In an email interview, the actor (“The Office”) explained why working in comedy drew him to exploring big mistakes, in a podcast that led to the book. SCOTT HELLER

What books are on your night stand?

“The History of Sound,” by Ben Shattuck, and “The Library Book,” by Susan Orlean.

How do you organize your books?

I don’t. Books migrate between dignified shelves, unruly coffee tables and chaotic piles that sprout around my office like mushrooms.

Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, how).

This might sound strange, but one of my favorite reading experiences was standing on the New York City subway, clinging to a pole with one hand and reading “Moby-Dick” on my phone with the other. Sometimes I was so engrossed I’d get off the train and just plop down on a bench to finish a chapter. But honestly, nothing beats reading aloud to my kids in our little reading nook at home.

What’s the last great book you read?

I’ve read a lot of good books, but the last truly great book I read was “The Overstory,” by Richard Powers.