Reading is a great way to sharpen your mind, learn new things, and show off your critical thinking skills. So don’t be surprised if, during an interview, you get asked about your favorite book. This question is a perfect opportunity to show a bit more of who you are.
Variations of this interview question
- What is your favorite book and why?
- What book would you recommend to me?
- Tell me about a book you’ve read recently.
Why do interviewers ask about your favorite book?
This question is more than just small talk. What you choose to read can give clues about your personality, interests, and how you spend your downtime. It reveals whether you prefer escaping into different worlds with fiction or if you like grounding yourself in reality with nonfiction. Reading habits can also hint at whether you’re the type to seek knowledge continuously or enjoy creative stories.
What interviewers are looking for
Interviewers ask about your favorite book not to judge your literary tastes but to get a glimpse of your personality and communication skills. They aren’t necessarily looking for you to name a book that’s related to your career. Most people don’t go home after work and then pick up a text that brings them right back into work mode; that’s not the point of the question.
They’re interested in what captivates you and whether you can discuss your interests passionately and articulately. This can also show if you’re likely to fit well with the company’s culture. So, it’s in your favor to choose a book you actually enjoyed instead of one you think will sound impressive.
They also want to see if you’re able to name a book. If you have a hard time coming up with an answer, it might be interpreted as a sign that you don’t devote time to expanding your knowledge through reading, which isn’t a favorable quality.
How to answer “What is your favorite book?”
Be prepared with options
It’s a good idea to think about a few books you’ve enjoyed and why you liked them before the interview. This way, you can choose one that best matches the tone of the interview. Whether the interview feels formal or casual, having a few books in mind allows you to tailor your response appropriately.
If things have been light and breezy, they might enjoy hearing about the novel with the fairytale ending from your favorite author. If the conversation has a more serious tone, you might be better off talking about the biography that helped you understand the skills that make a great leader.
Explain why you liked it
Don’t just name the book—talk about why it struck a chord with you. Was it the characters, the writing style, or the lessons it imparted? Sharing specific details can help make your answer more memorable and personal. Again, it’s a good idea to prepare a few talking points and choose the ones that suit your conversation best.
How not to answer
Don’t pretend
If you claim a book you haven’t read as your favorite, you risk being caught in a lie if the interviewer is familiar with the book or asks follow-up questions. Always be genuine—your honesty will come across much better than trying to impress. Getting caught in a lie, even a small one, will tank your chances of getting the job.
Sample answers to “What is your favorite book?”
Example #1
“‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald is my favorite because of the way Fitzgerald captures the essence of the American dream and its pitfalls. It’s not just about the plot but how the characters are so profoundly portrayed. It made me think about personal integrity and societal pressures, which are relevant in many ways, including in the workplace.”
Example #2
“I really enjoyed ‘Educated’ by Tara Westover. It’s an inspiring memoir that taught me about the value of pursuing education and thinking critically about the world around me. Reading about her journey from a survivalist family to earning a PhD showed me how important it is to question things and not take education for granted.”
Asking about your favorite book gives an interviewer an additional data point to understand who you are as a person. It’s hard to go wrong if you pick a book you truly enjoyed and speak about it enthusiastically.