you might enjoy an audiobook narrated by Meryl Streep, you would remember it better if you read parts of it out loud—especially if you did so in small chunks, just a short passage at a time, Forrin said. The same goes for a few lines of a presentation that you really want to nail. Those memory benefits hold true whether or not anyone is around to hear your performance.

Verbal reading without an audience is, in fact, surprisingly common. While studying how modern British people read aloud, Sam Duncan, a professor of adult literacies at University College London, found that they read aloud—and alone—for a variety of reasons. One woman recited Welsh poetry to remember her mother, with whom she spoke Welsh as a girl. One young man read the Quran out loud before work to better understand its meaning. Repeating words aloud isn’t just key to memorization, Duncan told me—it can be key to identity formation too.

From the August 1904 issue: On reading aloud

Plenty of solitary vocal reading no doubt consists of deciphering recipes and proofreading work emails, but if you want to reap the full perks, the best selections are poetry and literature. These genres provide access to facets of human experience that can be otherwise unreachable, which helps us process our own emotions and memories, says Philip Davis, an emeritus professor of literature and psychology at the University of Liverpool. Poetry, for example, can induce peak emotional responses , a strong reaction that might include goose bumps or chills. It can help you locate an emotion within yourself, which is important to health as a form of emotional processing.

Poetry also contains complex, unexpected elements, like when Shakespeare uses god as a verb in Coriolanus : “This last old man … godded me.” In an fMRI study that Davis co-authored in 2015, such literary surprise was shown to be stimulating to the brain. Davis told me that literature, with its “mixture of memory and imagination,” can cause us to recall our most complex experiences and derive meaning from them. A poem or story read aloud is particularly enthralling, he said, because it becomes a live presence in the room, with a more direct and penetrative quality, akin to live music. Davis likens the role of literature and live reading to a spark or renewal, “a bringing of things back to life.”

Discussing the literature that you read aloud can be particularly valuable. Davis told me doing so helps penetrate rigid thinking and can dislodge dysfunctional thought patterns. A qualitative 2017 study led by Josie Billington at the University of Liverpool found that, for those who have chronic pain and the depression that tends to come with it, such discussion expands emotional vocabulary —a key tenet of psychological well-being— perhaps even more so than cognitive behavioral therapy . (The allure of an audience has one notable exception: If you’re anxious, reading aloud can actually reduce memory and comprehension . To understand this effect, one need only harken back to fifth grade when it was your turn to read a paragraph on Mesopotamia in class.)

Read: How to keep your book club from becoming a wine club

The health benefits of reading aloud are so profound that some doctors in England now refer their chronic-pain patients to read-aloud groups. Helen Cook, a 45-year-old former teacher in England, joined one of these groups in 2013. Cook had a pelvic tumor that had sent anguish ricocheting through her hip and back for a decade, and medication never seemed to help. Before she joined the reading group, Cook had trouble sleeping, lost her job, and “had completely lost myself,” she told me. Then, she and nine other adults began working their way through some 300 pages of Hard Times , by Charles Dickens.

Cook told me she recognized her experience in the characters’ travails, and within months, she “rediscovered a love for life,” even returning to college for a master’s degree in literature. She’s not the only one who found relief: In Billington’s 2017 study, everyone who read aloud in a group felt emotionally better and reported less pain for two days afterward.

Hearing words read aloud to you also has unique advantages, especially for kids. Storytelling has been shown to increase hospitalized children’s levels of oxytocin while decreasing cortisol and pain. Julie Hunter, who for more than 20 years has taught preschool kids (including my daughter), told me that interactive reading increases young children’s comprehension , builds trust , and enhances social-emotional skills . A recent study by researchers at the Brookings Institution found that children smiled and laughed more when being read to by a parent than when listening to an automatically narrated book alone.

Read: An ode to being read to

Anecdotal evidence suggests that adults, too, can benefit from such listening. For 25 years, Hedrick and Susan Smith, ages 90 and 84, respectively, have read more than 170 books aloud. They started by reading in the car, to pass the time, but it was so much fun that they started reading every night before they turned out the light, Hedrick told me. Together, they tried to comprehend One Hundred Years of Solitude , narrated Angela’s Ashes in four different Irish accents, and deduced clues in John le Carré thrillers. They felt more connected, and went to sleep in brighter moods. If they liked the book, they couldn’t wait for the other to read the next chapter aloud—even, and perhaps especially, when the sound of the other’s voice sent them off to sleep.

Due to an editing error, this article originally misidentified the author of a 2017 study.

Advertisement

Supported by

Can a 50-Year-Old Idea Save Democracy?

The economist and philosopher Daniel Chandler thinks so. In “Free and Equal,” he makes a vigorous case for adopting the liberal political framework laid out by John Rawls in the 1970s.

• Share full article

By Jennifer Szalai

• Barnes and Noble
• Books-A-Million

When you purchase an independently reviewed book through our site, we earn an affiliate commission.

FREE AND EQUAL: A Manifesto for a Just Society, by Daniel Chandler

The American political theorist John Rawls may be known for abstractions like “the original position” and “the difference principle,” but any mention of his name puts me in mind of something decidedly more tangible: cake. Consider the potentially combustible situation of two children who have been given a cake to share between them. How do you ensure that the division of the cake is fair and will elicit the least complaint?

The key is to involve both children in the process and to enforce a separation of powers: Assuming they’re old enough to handle a knife, one child can cut the cake and the other can get first pick of the slice. The child tasked with cutting will therefore be extremely motivated to divide the cake as evenly as possible.

Rawls included a version of the cake-cutting scenario in “A Theory of Justice,” his landmark 1971 book that the economist and philosopher Daniel Chandler wants to resurrect for a new era. In “Free and Equal,” Chandler argues that Rawls’s approach, which combines a liberal respect for individual rights and differences with an egalitarian emphasis on fairness, could be “the basis for a progressive politics that is genuinely transformative.”

