I fell in love with reading at a very young age thanks to my mom taking us to our local library. Many happy memories were made visiting the wonderfully air conditioned space with my siblings on hot Florida days. We would hunt through the stacks for our favorites: I was always looking for the next installment of Encyclopedia Brown, the latest The Baby-Sitters Club release, and (if I was feeling brave that day) a copy of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Looking back now, I see how influential these family trips to check out books were in shaping me into the avid reader I am today.
Over the years, through many 5-star ratings and just as many DNFs, I have learned quite a bit about my various interests and preferences. For example, my first can’t-put-it-down reads from authors like Mary Higgins Clark, Michael Crichton, and James Patterson made a lasting impression. I truly adore dropping into a fast-paced novel and quickly turning the pages because I can’t wait to find out what happens next. While my days of devouring those “airport novel” paperbacks may be over, my love for propulsive stories remains. (Plus, in all honesty, I will definitely pick up whatever Dan Brown writes next!)
Searching out bookish advice and new ideas has been a significant aspect in my ever-evolving reading life. I long thought romance novels weren’t for me until I read this fabulous post by Anne about five years ago and it opened up a whole new world of reading for me to explore. Romance quickly became one of my favorite genres and I can’t believe I went so many years without it.
Narrowing down the books that have shaped me as a reader to these titles was such a fun walk down memory lane. My list really came together when I started thinking of the experiences that sparked my interest into further reading with similar types of novels, like a giant family tree of my current reading life. As you will see below, if a story has surprises, wit, romance, quirkiness, correspondence between characters, and/or mystery, then that is all the better.
I’ve also learned that it is not just the act of reading that I enjoy, but the social aspect as well. Joining many book clubs and buddy reads made a fantastic impact on my reading life. I delight in chatting with friends about their favorite books and what’s on their nightstands. With that in mind, I would love to hear what titles have made y’all the readers you are today and your thoughts on my list. Please make sure to comment and tell me all about it.
The books that shaped Brigid
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This entertaining sci-fi full of 80's pop culture references and easter eggs found me at a slump in my reading life and it was just what I needed to remember how fun an immersive story can be. Without a doubt, it’s one of my favorite reading experiences that instantly reminded me of how I felt reading Ender’s Game in high school and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a child. Plus, this is the book that began my preferred practice of having both a print version and audio version of my current read available so I can switch back and forth in the formats. I was so invested in Wade Watts' quest through the virtual world of the OASIS that I had to download the excellent audiobook narrated by Wil Wheaton so I could keep reading while I drove to work. My only criticism is best summed up by a quote from Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope, "the female's part is a little underwritten." More info →
I cannot make a list of the books that have shaped my reading without including one of my very favorite authors, Rainbow Rowell. Her lovely novels are some of the only ones I have re-read multiple times and I immediately pre-order her titles as soon as they are announced. Landline’s tale of second chance love between married couple Georgie and Neal is especially noteworthy since it made me notice how much I prefer to read seasonally. Set in December in the time leading up to Christmas, I got such a kick out of reading each chapter on its corresponding day in the calendar. Thanks to this touching story with a magical telephone, I always take a book’s time of year into account since matching up my current read to the exact day or month truly sparks joy for me. (Closed door.) More info →
Buddy reading this hefty classic was a real defining moment in my bookish history. The Count’s adventures sparked my interest in classic literature that still feels timely and reminded me that tackling intimidating books with the help of buddy reads is a great strategy. Plus, as a Scorpio, the revenge plot was my cup of tea! This lush interwoven epic has inspired me to read more of the classics I missed growing up and taught me that using character notes for intricate plots can be very helpful indeed. More info →
One of the first romance books I read that made me fall in love with the genre I had long ignored! This charming historical romp is a steamy Beauty and the Beast retelling that enchanted me from the first page when the main character arrives at the Duke's doorstep in a wedding dress. Tessa Dare's swoony stories are always thoughtfully clever and full of witty banter. (Open door.) More info →
