Answering the question ‘Can you tell me about a book you recently read and enjoyed?’ is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your interests, values, and ability to reflect on meaningful experiences. Whether it’s a school interview or casual conversation, crafting a thoughtful response can leave a lasting impression. Let’s break down how to confidently and effectively answer this question with a simple 6-step approach!
Contents
How to Answer: “Can you tell me about a book you recently read and enjoyed?”
Step 1. Start with the Book Title and Author
- Why: Shows you’re prepared and specific.
- Example: “One book I recently read and enjoyed is The Giver by Lois Lowry.”
Step 2. Briefly Describe the Book
- Why: Sets context for your answer.
- Example: “It’s a dystopian novel about a boy named Jonas who lives in a seemingly perfect society, but he discovers the dark truths behind it when he becomes the Receiver of Memory.”
Step 3. Explain Why You Liked It
- Why: Highlights your interests and what resonates with you personally.
- Example: “I enjoyed it because it made me think about individuality and freedom, and how important it is to have choices in life.”
Step 4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
- Why: Shows deeper engagement with the book’s themes.
- Example: “I’ve always been interested in stories that challenge how we see the world, and this book made me question what makes a society truly happy and fair.”
Step 5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
- Why: Makes your answer stand out and feel personal.
- Example: “One part that really stayed with me was when Jonas realizes the beauty and complexity of emotions like love. It made me appreciate how important it is to experience the full range of emotions.”
Step 6. Wrap Up Positively
- Why: Leaves a strong impression and encourages further discussion.
- Example: “Overall, it’s a book that really changed the way I think about the world, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking stories.”
Now that you know the 6-step framework, let’s see how it works in action! Below are examples of how to craft a thoughtful and engaging response using this template for some popular books.
Sample Answers for 11 Books
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“One book I recently read and really enjoyed is Wonder by R.J. Palacio.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“It’s about a boy named Auggie who was born with a facial difference and is starting school for the first time after being homeschooled. The story explores how he and those around him deal with challenges, friendships, and kindness.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I loved this book because it was both heartwarming and inspiring. It really made me think about how important it is to treat others with empathy and respect, no matter how different they may seem.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“I’ve always been interested in stories that focus on personal growth and overcoming challenges. This book reminded me of how small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“My favorite part was when Auggie received the ‘Henry Ward Beecher Medal’ at the end of the school year for his courage and kindness. It showed how much he had impacted the lives of those around him, even when things were hard for him.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“It’s a story that really stuck with me, and I think it’s a great reminder to always choose kindness. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a meaningful and uplifting read.”
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“One book I recently read and really enjoyed is Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“It’s about a boy named Percy who discovers he’s a demigod, the son of Poseidon. He embarks on an adventure with his friends to prevent a war among the Greek gods while also learning more about his own identity.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I loved this book because it’s filled with action, humor, and mythology, which I’ve always found fascinating. The way the author weaves ancient myths into a modern-day setting made it so exciting to read.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“I’ve always been interested in stories about heroes and their journeys. Percy’s determination to help his friends and stand up for what’s right really resonated with me.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“My favorite part was when Percy used his quick thinking and bravery to defeat Ares, the god of war, in a duel. It showed me that cleverness and staying calm under pressure can sometimes be more important than brute strength.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“This book was not only a thrilling adventure but also taught me about loyalty, courage, and believing in yourself. I’m already looking forward to reading the rest of the series!”
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“A book I recently read and truly enjoyed is A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“It’s a science fiction story about a young girl named Meg Murry who goes on a journey through space and time with her brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin. They’re guided by mysterious beings—Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which—to rescue Meg’s father and fight against a dark force called the ‘Black Thing.'”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I loved this book because it combines an exciting adventure with deep themes about love, courage, and individuality. The idea of traveling through dimensions, or ‘wrinkling’ time, was so imaginative and fascinating.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“As someone who’s curious about science and enjoys stories with strong, relatable characters, Meg’s determination and growth really inspired me. I admired how she learned to embrace her flaws and use her unique strengths to overcome challenges.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“My favorite moment was when Meg realized that her ability to love was the key to saving her brother. It was a powerful reminder of how emotions like love and compassion can be stronger than fear or hatred.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“A Wrinkle in Time was not only an exciting read but also gave me a new perspective on the importance of self-acceptance and the power of love. I can see why it’s considered such a timeless classic, and it’s definitely inspired me to read more books by Madeleine L’Engle.”
Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“A book I recently read and really enjoyed is Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“It’s a powerful story about an 11-year-old girl named Melody Brooks who has cerebral palsy. She’s incredibly smart and has a photographic memory, but because she can’t speak or move like other kids, people assume she’s not capable. The book explores her journey as she finds her voice through a communication device and shows the world what she’s truly capable of.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I loved this book because it’s deeply emotional and eye-opening. It made me think about how people with disabilities often face unfair assumptions and challenges that most of us don’t even notice. Melody’s determination and bravery were incredibly inspiring.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“I’m really interested in understanding other people’s perspectives, and this book reminded me how important it is to look beyond appearances and be compassionate. It also made me think about how small actions, like including someone or listening carefully, can make a big difference in someone’s life.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“The part that stayed with me the most was when Melody finally joined the school quiz team and proved just how brilliant she is. It was such a triumphant moment but also bittersweet because not everyone accepted her success. It really taught me how important it is to advocate for yourself and others, even in the face of adversity.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“Out of My Mind was not just a moving story but also a reminder to be more empathetic and inclusive. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading it, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to better understand the world from a different perspective.”
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“A book I recently read and enjoyed is How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“It’s about a girl named Georgina who faces a tough situation after her family becomes homeless. Desperate to help her mom earn enough money to get a home, Georgina comes up with a plan to ‘borrow’ a dog and collect the reward money for returning it. But things don’t go as planned, and she learns some valuable lessons along the way.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I liked this book because it was both heartwarming and thought-provoking. It made me think about how difficult life can be for families in tough situations and how people sometimes make questionable decisions when they feel they don’t have any other options.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“The story really resonated with me because I care about fairness and empathy. It reminded me how important it is to try to understand why people make the choices they do, even when they might not seem right at first glance.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“The part that stuck with me the most was when Georgina realized that her plan to steal a dog wasn’t just wrong but also hurt the dog’s owner. She understood that trying to solve her problems by hurting others wasn’t the answer. That moment was powerful because it showed how much she grew throughout the story.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“How to Steal a Dog is a book that really made me think about the importance of kindness, honesty, and perseverance, even during hard times. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to read a story that’s not just entertaining but also full of valuable lessons about life and morality.”
Dune by Frank Herbert.
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“A book I recently read and enjoyed is Dune by Frank Herbert.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“It’s a science fiction epic about Paul Atreides, a young nobleman who is thrust into a dangerous power struggle on the desert planet Arrakis, which is the only source of a valuable substance called ‘spice.’ The story is filled with political intrigue, environmental challenges, and Paul’s journey to embrace his destiny.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I enjoyed Dune because it’s not just a story about futuristic worlds and battles—it’s also about leadership, survival, and the consequences of power. The complex characters and the way the author weaves themes of ecology and human resilience really drew me in.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“The themes of environmental conservation in the book particularly resonated with me. It made me think about how precious natural resources are and how we need to balance using them with protecting our environment. I also admired Paul’s growth as a leader and how he handled the immense pressure placed on him.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“One moment that stood out to me was when Paul first realizes his unique abilities and starts to take control of his destiny. It was inspiring to see how he overcame his fears and embraced his role as a leader, even though he didn’t choose it initially. It reminded me of how important it is to adapt and rise to challenges in our own lives.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“Dune is not just an exciting story, but it also makes you think deeply about leadership, responsibility, and the impact of human actions on the environment. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking science fiction with meaningful lessons.”
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewar
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“A book I recently read and really enjoyed is The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“It’s about a group of four exceptionally gifted children—Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance—who are recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict for a secret mission. They go undercover at a mysterious institute to stop a villainous plot that could take over people’s minds. The story is full of puzzles, teamwork, and unexpected twists.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I loved this book because it’s not just about solving mysteries—it’s also about friendship, teamwork, and how each of the kids’ unique strengths plays a vital role. The characters are relatable, and the clever challenges they face kept me hooked the entire time.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“The idea that everyone has a special strength really resonated with me. It made me think about how collaboration is often the key to overcoming challenges, whether it’s in school projects or in everyday life. I also enjoyed the way the book encouraged thinking creatively and looking at problems from different perspectives.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“One memorable moment for me was when the team had to work together to send a message back to Mr. Benedict under the watchful eyes of their enemies. It showed how trust and quick thinking can lead to success, even in high-pressure situations. It reminded me of the importance of staying calm and relying on others when facing tough challenges.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“The Mysterious Benedict Society is such a fun and inspiring story. It’s not only entertaining, but it also teaches you about courage, creativity, and the power of teamwork. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries and stories about friendship.”
