Hello Bookworms, whether you just started reading, have been reading periodically throughout your entire life, or possibly don’t remember when you weren’t obsessed with books; we all have our reading journey. For me, reading was something that’s always been in my life. As a current university student, it’s evolved into academic texts being a large part of the “books” I find myself reading. However, I will never turn down a thriller. I can’t remember the first time I picked up a book, but I must add that in grade 1, I won the award for most books read in my class- I believe the number was around 100. Thank you very much…Looking back now, I love the journey I’ve been through, having discovered new genres, authors, and writing styles I appreciate, and it’s an ever-changing journey in which my taste evolves with me.
I am so thankful for reading and books. I love learning, and the ability to transfer knowledge through a book, although it’s more evident when it’s something like non-fiction, is incredible. I’ve found such joy through the simple act of reading. The connections I’ve made and the things it’s led me to discover about myself and the world are indescribable.
It’s such a calming activity as well. Reading is somewhat of a comfort to me. The sensation of reading will never change, and when I’m anxious, I can rely on the fact that curling up with a book will give me a feeling of warmth and a sense of home—every single time.
How could one describe this one? It’s tough even now. What a lovely book, thought-provoking, revolutionary, and honestly ground-breaking stuff to be introduced to as a child. I’m not exactly sure if this can even classify as a book; nevertheless, what a work of art. I would recommend it to all the children out there, not that any are reading, although they should be.
Some of the books and series I can first remember loving or developing an attachment to is The Magic Treehouse series.
Another absolute classic. Anything by Robert Munch is, but these titles, in particular, I may have read approximately a standard 1 billion times. Maybe a little more, perhaps a little less.
I could never forget these beauties. My shelves when I was younger looked EXACTLY like this image—something so magical (get it, I’m funny, right) about these books.
Picture little Erin reading these and being very confused. Then convincing herself she was an absolute poetry master, whipping out multiple poems daily…CERTAIN to be the next Shel Silverstein.
Of course, I am unsure how old I was one year, but my family and I went to Cuba, and the resort allowed book swaps in the lobby. I remember finding this old battered-up copy of Candlyfloss and reading it all during my stay. I loved it so much that I was allowed to bring it home, only to reread it way too many times later. Anyway, I’ll forever hold a sweet memory tied to my family when I think of this book. It also led me to discover this author’s other titles, eventually smitten with the ones I found. I think it’s safe to say I was obsessed with Jacqueline Wilson for a few years there, and My Sister Jodie ended up having A CHOKEHOLD on me; I wish I were kidding. This book did something to me; I was in a trance.
Now the time has come. What time, you may be asking? Well, the time we’ve all been waiting for. It wasn’t a matter of if but of WHEN this era would come to be. And that’s the Percy Jackson obsession phase in which my entire life revolved around this series and practically anything to do with it.
I have a full series review at this link and another post with an unnecessarily detailed description of my never-ending love here.
Although it may be hard to believe- as everyone I’VE EVER mentioned it to immediately thinks I’m lying, I never read harry potter. Looking back at the author’s actions, I’m not upset about it. But I recall struggling to read this first book when I was younger- not due to the length (super talented and intelligent individual over here), but because the content bored me. Don’t ask why; not sure how a fantasy-filled novel led me to yawn, but it’s the truth. Thus, we shall skip over the usual Potter phase I’ve found many bookworms experienced (replaced with a much better mythology phase). I went through Rick Riordan’s entire backlog of books at this time, although the original series continues to hold my heart.
These two received an honourable mention as books I still have in my library that I recall loving so much when I first read them. The Smile comic is quite popular, and the other title is The Strange Gift of Gwendolyn Golden: The Night Flyer’s Handbook, which was the cutest read that taught me so much at that age.
From left to right, the titles above are Awake and Dreaming, Counting by 7’s, Out of My Mind and Half Brother. I don’t have much to say regarding these, but they are also books I only have fond memories of, and I genuinely think they are incredible books to read at any age.
Drum roll…it’s Junior High and High School time!
Throughout Junior High School was when my Throne of Glass obsession begun. I will never forget the feeling of instantly running to the bookstore the day a book would release, and it’s a little rarer to experience now. However, the joy I felt as I would wait upwards of a year for these books to release was immense. There’s something so exciting about tubing a series, the characters and the author so much that you can count down the days to the newest book.
Following Throne of Glass, although my love for that series wasn’t replaced, I also expanded to ACOTAR from the same author.
I have a post I loved loved loved writing in which I detail to a more significant extent, books that imprinted on me here. I suggest one see those to understand even better the books I read around this time and more recently. However, on top of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, one of my absolute favourites from this time, I read Fangirl, Eleanor and Park, and a few others seen below that were phenomenal. I was mostly in the midst of a contemporary phase, with a few fantasy books scattered between these years. But something about reading the books about the current period I WAS IN, being in school and nearing graduation, these contemporary novels were a great help in navigating my emotions and providing comfort.
The link to a post about my ALL-time faves !
I have to give a little shoutout to the thousandth floor; this series was EVERYTHING to me at a certain point, too. These characters…gosh, so well written, it’s still somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me, as the writing no longer challenges me, but the storyline never fails. Right below it is The Selection, another series that served as a similar guilty pleasure to young me. It’s not to say anything negative regarding those that enjoy these books. However, they were a little out of my comfort zone at that point, and the writing was not meant to challenge but entertain, something that is entirely acceptable.
Leading us to today…
I am delving into many more non-fiction, memoirs and philosophy/sociology books than I would have ever predicted. But specific tendencies remain; I will never grow out of literary fiction and adult contemporary.
I am so grateful for reading, the people it’s led me to, and the calmness it can bring me instantly. As someone who loves learning, it’s such an incredible tool that I’m afraid it isn’t utilized enough. I will always enjoy reading, and for that, I’m sure. The format it’s in doesn’t matter, whether it be a physical book, an audiobook, or an ebook.
With my reading preferences changing as I do, I’ve realized how much reading has to offer, the beauty of writing and the ultimate power of words. I genuinely feel so grateful to be able to hold a book and appreciate it for what it is. Something so timeless about them is the transfer of words from one author to the reader. It’s extraordinary, and I wish people never fell out of touch with it as they grew up.
Tell the sun and stars hello for me
Rick Riordan, from The House of Hades
Thanks for reading!
Reading On A Star 
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