In WSIRN #275: How many book clubs is too many book clubs?, Anne and I chatted about my love of murderous whodunits. This intriguing read by the Queen of Mystery is the one I often think back to as influencing my choices in the genre. The short standalone about the Leonides Family made me a fan of puzzling tales that are haunting without being gruesome. Engagingly quick with a surprisingly unique ending, perfect for fans of Knives Out like myself. Content warnings apply. More info →
The first in a series of extraordinary epistolary novels that feel like pop-up books for grown-ups. It is a gripping magical realism story about strangers mysteriously connecting through the mail. Told through the use of illustrated postcards and letters, I never tire of opening each letter and reading their star-crossed tale. Discovering this one-of-a-kind correspondence definitely began my love of epistolary storytelling like 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff and Attachments by Rainbow Rowell. More info →
As a teenager, I watched a plethora of horror-comedies like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Fright Night, Once Bitten, and The Lost Boys. While I enjoyed the humor and tropes about immortal creatures of the night in movies and shows, this classic novel by Anne Rice was the first vampire novel I read and it opened my eyes to how much more there was to the long-told myths of Dracula and the like. I have vivid memories of devouring (couldn't resist that pun) this book late into the night. I was totally enthralled by the tense and often gruesome, long-spanning saga of Louis and the Vampire Lestat. That captivation has led me to search out and enjoy many more vampire novels over the years. Content warnings apply. More info →
Reading cookbooks cover-to-cover and baking sweet treats are two of my favorite things to do in my free time. That all began with this scrumptious, beautiful, and quirky delight. Even if I have no intentions of making a recipe like the Steak and Kidney Pudding, since I am a long-time vegetarian, I find so much joy in reading the introductions to the recipes with all the tidbits and back stories. With unique ingredients and Nigella’s trademark sassiness and brilliant humor, this decades old cookbook still feels fresh and fun. More info →
Western romances quickly became my new favorite genre after reading this wonderful book. Spring, an independent and strong Wyoming rancher, stumbles across newcomer Garett in need of help; she decides to nurse him back to health. The steamy result is a surprisingly heartfelt tale with a bit of adventure that made me both laugh and cry. I adored the cowboy vibes that are reminiscent of Joan Wilder’s novels from the movie Romancing the Stone. This happily prompted me to seek out more of these rugged western romances like Done and Dusted by Lila Sage and A Thorn in the Saddle by Rebekah Weatherspoon. Siri, play “Cowboy Take Me Away” by The Chicks. (Open door.) More info →
Have you read any of these? What books shaped you? Please share in the comments.
Brigid Misselhorn is our MMD Book Club Community Administrator. Her go-to genres are mystery, romance, and sci-fi. You can find Brigid on Instagram @brigid_emily.
Good eye, Heidi! That is one of my longtime favorites and I hope to visit the restaurant in person someday.
Laura Reu says:
Moosewood is on my hometown! It’s a fun place to eat if you get the chance.
Lauren D says:
I loved Griffin & Sabine, also, and have never met anyone who has even heard of these, let alone read them. How delightful to know that you’ve read them, too (and to know that I am not crazy)!
Lisa says:
I loved the Griffin & Sabine series, and regret giving them away years ago during a move. Although I guess that means someone else gets to enjoy them as much as I did!
Colleen says:
I absolutely love these books!
Cheryl Powers says:
My now hubby suggested Griffin and Sabine to me while we were dating 20+ years ago! I went right out and bought the first one, loved reading them and discussing them with him! We still have our own individual copies and I think they’re absolutely gorgeous!
Brigid says:
So excited about all this Griffin & Sabine love! It truly is such a special series and it’s so fun to hear all of your experiences with the books. Thank you for sharing!
Laura says:
I love those books too!
KVK says:
I love those books too!
ANNA CHAN says:
There’s a spoof about the Griffin and Sabine books, called “Sheldon and Mrs. Levine, An Excruciating Correspondence”. It’s satire and really funny.
Brigid says:
I did not know this, Anna. I will have to look it up, haha!
Tracy B. says:
I love the Griffin and Sabine series, I own the first 4. I love love to reread them. My favorite Ann Rice book is Lasher. I loved reading about vampires and New Orleans. Thank you for sharing:)
Brigid says:
Tracy, happy to hear it! And will have to check out Lasher cause I have never read that one. Thank you!
Sarah Guerrero says:
I love your comment on falling into a fast paced novel, but “airport reads” not doing it for you anymore! I feel very much the same, always chasing that feeling of can’t-put-down but needing something a little more nuanced. And I likewise fell into romance about a year and a half ago and it has changed my life for the better! I think you’re the second Tessa Dare recc I’ve heard recently so I’m excited to try them out. If you haven’t read Talia Hibbert I highly, highly recommend—the Brown sisters series is one of my all time favorites!
