the last book i read essay

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!

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6 Paragraphs on ‘A Book I Have Recently Read’

A Book I Have Recently Read: Books are the best resources of people. With which no earthly wealth can be compared. By reading books we can keep our mind healthy and happy. A good book opens the eyes of the human mind as well as expands and develops the knowledge and intellect and helps to light the mind. Many people like to read story books or other kinds of books. Reading books is a good habit. ‘A Book I Have Recently Read’ is an important paragraph for the students. In this post I have presented 6 paragraphs on ‘A Book I Have Recently Read’.

A Book I Have Recently Read

Reading books is my passion. I have recently read a book named “ Pather Panchali “. It was written by famous writer Bibhutibhusan Bandopadhyay. The novel is about a little village boy named Apu. The main characters of the book are Apu, Durga, Harihar and Sarbajaya. Harihar and Sarbajaya, a rustic couple, spent their days in miserable distress. But they dreamt of a rosy future. Apu and Durga are their children. Durga died a premature death. It was a great shock to the family. One cannot shed tears when one reads about the death of Apu’s dearest sister Durga. The novel gives us a very living picture of the beauty of a remote village in Bengal. The story reminds us of the hardship of the thousands of poor and helpless people of our country. Really it is an immortal creation of Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay.

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I have little time to read books other than school books. But l heard the story of “Ramer Sumati” written by Saratchandra Chattapadhyay from my grandpa. The story charmed me very much. Recently I managed to have a copy of the book which I finished in a single sitting. It is entirely the story of a joint family of rural Bengal. Here are a few principal characters – Ramlal, the hero, Shyamlal, his step-brother and Narayani, the wife of Shyamlal. Apart from them there are Shyamla’s son and Digambari, his mother-in-law. Ramlal lost his mother when he was only two and a half years old. Narayani, the sister-in-law brought him up with all motherly love and affection. Digambari could not tolerate the sweet relationship between the two. Ramlal was very wayward and that was at the root of all problems. The ancestral home was partitioned and Ramlal was separated much to the pain of Narayani. The author’s portrayal of the characters of Ramlal and Narayani is simply unique. Details of the book cannot be given in this short span. But everybody should go through the book whenever he gets a chance.

Also read : Paragraph on Corona Virus (Covid-19)

I am a genuine book lover. Reading books is my passion. Whenever I get spare time I read story books, novels etc. I am a big fan of cricket as well. My father recently gifted me the autobiography of Sachin Tendulkar “Sachin Tendulkar – Playing It My Way” on my birthday. The book is really very interesting. Sachin Tendulkar is not only a great player but also has become an icon. So a chance to peek into the life of such an icon is always sought after. The chapters describe all the important events of his life. The reader is bound to respect the legend more after going through the book. The book not only brings out Sachin’s passion for cricket but also reveals how caring a father and gentle son he is. I will cherish the experience of reading the book forever and this will be a guide force in my life. I wish to read it once again in future.

  A Book I Have Recently Read

Reading books is my passion. I have recently read William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”. It is the last play of the great playwright, which was written in 1611 at Stafford. Prospero was a learned man. He did not like to rule Milan as merely a Duke. His power was his wisdom. His brother, Antonio, took advantage of this craving for knowledge and conspired to drive him away from Milan with the help of the king of Naples, Alonoso.

Prospero and his daughter eventually took shelter in an alien island. It was a mystic land of which Prospero was little aware. Caliban was an evil spirit which was living in that island. Gradually, Prospero dominated Caliban and became a supreme power by way of his white magic. Dr. Faustus of Marlowe exercised necromancy, but Prospero used his magic for the welfare of the world. Hence his magic was a boon not a bane. His daughter, Miranda, was a lovable and beautiful young lady. Caliban wanted to seduce Miranda, but in vain. At last Ferdinand, the prince of Naples, came to the mysterious land. Miranda was very much appalled to see a beautiful young man for the first time. Seeing Ferdinand, she cried out, “O brave new world.” Later Miranda and Ferdinand fell in love. Prospero wanted to test Ferdinand’s devotion to his daughter. Ferdinand won the mind of Prospero. Using his white magic, Prospero taught everyone including his brother good lessons. Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian realized their misdeed. Gonzalo, who helped Prospero once to escape from his cruel brother, was rewarded.

Finally, everyone was reconciled. Prospero returned to Milan with his daughter and he freed Ariel, the spirit which helped Prospero in fulfilling his desires while living in the alien island. The happy reunion of the play implies the fact that Prospero is a major figure who by way of using his white magic helps everyone reconcile in spite of shortcomings. Honesty and goodness have been rewarded. I felt much aesthetic pleasure while reading the play. Shakespeare’s language, his style, above all, his blending of tragedy and comedy gave to my mind a soothing effect which I cannot forget ever.