If this is an opportune moment for Chandler’s book, it’s also a difficult one. At a time when political rancor and mistrust reign supreme, Chandler seeks to present an inspiring case for liberalism that distinguishes it from tepid complacency on the one hand and neoliberal domination on the other. Yet in doing the hard work of spelling out what a Rawlsian program might look like in practice, Chandler ends up illustrating why liberalism has elicited such frustration from its many critics in the first place.

Rawls’s theory was premised on the thought experiment of the “original position,” in which individuals would design a just society from behind a “veil of ignorance.” People couldn’t know whether they would be born rich or poor, gay or straight, Black or white — and so, like the child cutting the cake who doesn’t get to choose the first slice, each would be motivated to realize a society that would be accepted as fair even by the most vulnerable. This is liberalism grounded in reciprocity rather than selfishness or altruism. According to Rawls’s “difference principle,” inequalities would be permitted only as long as they promoted the interests of the least advantaged.

Chandler is a lucid and elegant writer, and there’s an earnest sense of excitement propelling his argument — a belief that Rawls’s framework for thinking through political issues offers a humane way out of the most intractable disputes. People might not agree on much, Chandler says, but the “veil of ignorance” encourages us to find a mutually agreeable starting point. If we don’t know what community we are born into, we should want a “reasonable pluralism.” We should also want the state “to maintain the conditions that are the basis for our freedom and equality as citizens.”

As an example, Chandler raises the thorny issue of free speech. “Political, moral and religious” speech “is integral to developing our sense of what is fair and how to live,” he writes, which is why it deserves robust protection. But since some speech, such as advertising, plays “no meaningful role” in helping us figure out how to live a good life, such speech can be limited. The idea is to balance individual and group freedoms with the need for peaceful coexistence. The state should protect the rights of gay people not to be discriminated against — even though the state cannot force anyone or any group to approve of gay relationships. Chandler, who is gay, suggests that premising gay rights on getting everyone to agree on the question of morality is a waste of energy: “For some people this” — the belief that homosexuality is a sin — “is part of their faith and no reasoned argument will persuade them otherwise.”

Chandler deserves credit for refusing to relegate his book to the airy realm of wistful abstraction. The last two-thirds of “Free and Equal” are given over to specific policy proposals. Some of them sound familiar enough — restricting private money in politics; beefing up civic education — while others are more far-reaching and radical, including the establishment of worker cooperatives, in which “workers decide how things are done,” and the abolition of private schools.

As impressive as his prescriptions are, I found their endless parade to be enervating. Chandler’s unwavering reasonableness made me feel as if I were floating in saline; after he laid out his terms and edged out countervailing arguments, there were no points of friction, no sharp edges that could serve as a goad to thought. He persuasively refutes the conflation of liberal egalitarianism with technocracy, and helpfully points out that an emphasis on technocratic competence “leaves many voters cold.” But despite his valiant efforts, the book enacts both the promise and the limitations of the theory it seeks to promote. It didn’t leave me cold, but it did leave me restless.

And in a way, that’s part of Chandler’s point: A Rawlsian framework encourages people with a variety of deeply held commitments to live together in mutual tolerance, free to figure out questions of individual morality and the good life for themselves. For anyone who venerates consensus in politics, this sounds appealing; given the fissures of our current moment, it also comes across as wildly insufficient.

“Free and Equal” includes a detailed chapter on “Rawls and His Critics,” but mostly navigates around anything that might truly rattle the Rawlsian framework. Regarding Katrina Forrester’s “In the Shadow of Justice” (2019) , a searching and brilliant history of how his ideas presumed a postwar consensus that was already fracturing at the time that “A Theory of Justice” was published, Chandler has little to say. He mentions her work in his endnotes, only in the context of how long it took Rawls to write his book and how it was initially received.

This felt to me like liberal flexibility in action — a form of accommodation that absorbed Forrester’s book by assimilating it into Chandler’s preferred terms. Perhaps Forrester wouldn’t be surprised by this move; as she puts it, “The capaciousness of liberal philosophy squeezed out possibilities for radical critique.”

But no philosophy is capacious enough to squeeze out the endless possibilities thrown up by reality. Among the stellar blurbs on the jacket of Chandler’s book is one that is spectacularly ill timed: It is by Columbia University’s president, Nemat Shafik, who has, in the last few weeks, tried to placate Republican lawmakers by revealing (typically confidential) details of disciplinary procedures against professors and calling in the police to clear out pro-Palestinian campus protests .

Shafik didn’t write this book, and Chandler isn’t responsible for what she does. But her endorsement suggests why even “Free and Equal” — as conscientious a paean to liberalism as one could imagine — feels so unequal to the fury of this moment.

FREE AND EQUAL : A Manifesto for a Just Society | By Daniel Chandler | Knopf | 414 pp. | $32

Jennifer Szalai is the nonfiction book critic for The Times. More about Jennifer Szalai

Explore More in Books

Want to know about the best books to read and the latest news start here..

The complicated, generous life  of Paul Auster, who died on April 30 , yielded a body of work of staggering scope and variety .

“Real Americans,” a new novel by Rachel Khong , follows three generations of Chinese Americans as they all fight for self-determination in their own way .

“The Chocolate War,” published 50 years ago, became one of the most challenged books in the United States. Its author, Robert Cormier, spent years fighting attempts to ban it .

Joan Didion’s distinctive prose and sharp eye were tuned to an outsider’s frequency, telling us about ourselves in essays that are almost reflexively skeptical. Here are her essential works .

Each week, top authors and critics join the Book Review’s podcast to talk about the latest news in the literary world. Listen here .