Brigid says:
Glad to know you feel the same about fast paced novels, Sarah! Hope you enjoy Tessa Dare and thank you for the reminder about the Brown sisters series. I read the first but never got around to the 2nd and third.
Jo Yates says:
The Count of Monte Cristo is on my list of life-changing books. When I was 12 years old (a long time ago!), my Dad challenged me to read it. I learned about the cost of bitterness and revenge, and also I treasure the special connection with Daddy and his interest in my reading. He passed away last September and I’ll always miss him.
Terry says:
What a lovely memory about your Dad! Thank you for sharing it! My Dad was my favorite reading buddy—he was up for anything—I miss him every day. Agree about the Count! I reread it whenever I have vengeful feelings—that story never fails to disappoint and I always find something new in it!
Brigid says:
Thank you for sharing Jo and Terry!
Mary Jo Durivage says:
I am definitely not a romance reader. However, I did read a (found out later) Christian romance about Bonhoffer, which I really enjoyed.
I have read a couple of Beverly Jenkins’ books. A librarian friend of mine invite d me to meet her at a book talk at my local Borders’ (long ago). I so enjoyed her. She is a former librarian and I believe still lives in Detroit. The one I remember is the one about the woman who receives a load of money from a divorce and buys a small town. Her goal is to have a place for black residents. All I remember but I know I enjoyed it.
Brigid says:
How fun to have met Beverly Jenkins!
Julia says:
I forgot about Griffin & Sabine. Such a fun and different book, although I’m not normally a fan of epistolary novels. I loved looking at your cookbook favorites. Once in a while I love just reading through a favorite cookbook.
Edmund Dantes for the win. And oh my gosh! Crooked House!
KVK says:
This is the first time I have seen Griffin & Sabine mentioned somewhere! Such obscure and fabulous books.
Chris G says:
Hi Brigid! I added Crooked House to my TBR as I also like mysteries that aren’t too scary. It’s an interesting question to think about the books that shaped you as a reader, so thanks for sharing yours. My first memory of loving reading and sinking into another world was the Narnia series. The first book I read as an adult and thought, “I guess I’m a real reader” was The Red Tent and I still enjoy sweeping family sagas. I went to a really big college back when EVERYONE crossed the stage in one event for graduation, so I read Interview with a Vampire during the ceremony 🤫
Brigid says:
Hi Chris! I think you will enjoy Crooked House, it’s a weird little mystery. Very entertaining.
And I remember when The Red Tent was so popular but I never read it at the time. Wonder if it’s something to go back and check out?
Reading a good book during a long ceremony is quite the bookish genius tip, haha!
Mary says:
Reading cookbooks cover to cover? Yes!
Count of Monte Cristo (on audio)? Yes!
Agatha Christie? Yes!
Landline? Eh. I can’t remember why it didn’t pull me in, but I DNF that one. It was my second lackluster book by the author so I decided that Rainbow Rowell just isn’t for me.
Brigid says:
Glad to hear some of these were hits for you too, Mary!
And if you like fantasy, let me recommend Carry On by Rainbow Rowell, if you are willing to try another book by her. It is my favorite!
Another fun one for your cookbook stack is Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior by Jane & Ann Esselstyn. It has great stories and beautiful photos (and all the recipes are wonderful!).
Brigid says:
Oooh, thank you for the rec Kelli!
Robin Y says:
A friend gave me the first Griffin & Sabine book over 25 years ago. It has been so long since I’ve read it. I got it right out and read it through. Thank you for reminding me of this treasurer!
Sandra McIntyre says:
Griffin and Sabine books are such treasures. I too passed them on in a Move knowing someone else would discover them.
I have listened to your podcasts for years and am getting annoyed with the ads. Is there a paid option for ad free listening?
Theresa Slivinski says:
Anne Side’s vampires,be still my heart. I also enjoy Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series. Though not an avid fan of romance will enjoy one on occasion. Books are like old friends or friends you have seen for awhile. Lastly, just to be clear there is no such thing as too many book clubs
Jen C says:
I could 100% relate to reading Encylopedia Brown and Babysitter’s Club books as a kid! I also lost a taste for reading for a long time – middle school through grad school. As long as I was reading for school, I didn’t think I enjoyed reading. Once I finally got to read what I wanted, I discovered Jane Austen, then eventually Louise Penny, and now I am pretty much always in the middle of at least 2 books! (one audio and one e-book)
Brigid says:
That’s great, Jen!