Books are our best friends. Even in today’s world of internet and mobile, the importance of books cannot be ignored. I am a genuine book lover. Reading books is my passion. Whenever I get spare time I read story books, novels etc. Recently I have read Bibhutibhushan’s classic novel ‘Chander Pahar’. I loved the book so much that I have lost count of the number of times I flipped through the book even after I had finished reading it.

The book ‘Chander Pahar’ records the adventures of Shankar, the main character of the novel. Shankar, a young bengali boy, faces many adventures in Africa where he goes in connection with his job on the railways. He encounters many ferocious animals like lions, black mamba etc. But the real adventure begins when Shankar accompanies Diago Alverage, a European adventurer, to the Kilimanjaro mountain in search of diamonds. In the course of the events Diago gets killed by a terrible animal called ‘Buniyp’ and Shankar is left all alone in that unknown land of adversity and danger. But he braves it with extraordinary courage and valour.

After a great struggle, he is saved from the desert. Shankar is the embodiment of courage. I love the character very much. I am attracted by Bibhutibhusan Bandyopadhyay’s great narrative skill. He makes the description of African jungles and Shankar’s adventures alive with his narrative skill. Author’s creativity makes Shankar’s character one of the most popular characters of Bengali literature. Whenever I read the novel, I find myself engrossed in it. My mind also travels with Shankar in the land of Africa and feels the adventure. This is why ‘Chander Pahar’ holds such a special place in my mind.

Books are our best friends. Even in today’s world of internet and mobile, the importance of books cannot be ignored. I am a genuine book lover. Reading books is my passion. Whenever I get spare time I read story books, novels etc. Of all the books I have read, I like ‘The Story of My Life’ by Helen Keller the most. The episode centres round the hard struggle of life of Helen Keller. She writes with a natural ease and power, hardly equaled by any other writer of that category.  In this book we see that Helen Keller became blind and deaf after a serious illness in her childhood. However, the day when Miss Sullivan came to her as her teacher was the most memorable day in her life. After a long hard process Helen learnt to read, in raised letters in Braille method . She learnt to write also in a special type of typewriter. In the book ‘The Story of My Life’ an account of the first twenty two years of Helen Keller’s life has been given. During this time she came into contact with many noble and affectionate persons. In her autobiography Helen describes her experiences with so much ease and sincerity in such a lucid style that it cannot but arouse love and wonder for her. But the most striking feature of this book is her strong will and iron determination to cross all the hurdles of a handicapped person in her own life. And therefore, it has the universal appeal to all the readers throughout the world. Everybody should go through the book whenever he gets a chance.

Paragraph on ‘My Hobby”

Paragraph On ‘My Aim In Life’

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8 thoughts on “6 Paragraphs on ‘A Book I Have Recently Read’”

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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.

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How To Answer “What Is The Last Book You Read?”

Do you have an upcoming job interview? Check out my example answers to the interview question: “ What is the last book you read? ” Other similar interview question are: “What is your favorite book that everyone needs to read?” or “Which book inspired you most, and why?”

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Hiring managers often ask this question to find out if the candidate is truly informed and receptive to new concepts. An employer might be very keen on netting a bookworm because they are often seen as life-long learners. Try to structure your answer so that it matches the company culture and job role.

Example Answer

For job seekers WITH EXPERIENCE

“ The last book I read was ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear. It’s certainly my favorite book on forming the right habits, and ditching the bad ones. Basically, the author encourages you to lose unproductive habits and start adopting productive ones. The idea is that 1% change each day adds up to long-term success.

The book also covers other topics like adopting better systems rather than setting objectives, focus on identity rather than outcomes etc. However, the idea of being 1% better everyday really stood out to me. I applied the power of compounding as a [ Job title ] and this technique tripled my productivity.”

For job seekers WITH NO EXPERIENCE

“As an aspiring copywriter, I’ve always been interested in consumer behavior. Recently, I read Seth Godin’s book: ‘This Is Marketing’, to better understand what makes up great marketing. Do you know this title? The idea is that frequent and consistent content outreach, delivered to a target audience, will earn brand awareness, loyalty and ultimately more sales. I highly recommend anyone interested in marketing to read this book!”

√ Do explain why you chose to read that particular book and briefly summarize the book to prove your understanding. Try to highlight some of the learnings that you’ve adopted in your daily life.

X Don’t feel obliged to mention your last read . Choose a book that you actually like (and read) that teaches a lesson. You’ll come across as someone with a growth mindset that is willing to learn.

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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.

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