The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“A book I recently read and really enjoyed is The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“The story follows twins Alex and Conner Bailey, who accidentally fall into a magical book and find themselves in a fairy-tale world. To return home, they must collect items for the Wishing Spell, all while navigating encounters with familiar characters like Snow White, Goldilocks, and the Evil Queen.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I loved this book because it blends classic fairy tales with exciting new adventures. It was amazing to see well-known characters from my childhood portrayed in a more complex and relatable way. The mix of humor, suspense, and creativity kept me engaged from start to finish.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“The story also emphasizes resilience and the importance of family, which I found really meaningful. Alex and Conner’s bond as siblings reminded me of how my own family supports each other when things get tough. It also inspired me to think about how challenges can be opportunities for growth.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“One of my favorite moments was when Alex and Conner met Goldilocks, who turned out to be a brave and independent character rather than just a girl who wandered into a bear’s house. It taught me that there’s often more to people’s stories than meets the eye, which is something I try to remember in real life, too.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“The Land of Stories is a magical and heartfelt read that’s perfect for anyone who loves fairy tales or adventure. It shows that no matter how far you go, you can always find your way back home with courage and determination.”
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“One book I recently read and couldn’t put down is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“The story is set in a dystopian world where the Capitol forces 24 children, called Tributes, to fight in an annual televised battle to the death. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, volunteers to take her sister’s place in the brutal competition, and the book follows her journey of survival and resistance.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I really enjoyed this book because it’s packed with action, strategy, and emotional depth. Katniss is such a strong and relatable character who shows courage, intelligence, and a deep love for her family. The social commentary on inequality and power was also fascinating.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“The book made me think about standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are against you. Katniss’s determination and her ability to think critically in difficult situations were inspiring to me. It reminded me how important it is to stay true to your values.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“My favorite moment was when Katniss outsmarted the Capitol by threatening to eat poisonous berries with her ally, Peeta. It showed not only her bravery but also how she used her wit to challenge a system that seemed unbeatable.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“The Hunger Games is an intense and thrilling story, but it’s also a reminder of how resilience and moral courage can inspire change. It’s a book that keeps you thinking long after you’ve finished it.”
Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“A book I recently read and enjoyed is Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“It’s about Anne Shirley, a spirited and imaginative orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with two siblings, Marilla and Matthew, on Prince Edward Island. The book follows Anne’s adventures, mischief, and her journey of growing up.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I enjoyed this book because Anne is such a relatable and inspiring character. Her creativity, optimism, and determination make her someone you can’t help but root for.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“I related to Anne’s love for storytelling and her ability to find beauty in everyday life. It reminded me to approach life with curiosity and appreciation for small moments.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“My favorite moment was when Anne accidentally dyes her hair green in an attempt to change its color. It was both funny and heartwarming, showing how she embraces her mistakes and learns from them.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“Anne of Green Gables is a story about resilience, finding joy in the simple things, and the power of imagination. It left me feeling uplifted and inspired.”
Holes by Louis Sachar
1. Start with the Book Title and Author
“A book I recently read and really enjoyed is Holes by Louis Sachar.”2. Briefly Describe the Book
“The story follows Stanley Yelnats, a boy sent to a juvenile detention camp in the desert where the boys dig holes as punishment. But the plot unravels into a mystery involving a family curse, buried treasure, and unexpected friendships.”3. Explain Why You Liked It
“I loved this book because it combines humor, mystery, and life lessons. The way the story connects past and present events kept me hooked until the end.”4. Connect It to Your Interests or Values
“The book highlights the value of perseverance and friendship. Stanley’s journey reminded me that even in unfair situations, staying hopeful and working with others can lead to unexpected outcomes.”5. Share a Memorable Moment or Lesson
“My favorite part was when Stanley and his friend Zero uncover the hidden treasure. It was a satisfying and emotional moment, showing how their hard work and trust in each other paid off.”6. Wrap Up Positively
“Holes is an exciting and layered story that teaches the importance of resilience, kindness, and the unexpected ways life connects us. It’s a book I’d recommend to anyone.”
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