Meagan Bell says:
LOVE this list! Griffin & Sabine is such a delight. My tweens have read and loved them too. Rainbow Rowell is such a fun author. Ready Player One is a textbook page turner, always one of my fav books to recommend to folks who want to read more. Gonna check out these romance picks!
Brigid says:
Yay, Meagan! So glad you loved the list.
I hope you enjoy those romances. I am reading another by Beverly Jenkins right now that has “National Treasure” vibes and it is fun!
Katie says:
Love this list!
Kelly Hartley says:
I screenshotted like 4 of these to read later!
Brigid says:
Woohoo, that is great feedback! Thanks Kelly!
Melanie Cornelius says:
I haven’t read Griffin and Sabine, but I just put it on library hold based on your recommendation and all the comments. It sounds fun!
My book is Charlotte’s Web. It’s the first book I remember reading on my own and loving. It is, to me, a perfect novel. I still have my childhood copy, which has been without a cover for many years. I always keep a new copy on hand to give away when a friend’s child asks to read it. I get the same tingling feeling as an adult as I did the first time I read the words, “Where’s Papa going with that ax?”
If you are only going to pick one romance now and then, I would recommend The Duchess Deal. I read it any time I need a pick me up.
Comments are closed.
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42 comments
I love that the photo has the Moosewood Cookbook!
Good eye, Heidi! That is one of my longtime favorites and I hope to visit the restaurant in person someday.
Moosewood is on my hometown! It’s a fun place to eat if you get the chance.
I loved Griffin & Sabine, also, and have never met anyone who has even heard of these, let alone read them. How delightful to know that you’ve read them, too (and to know that I am not crazy)!
I loved the Griffin & Sabine series, and regret giving them away years ago during a move. Although I guess that means someone else gets to enjoy them as much as I did!
I absolutely love these books!
My now hubby suggested Griffin and Sabine to me while we were dating 20+ years ago! I went right out and bought the first one, loved reading them and discussing them with him! We still have our own individual copies and I think they’re absolutely gorgeous!
So excited about all this Griffin & Sabine love! It truly is such a special series and it’s so fun to hear all of your experiences with the books. Thank you for sharing!
I love those books too!
I love those books too!
There’s a spoof about the Griffin and Sabine books, called “Sheldon and Mrs. Levine, An Excruciating Correspondence”. It’s satire and really funny.
I did not know this, Anna. I will have to look it up, haha!
I love the Griffin and Sabine series, I own the first 4. I love love to reread them. My favorite Ann Rice book is Lasher. I loved reading about vampires and New Orleans. Thank you for sharing:)
Tracy, happy to hear it! And will have to check out Lasher cause I have never read that one. Thank you!
I love your comment on falling into a fast paced novel, but “airport reads” not doing it for you anymore! I feel very much the same, always chasing that feeling of can’t-put-down but needing something a little more nuanced. And I likewise fell into romance about a year and a half ago and it has changed my life for the better! I think you’re the second Tessa Dare recc I’ve heard recently so I’m excited to try them out. If you haven’t read Talia Hibbert I highly, highly recommend—the Brown sisters series is one of my all time favorites!
Glad to know you feel the same about fast paced novels, Sarah! Hope you enjoy Tessa Dare and thank you for the reminder about the Brown sisters series. I read the first but never got around to the 2nd and third.
The Count of Monte Cristo is on my list of life-changing books. When I was 12 years old (a long time ago!), my Dad challenged me to read it. I learned about the cost of bitterness and revenge, and also I treasure the special connection with Daddy and his interest in my reading. He passed away last September and I’ll always miss him.
What a lovely memory about your Dad! Thank you for sharing it! My Dad was my favorite reading buddy—he was up for anything—I miss him every day. Agree about the Count! I reread it whenever I have vengeful feelings—that story never fails to disappoint and I always find something new in it!
Thank you for sharing Jo and Terry!
I am definitely not a romance reader. However, I did read a (found out later) Christian romance about Bonhoffer, which I really enjoyed.
