How did you guys get into reading and what are your favourite books? ( any genre)

[Bushra]

How did you guys get into reading and what are your favourite books ? (any genre)

[Diana]

I simply started and have never stopped.
My reading has increased over the years and I now read more books than I ever have.
My favourite genre is probably historical fiction, but I tend to read anything and everything keeping myself out of my comfort zone. Some books I have really enjoyed have surprised me.

I don't have favourites but I loved a book called The Temple House Vanishing by Rachel Donohue (thriller)

[Bruna]

When I was a kid I loved to read science and archaeology books. I loved (and still love) to know more. It was a pleasure.

As I went through my teenage years I had a hate relationship with books. I was obligated to read for classes, and I didn't like the books that were chosen. I did love a few books that I found, either by hype (like the Fifty Shades trilogy), or because I loved the movies (like Harry Potter). But those were not good years for me, reading wise.

When I was in college from my late teens to mid 20s, I was forced to read a lot in order to complete classes (basically chasing citations). So, my childhood passion to read about science vanished.

It was last year that I decided to recover that love of reading. A little bit of science, a little bit of fantasy, a little bit of non-fiction. But it was only this year that I gained traction. The trilogy of the Folk of the Air, which is fantasy genre (my favorite), made me fall in love with reading again. It's effortless now. I love it again!

[Trisha]

I've been a reader forever, but I recently got back into it during the pandemic when I needed to disassociate from my job (I was running an emergency room at the time. It was...rough).

My FAVORITE series right now that I think everyone who loves indie books/dark fantasy books is the Prophecies of Angels and Demons series by Cassandra Aston--it's finished this year, and it's on Kindle Unlimited, too! Plus she's super funny and active on her socials/discord server.

Book order:
Grave Secrets
Firefly (Novella, 1.5)
Grave Prophecies
Light (Novella, 2.5)
Grave Revelations (Released November 2024)

[Christine]

As soon as I could read, I started reading children's books. My parents both read books, that's what probably made me interested in reading books, too.
"Lady and the Tramp" was one of my very first books when I was 6 or 7 years old.
When I was 10, my best friend lent me her older brothers' suspenseful Famous Five books by Enid Blyton and that turned me into an avid reader.

My favorites these days are movie books, (auto)biographies and crime novels by Mary Higgins Clark, Nelson DeMille, Linwood Barclay, Stieg Larsson, Camilla Laeckberg's Fjellbacka series, Joy Fielding, Charlotte Link and particularly Michael Allegretto who might be dead. He hasn't published another thriller over the past 25 + years.

[Kaitlyn]

Since I was a toddler, I loved my parents reading to me. I started reading at 3 y/o and never stopped. And I have too many books I love

[Karen]

When I was a kid, my teacher, who would read Harry Potter to us, encouraged us to get into the AR program because, for every quiz you took, you would get points and get entered into a lottery to win a prize.

And that is the origin of how I started reading and accidentally won a TV in elementary school. LOL

[Maya]

I've loved reading since middle school. Whenever I was done with work or a test I'd immediately pull out my book and start reading.
I stopped reading for pleasure in college just cause of school and stress. I picked it up again in 2020 during the pandemic. This is the first year I've given myself a challenge to read 30 books in a year. So far I've finished 10 books.

[Christine]

growing up I always saw my mom and grandmom reading, so I would also read, I kind of lost interest in high school and college bc reading became a chore. But once I graduated and could read for fun again, i did. I have been in a reading slump probably for the last 10 years, reading only 1-2 a year, but at the end of last year I started reading again. Since then I have read almost 60 books! I am so glad I found reading again.
Babysitters Club and Sweet Valley High started my love for reading, Harry Potter and Nicholas Sparks restarted my love of reading. And now Romance is my favorite and seem to not be able to read all the books fast enough.

[Nora (Grayson's version)]

I started reading with comics (dogman, wimpy kid, narwhal and jelly books, etc.) when I was 11 or 12 and that's when I fell in love with reading and decided that I should never stop!

[Vittoria]

i remember I used to hate it, because reading was all my sisters did instead of playing with me. But because of that I hadn't much to do, so in the end I started reading to spend my time, and I surprisingly found it is fun.

Not sure about my favourite books, but I'm in love with fantasy and really like detective and mistery stories. Though, if a book is well written, I don't mind the genre and can read anything

[Rori]

I read when I was a kid, but what really got me INTO reading was reading fanfiction stories, I have not read them in ages now I miss them.

my favorite books
1. John Dies At The End Series by David Wong Jason Pargin
2. Detective Hunter series by Chris Carter
3. A Glimpse Into Hell Series by Wade H Garrett

I only read Horror thrillers and gore.

