This might sound a bit cliche, but The Lord of the Rings was that book for me. I read it when I was 20. I’d just started my first real job, I’d started to spread my wings a little and I’d finally gotten around to reading this absolute titan of a book.
Having been a massive fan of the movies I’m surprised it took me as long as it did to read the books, but I’m so glad I waited. It was the first time In my life I’d ever felt truly lost in a world.
I’ve not had an opportunity to revisit the books since I originally read them, but one day…
Crumbs, that’s a tricky one as it was likely one I read as a nipper.
I do trace my love of fantasy and sci-fi back to The Boy With The Bronze Axe, which was a great historical book for kids. From there it’s a clear line through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to The Hobbit. I should also flag Star Wars up as a big influence - I was hungry for more of that so drank books down, on long drives over the holidays, I’d get through a book a day. I remember there was a book offer for schools and I got quite a few that way, especially the John Carter of Mars books. I trawled through secondhand book shops grabbing armfuls of whatever took my fancy.
Big fan of The Hobbit myself. Obviously it’s a much lighter read than what came after, but it’s just as enjoyable and potentially even more readable. Looking forward to reading that to the kids when they’re a bit older.