I have read a couple of Beverly Jenkins’ books. A librarian friend of mine invite d me to meet her at a book talk at my local Borders’ (long ago). I so enjoyed her. She is a former librarian and I believe still lives in Detroit. The one I remember is the one about the woman who receives a load of money from a divorce and buys a small town. Her goal is to have a place for black residents. All I remember but I know I enjoyed it.
How fun to have met Beverly Jenkins!
I forgot about Griffin & Sabine. Such a fun and different book, although I’m not normally a fan of epistolary novels. I loved looking at your cookbook favorites. Once in a while I love just reading through a favorite cookbook.
Edmund Dantes for the win. And oh my gosh! Crooked House!
This is the first time I have seen Griffin & Sabine mentioned somewhere! Such obscure and fabulous books.
Hi Brigid! I added Crooked House to my TBR as I also like mysteries that aren’t too scary. It’s an interesting question to think about the books that shaped you as a reader, so thanks for sharing yours. My first memory of loving reading and sinking into another world was the Narnia series. The first book I read as an adult and thought, “I guess I’m a real reader” was The Red Tent and I still enjoy sweeping family sagas. I went to a really big college back when EVERYONE crossed the stage in one event for graduation, so I read Interview with a Vampire during the ceremony 🤫
Hi Chris! I think you will enjoy Crooked House, it’s a weird little mystery. Very entertaining.
And I remember when The Red Tent was so popular but I never read it at the time. Wonder if it’s something to go back and check out?
Reading a good book during a long ceremony is quite the bookish genius tip, haha!
Reading cookbooks cover to cover? Yes!
Count of Monte Cristo (on audio)? Yes!
Agatha Christie? Yes!
Landline? Eh. I can’t remember why it didn’t pull me in, but I DNF that one. It was my second lackluster book by the author so I decided that Rainbow Rowell just isn’t for me.
Glad to hear some of these were hits for you too, Mary!
And if you like fantasy, let me recommend Carry On by Rainbow Rowell, if you are willing to try another book by her. It is my favorite!
Another fun one for your cookbook stack is Be a Plant-Based Woman Warrior by Jane & Ann Esselstyn. It has great stories and beautiful photos (and all the recipes are wonderful!).
Oooh, thank you for the rec Kelli!
A friend gave me the first Griffin & Sabine book over 25 years ago. It has been so long since I’ve read it. I got it right out and read it through. Thank you for reminding me of this treasurer!
Griffin and Sabine books are such treasures. I too passed them on in a Move knowing someone else would discover them.
I have listened to your podcasts for years and am getting annoyed with the ads. Is there a paid option for ad free listening?
Anne Side’s vampires,be still my heart. I also enjoy Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series. Though not an avid fan of romance will enjoy one on occasion. Books are like old friends or friends you have seen for awhile. Lastly, just to be clear there is no such thing as too many book clubs
I could 100% relate to reading Encylopedia Brown and Babysitter’s Club books as a kid! I also lost a taste for reading for a long time – middle school through grad school. As long as I was reading for school, I didn’t think I enjoyed reading. Once I finally got to read what I wanted, I discovered Jane Austen, then eventually Louise Penny, and now I am pretty much always in the middle of at least 2 books! (one audio and one e-book)
That’s great, Jen!
LOVE this list! Griffin & Sabine is such a delight. My tweens have read and loved them too. Rainbow Rowell is such a fun author. Ready Player One is a textbook page turner, always one of my fav books to recommend to folks who want to read more. Gonna check out these romance picks!
Yay, Meagan! So glad you loved the list.
I hope you enjoy those romances. I am reading another by Beverly Jenkins right now that has “National Treasure” vibes and it is fun!
Love this list!
I screenshotted like 4 of these to read later!
Woohoo, that is great feedback! Thanks Kelly!
I haven’t read Griffin and Sabine, but I just put it on library hold based on your recommendation and all the comments. It sounds fun!
My book is Charlotte’s Web. It’s the first book I remember reading on my own and loving. It is, to me, a perfect novel. I still have my childhood copy, which has been without a cover for many years. I always keep a new copy on hand to give away when a friend’s child asks to read it. I get the same tingling feeling as an adult as I did the first time I read the words, “Where’s Papa going with that ax?”
(We even named our dog Charlotte.)
If you are only going to pick one romance now and then, I would recommend The Duchess Deal. I read it any time I need a pick me up.
Comments are closed.