[MahiyA]

well my parents introduce books since a very lil, and it still like usually are and never stopped (the way I love books) currently my fav were Percy Jackson serial. my genre pick is fantasy n slice of life ^____^

[Daniz]

A reallyyyy pretty Harry Potter collectors edition lol

[Judith Speed]

Mum was always reading to me or making up stories, and taught me to read before I started school. She always made sure I had access to plenty of books (beginning with Topsy and Tim or Noddy) and I kept going from there. She never rubbished the books I enjoyed but always encouraged me to have opinions.
I had a brief period away from reading in my twenties- I guess when I finished university, I had lost the concept of reading for pleasure, but picked it up again after a few years (I have Stephen King to thank for that) and now I can’t go a day without reading.
Fiction is my favourite genre, but I have also enjoyed autobiographies, history and even some poetry. At a push, even a bus ticket will do 😊

[Gina]

I have loved reading my entire life and have journaled my reviews for my own enjoyment. I’ve recently discovered reviewing and digital reading journals to add to my reading hobby. My favorites
1. “Where the wild things are”
2. “Thehouse in the cerulean sea”
3 “Book of doors”
4 “The dark and secret magic”
5 “Harry Potter”

[Brianna]

being an only child/ only grandchild growing up. escaped my loneliness through the adventures of my books. it's still my most valued coping mechanism, escape from reality, and stress relief. always been big on fantasy especially as a kid, but dabbled in mystery and historical fiction for a bit. horror manga and romantasy genres are my fav now. Fourth Wing series and ACOTAR are my current faves

[Christine]

Judith Speed wrote: "Mum was always reading to me or making up stories, and taught me to read before I started school. She always made sure I had access to plenty of books (beginning with Topsy and Tim or Noddy) and I ..."



Same here, it was Enid Blyton and Norman Dale together with Elizabeth Enright (US author who wrote children's books) who turned me into an avid reader when I was 10.
Didn't read Stephen King before I was in my late twenties/early thirties, but I've read Agatha Christie and Victoria Holt in my early to mid twenties and enjoyed both authors tremendously.
Then I discovered Patricia Highsmith and from that point on crime novels were my favorite genre.

I think I will reread Philippa Carr's (pseudonym for Victoria Holt) Daughters of England series next year.

[Maia]

I was really into reading as a child. However, it was the release of The Darkest Minds movie that got me back into it. I read the entire Darkest Minds series in less than a month and just kept reading.

[Alisha]

I actually used to hate reading as a small child, but my dad told me to think of a book as TV in my head that i can control how things look. I read a lot when I was in middle school to the point I was making weekly trips to the library and picking out between 5-10 a week. As i got older i still read but not as much because of high school and college. After college i got back into reading as much as i have been now where i go through books in 1-3 days and read everyday.

[Morgan]

I was really really bad with comprehension in elemetary school and at times I hated getting horrible grades cause I would be either be pulled out of classes due to violin lessons or it was remediation classes. I decided in like 6th grade to stop violin so I could get better grades and I did. I was reading books on and off like I read Judy Blume books, some Goosebumps(my 2nd grade teacher used to read us Goosebumps books so it not only inspired me to read but I like horror). I had my twilight phase too and read the Hunger Games when the movies came out. In High School, I was actually disappointed cause we watched movies based on books instead of reading the actual books. Now that I’m older, I appreciate the art of a good book. I’ve been reading pretty much almost everyday for almost a year and I have ACOTAR to thank for that. I’m into reading memoirs, fantasy, horror, some thriller/crime, sometimes romance if it’s an interesting story.

[Vanessa]

Great question, Bee! I really enjoyed reading all of the responses.

I learned to read from the "read along" picture books/record combos. Yes, vinyl! 33 1/3 RPM.

We had sustained silent reading during downtime in elementary school and I enjoyed the popular Sweet Valley Twins and The Babysitter's Club books of the time.

I wanted to do everything that my friend Tammy did and at age 12 we were fulfilling her desire to read Danielle Steel. I still remember the local librarian giving us concerning looks when we placed the novels on the checkout counter.

Nowadays I adore reading history.

[Brandon]

Bee wrote: "How did you guys get into reading and what are your favourite books ? (any genre)"

Mom understood the value of intelligence, and started with me and my two brothers at the time bringing her 3 books each, so because of her wisdom, we all gained a habit of reading (especially before bed). Historical Fiction is probably my favorite.

P.S. Thanks Mom!

[Jill]

I taught myself how to read when I was five years old, and ever since then, I've always loved it.

[Judith Speed]

Vanessa wrote: "Great question, Bee! I really enjoyed reading all of the responses.

I learned to read from the "read along" picture books/record combos. Yes, vinyl! 33 1/3 RPM.

We had sustained silent reading du..."

[Judith Speed]

Judith Speed wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Great question, Bee! I really enjoyed reading all of the responses.

I learned to read from the "read along" picture books/record combos. Yes, vinyl! 33 1/3 RPM.

We had sustained s..."
Danielle Steele reminds me of the days when you felt short-changed if your book didn’t have at least 800 pages and span fifty years, four generations and three continents. And then be adapted into a sleek mini series.

[Sam]

My dad got me into reading as a kid. He is a big reader himself. He use to read me stories all the time. I remember when he read to me The Hobbit for the first time as a kid. That was the first time i became obsessed with a book. I loved it! When i was in middle school, the series of unfortunate events books reignited my love for reading. I started reading obsessively ever since.

