What are you reading right now?
"Currently, I am reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. It is an excellent World War II story about survival, resilience, and redemption. My grandfather served in World War II and was reading this book shortly before he died. He did not care for reading, so I was surprised to see him so enthralled in the book. My grandmother recently gave me the book, and I'm so glad she did. The book is a biography of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympian who became a soldier. He survived a plane crash, 47 days on a raft at sea, and more than two and a half years as a prisoner of war in three POW camps. It's amazing to me how someone could have survived all he did and lived to tell his story. It's a page-turner, for sure!"
When reviewing the student doctor interview feedback and questions and responses portal for Indiana University School of Medicine, many students mentioned they were asked this question. The IU interviewer wants to see that you have other literary interests besides the books and textbooks you are required to read for your schooling. The way you respond will give the interviewer insight into your interests, personality, and communication skills when talking about something non-academic. One interviewer even said they don't care what book you choose as long as you do not try too hard to relate the book to medicine and why you would be a good doctor.
However, a word of wisdom. Be careful that the book you are reading does not come off as offensive to the interviewer. For example, you might want to refrain from mentioning that you are reading a book on erotica or a religious book. If the interviewer does not follow the same religious beliefs or is offended by erotica, that could reflect poorly on you as a candidate.
