Discussing favorite book in a college interview?

I've heard interviewers often ask about your favorite book in college interviews. How should I go about picking a book, and what kind of discussions might follow? Any tips on handling this question authentically?

When it comes to picking a book for such a conversation, you should choose one that genuinely resonates with you. It should be a book that has affected you or made you think and reflect about the world, its nuances, or yourself in a distinct way. It doesn't necessarily need to be an academically acclaimed classic or a trendy bestseller; what matters is that it has had an impact on you.

The book is essentially a lens through which interviewers get to understand a little more about your personality, thinking process, perspectives, and passions. When discussing the book, focus on how it impacted you or how it shaped your knowledge, views, or personal character. Discuss why the book was meaningful to you.

As for the kind of discussion that might follow, it could range from a simple summary of the plot to an in-depth discussion about a character or theme, and its impact on you. The interviewer might ask you about why you like the book, what you learned from it, how it has influenced you, or how it connects with your interests or experiences.

Being genuine and thoughtful is key when handling this question. Remember, the goal isn't to impress your interviewer with the complexity of the book but to give them insight into who you are as a person and what interests and motivates you. For example, if you loved "To Kill a Mockingbird," instead of merely stating that it's a classic, you might discuss how it taught you about empathy, or sparked your interest in social justice issues.

Finally, be prepared for possible follow-up questions. If you mention a specific theory or idea from the book, your interviewer might delve deeper. It's a good idea to revisit the book before your interview to refresh your memory of the details. This will show your preparedness and your commitment to thoroughly understanding the topics that interest you.