Some of my fave books are : the percy jackson books by rick riordan, we hunt the flame by Hafsah Faizal, legendborn by tracy deonn, divine rivals by rebecca ross, once upon a broken heart by stephanie garber

[Angelica]

I got into reading because it helped me learn how to speak and write English. My step-dad used to give me reading assignments from 3rd grade to freshman year of high school and made me answer questions and write a book report for each. I still remember the first book he had me read at 10 years old was Ivanhoe. He did it because he wanted his daughters to grow up and "become intelligent, intellectual young women with more to offer than looks".
At first I really hated reading, because it was something I was forced to do but that didn't last long at all!

[emma ☆๋]

I have always loved to read since I was a kid. My mom would always take time to read books at night before I went to bed, which has stuck with me growing up.

I'll read pretty much any genre of book. My all-time favorite book though is The Great Gatsby.

[Marti]

I started reading with The Maze Runner books by Dashner, and my favorite books are The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, In Memoriam by Alice Winn, and Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. Please, read them.

[Christine]

Judith Speed wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Great question, Bee! I really enjoyed reading all of the responses.

I learned to read from the "read along" picture books/record combos. Yes, vinyl! 33 1/3 RPM..."

800 pages! That sounds more like Rosamunde Pilcher. And her books are hard to put down after page 1.

I tried to read Danielle Steel on three occasions, because I love her TV movies. However, the novel "Crossing" by Steel was not nearly as compelling as the Mini TV series with Diane Ladd. Danielle Steel has a way of over-describing the way a room is decorated or the flowers in the room.
She could learn a lot from Patricia Highsmith who used short sentences and yet created lots of atmosphere.

[Vanessa]

Judith Speed wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Great question, Bee! I really enjoyed reading all of the responses.

I learned to read from the "read along" picture books/record combos. Yes, vinyl! 33 1/3 RPM..."

Yes!

[Vanessa]

Christine wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Great question, Bee! I really enjoyed reading all of the responses.

I learned to read from the "read along" picture books/record combos. Y..."

Christine, I love what you wrote about Steel's flowery room descriptions. One of our little joys at the library office is turning over Steel's newest books and critiquing the author photo on the back. It seems more often that not she's in a very plush and gilded room, with attire to match. Very fun! I admire the longevity in her career but I can't speak to her writing.

I've not read any Highsmith as yet but someday want to read The Talented Mr. Ripley.

[Christine]

Vanessa wrote: "Christine wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Great question, Bee! I really enjoyed reading all of the responses.

I learned to read from the "read along" picture book..."

Hi Vanessa,

"The Talented Mr. Ripley" is o.k., but "Ripley Under Ground" and "Ripley's Game" are much more thrilling/suspenseful.
Consider reading "The Talented Mr. Riply" as background knowledge and then enjoy the next two books and also volume 4 "The Boy who followed Ripley".

I cannot recommend "Ripley Under Water" (volume 5) though. Was so disappointed with the novel locations.

Cheers,

Chrissie

[Leeann]

It was in middle school were everyone in my English class had to read Percy Jackson the Lighting Thief book. I didn't like the idea of being foceed to read the same book ad at the time I wasn't a huge fan of reading but after the first five or so chapters I ended up liking the book and when I learned there was more books in the series I HADE to get them.

I like reading YA books mostly Fantasy and syfy. Sometimes I will read Supernatural like stories and Thriller/mysteries when I'm in the spooky mood.

[Vanessa]

Christine wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Christine wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Great question, Bee! I really enjoyed reading all of the responses.

I learned to read from the "read alo..."

Thank you so much for the recommendations, Christine!

[Jenny Baker]

As a teen, I remember reading Heaven by V. C. Andrews, and I immediately wanted to read the next book in the series. I recently read Flowers in the Attic for nostalgia, but her writing just didn't hold up. I've read thousands of books since reading Heaven, so I'm sure my tastes have changed.

[Leeann]

Dar wrote: "I started reading with The Maze Runner books by Dashner, and my favorite books are The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, In Memoriam by Alice Winn, and Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson. Pl..."

I Love the Maze Runner books!!!

[Elsie]

Bee wrote: "How did you guys get into reading and what are your favourite books ? (any genre)"

I started reading fairly often in 4th grade and I remember (ironic?) my favorite book was Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing! LOL so I loved Judy Blume (and others I'm sure; just don't remember) through the sixth grade. I also remember loving those choose your own adventure books. Then I started reading teen romance or best friends books. Since my teen years I've had bouts off and on of not reading and then reading. However, the older I get, the more I want to read! My favorite is of course the Holy Bible but I love reading all kinds of fiction. If it sounds good from the synopsis, I'll read it!

[Christine]

Vanessa wrote: "Christine wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Christine wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Judith Speed wrote: "Vanessa wrote: "Great question, Bee! I really enjoyed reading all of the responses.

I learned to read ..."

You're very welcome. :)

[Katherine ⸆⸉]

i discovered the diary of a wimpy kid series when i was like 9-10y, they seemed fun, plus i was a huge fan of the movies and i became obsessed, since then i love reading, at 12-13 years old i started reading romance and became even more obsessed😭
my fav books are The fortune falls series and The empyrean series!