<p>I do not believe there is any connection between the essay and the book list. Since you have probably read more books than you can count in that past few years, there is a certain degree of strategy in your choice of books. You could look at the list as a measure of how well read you are or you could look at it as an opportunity to surprise the review committee with one or two unexpected titles. Based on the students that tend to apply to the Honors College, you may be able to separate yourself by avoiding the more predictable books.</p>