I’m not one of those types who’s been “reading since I was a baby.”
Maybe around preschool days, I was.
I don’t exactly remember the first time I opened a book and enjoyed it. But I know it all started when my godparents gave me picture books for presents.
Most of them were different versions of fairy tales. I loved every bit of them. I remember flipping through them again and again, and being mesmerized each time.
Unfortunately, I don’t remember the names of those books anymore. I even scoured the internet, including eBay, but I couldn’t find them.
As I start a new book blog this year (as I have tried so many times before), I wanted to begin with something fun. I keep seeing this trend over on bookstagram, and I thought I’d join in, but I’m a more-than-one-liner kind of girl, so I’m doing it here instead.
So, in the spirit of looking back, this is my version of Books That Made Me.
To me, these are the stories that shaped how I read, what I look for in books, and the kind of reader I’ve become. These books feel like little pieces of my life, and as corny as it sounds, they really did make it richer.
Sweet Valley Twins
When I was in high school, I received a box of secondhand books from my dad’s manager’s daughter. One of those books was Francine Pascal’s Sweet Valley Twins. That’s where I met the Wakefield twins.
I followed them through their little adventures and sleuthing. I remember reading these books every weekend. It felt like I always had something to look forward to, a world I could return to again and again.
Nancy Drew
Another treasure from that same box was the Nancy Drew series by Carol Keene, specifically the ones set during her time at Wilde University.
The books were not in order, but I still read them religiously. I also read them slowly, over weekends, completely immersed. I think this is where my love for mystery stories really started.
Harry Potter series
I first fell in love with Harry Potter through the films back in 2001, and yes, Daniel Radcliffe’s blue eyes may have had something to do with it.
But more than that, I was completely drawn to the magic, the witches, and especially the idea of a wizarding school.
I dreamed of that world every day throughout my teenage years. It was one of the best times—waiting for the films and books to come out each year. I couldn’t buy the books then. We didn’t have a budget for them. Still, it was fun just talking about them with my friends.
I even dreamed of moving to the UK someday because of this franchise… and here I am, 20 years later. My 12-year-old self would be so proud.
I’m well aware that there’s a lot of mess surrounding You-Know-Who, and I personally don’t agree with her.
But this is the book for me. The series that made me fall in love with reading, and so much more. It’ll always have a special place in my heart.
The Hunger Games trilogy
This was my first dystopian novel, and I actually won my copy from a giveaway. I read it in 2010, the year I started my very first book blog.
I remember how completely it consumed me. I was so immersed in the story, and of course, I was fully invested in Team Peeta vs Team Gale (like everyone else back then).
This book stayed with me in a big way. The characters are so memorable that I named my little one after Finnick Odair.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
My dear friend recommended this series to me. I picked this up during my Harry Potter hangover around 2011 — and it absolutely delivered!
Percy is still one of my all-time favorite fictional characters. He’s funny, chaotic, and just so fun to read. I reread the first book before the TV adaptation, and I thought the magic was still there. It certainly brought back many lovely memories for me.
All in all, I had the best time with this series.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This book was also recommended to me by a friend (same one who told me to read Percy Jackson).
This one hits different. It was raw, emotional, and honest in a way I hadn’t experienced before. It made me realize that books don’t always have to be big or magical to leave an impact.
The Mortal Instruments
Specifically, City of Bones, City of Ashes, and City of Glass. I loved these three books!
This was one of those series that completely pulled me into a world — the characters, the dialogue, the drama.
Although I didn’t continue with the rest because it started to feel like too much. I always thought City of Glass ended perfectly. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe not. Either way, I’m happy with my decision.
The Infernal Devices trilogy
This trilogy was the last Cassandra Clare series I read, and I adored it.
Mainly, I love the world-building in this prequel. Cassandra is genuinely amazing at it. And then, of course, the unforgettable characters.
I’ve never really been a fan of love triangles, but somehow this one completely pulled me in. The story, the atmosphere, the characters… it all just worked.
If I Stay & Where She Went
These books are one of the reasons I started reading contemporary fiction.
There are scenes in these books that still live in my head. The ones you don’t forget. In my reread, I found some cheesy lines, but it was easy to overlook them because the story was impressive.
They showed me how emotional and powerful simple stories can be.
Graceling
Katsa, to me, is the blueprint for strong female characters.
Anyway, I loved everything about this. The world, the story, and especially how the romance felt like a side story rather than the whole point.
A total must-read for every fantasy book lover!
Inkheart
This sparked my love for middle-grade fantasy even more.
This is such a whimsical read. It’s like a love letter for book lovers. I love Cornelia Funke’s immersive writing and the fun characters’ names—Silvertongue and Dustfinger.
I remember devouring the first two books and being completely enchanted by the idea of books coming to life and being in it.
Coraline
My first Neil Gaiman book! This was creepy, clever, and just eccentric, and I loved it.
I also loved the story of how Neil Gaiman came up with the “Coraline” name. It was a typo! He is truly one of the masters of writing fantasy books.
This was the beginning of my Neil Gaiman shelf.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
This is one of my most re-read books.
Every time someone asks for a recommendation, and I’m not sure what they want, I always recommend this one. It never fails.
This isn’t even a fantasy story, but it transported me into a whole new world I almost never want to leave. Obviously, I’m in love with Evelyn with all her chaotic and beautiful life.
It reminded me how much I love historical fiction, and how powerful storytelling can be.
The Handmaid’s Tale
I read this around 2019, and it left such a strong impression.
I remember reading it and feeling so sad and scared because this could actually happen.
After reading this, I got obsessed with Margaret Atwood’s writing. I started reading a couple of her other books—the start of my Atwood shelf.
And Then There Were None
My all-time favorite Agatha Christie book.
I’ve always loved mystery stories (as evidenced by the first two books on this list), but this one felt timeless and perfect, the tension, the pacing, the ending.
Everything just worked. It’s just unforgettable!
Looking back, I think these books shaped not just what I read, but how I read, slowly and emotionally. I always look for something to pull me in, something I can carry with me for many days and years.
I’d love to know—what books made you? Share it in the comment section!
