Some readers have one defining book. For me? It was a trail of stories, each one a little spark that lit up my love for reading. Today, I’m sharing the books that made me a reader…and then a writer.
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đź“š The Books That Made Me a Reader
From Boxcar Children to Fantasy Worlds of My Own
Some people remember a single book that changed everything for them. But for me, it wasn’t just one story—it was a collection of moments, a trail of pages I followed from childhood into the worlds I now write myself.
These are the books that made me a reader, the ones that shaped how I see stories, what I crave in a fictional world, and the kind of magic I now try to create in my own writing.
🧸 Childhood: Curiosity and Adventure
My love for books began when I was a little girl, tucked into cozy corners with stories that felt like home.
I devoured the American Girl books—Samantha, Felicity, Kit—all of them. These stories didn’t just teach history; they introduced me to brave girls who stood up for what was right. Even at that age, I think I was already drawn to heroines with big hearts and quiet strength.
Then there was The Boxcar Children, where mystery met independence. I was fascinated by the idea of kids living on their own, solving problems, making things work with only what they had. The simplicity and sweetness of their world stuck with me, feeding my own “can do” attitude.
And of course, illustrated classics like The Wind in the Willows and Peter Pan filled my imagination with whimsy and wonder. Talking animals. Flying children. A world where magic just was. I didn’t have words for it then, but I think these books planted the first seeds of what I now call “clean fantasy.”
✨ Middle Grade to Teen: Falling in Love with Fantasy
As I got older, I didn’t grow out of stories—I grew deeper into them. I started to crave adventure, epic stakes, and worlds unlike my own.
🧙‍♂️ Harry Potter
Yes, I was part of the midnight release crowd. And no, I have no regrets. I literally pretended to be sick so I could stay home from school and read The Goblet of Fire. (Mom, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry I lied.) That was the first book I ever binged in one day. The magical boarding school trope completely enchanted me. But more than that, it was the friendships, the found family, and the character growth that held me captive.
🧝‍♂️ The Lord of the Rings
This was the first time I encountered a truly epic story—one with sweeping landscapes, ancient languages, and a sense that everything mattered. I read it slowly, soaking in every word. It taught me that fantasy didn’t have to be flashy to be powerful. It could be quiet and deeply good. Naturally, I went to see the movie adaptations when they released and even had a movie marathon with my uncle when they all came out on DVD. (Do people still know what DVDs are??)
🧛 Twilight
Say what you will—but Twilight was a cultural moment, and I was in it. This was probably my first real introduction to fantasy romance. It was emotional, dramatic, and unapologetically intense. I still remember when my friend in highschool dance class introduced me to the series. She had no idea that by recomending the book, she’d totally change my life. And for the record, I’ll forever be #teamedward
🔥 YA Boom: Hunger Games, Divergent & Dystopian Drama
When dystopian fiction had its big moment, so did I.
🎯 The Hunger Games
Katniss wasn’t just a heroine—she was real. She was angry and flawed and brave. I was hooked on the danger, the survival, and the way love and loyalty still had room to bloom amid the ruins. I honestly don’t remember the exact point in my life when I read this series. For me, it’s just been a series that has stuck with me. I really had a full circle moment when my oldest boys read this series. It was a fun experience to share together.
🧬 Divergent
I saw a girl reading this book while waiting in line at the DMV to renew my license, and immediately went home and looked it up. (Of course, I could have talked to her about it, but I was too shy for that. Now? Now, I’ll happily talk to strangers about my favorite books all day long.) What drew me to this story was the dystopian setting and the factions. I’ve always loved “the end of the world, post-apocalyptic” setting. They’re fascinating to me, and I enjoy the philosophical question of what I might do in these dystopian worlds. Would I barely survive or totally thrive? I’d like to think I’d totally thrive, but truly, I never wish to be tested in this ha!
✍️ Today: From Reader to Writer
Looking back, I can see the threads clearly. Every book I loved growing up was packed with:
- Wonder and magic
- Adventure and trials
- Quiet strength in female characters
- Emotional connection over lusty romance
- Deep, immersive worldbuilding
And now? I write the kinds of stories I was always looking for: fantasy worlds with heart, romantic plots without spice, and realistic political intrigue layered into the pages.
These books didn’t just make me a reader. They made me a storyteller.
đź’¬ Your Turn: What Books Made You?
Whether your first love was a classic, a fairy tale, or a dystopian series that defined a generation—I want to know.
đź“– Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram and tell me:
What books made you a reader? Let’s celebrate our bookish origin stories together!
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