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The Evolution of My Reading Taste: From Childhood to Adulthood
- Theresa Wilson
- Aug 8
- 6 min read
If someone asked me to pinpoint the very moment I fell in love with reading, I wouldn’t have a single clear answer. Instead, my reading journey feels more like a winding path—one that twists and turns through different phases of life, shaped by changing interests, emotions, and experiences. Books have been a constant companion, but the kinds of stories I’ve gravitated toward have shifted dramatically over the years.
From the comfort of childhood favorites to the thrilling expansions of high school fantasy and romance, to the rich variety of adult love stories, my reading taste has grown and evolved alongside me. Each stage of life brought new discoveries and new reasons to fall in love with books all over again.
In this post, I’m sharing the key moments and genres that marked my reading evolution—from the stories that first captured my imagination in childhood to the romances and heartfelt tales that now fill my bookshelves.
📖 Childhood Favorites: Friendship, Adventure, and First Bookish Obsessions
During my childhood, books were more than just stories—they were windows into other worlds where I could escape, imagine, and dream. The Babysitters Club series was one of my earliest reading loves. I was fascinated by the friendships, the everyday drama, and the sense of community in those books. They made me feel connected to characters navigating real-life challenges, and I found comfort in their relatable struggles and triumphs.
Anne of Green Gables introduced me to a spirited heroine who embraced life’s ups and downs with humor and resilience. Her adventures in the idyllic Prince Edward Island landscape felt like home, and I admired her imagination and determination. The Little House series took me even further back, into simpler times and rural settings that felt cozy and grounding. I loved the detailed descriptions of nature and daily life, which contrasted so much with the modern world around me.
And then, of course, there was Harry Potter. That magical universe completely swept me away. The sense of wonder, the battles between good and evil, and the friendships forged in adversity captured my heart like nothing else. These childhood favorites weren’t just books—they were experiences that shaped how I viewed the world and my place in it.
One of the highlights of this time was the annual Scholastic Book Fair at my school. It was an event I eagerly awaited all year long—a magical day when I could browse endless colorful shelves filled with books I’d only dreamed about. Holding those fresh, new books in my hands felt like pure joy and possibility. Choosing just a few favorites was always a challenge, but it was a ritual that deepened my love for reading and introduced me to many of the stories and series I cherished.
🔮 High School Horizons: Expanding into Fantasy, Romance, and Historical Worlds
High school was a time of exploration—not just personally, but in my reading taste as well. Around grade 10, I started seeking more complex and immersive stories. The Mists of Avalon was a turning point, offering a fresh perspective on Arthurian legend with rich mythology and layered characters. This book opened my eyes to fantasy as a genre that could be deep, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant.
At the same time, I discovered my love for historical romance—an exciting new genre that combined rich, immersive settings with passionate and often dramatic love stories. Authors like Philippa Gregory and Johanna Lindsey became staples on my shelves, transporting me to Tudor courts, Scottish highlands, and sweeping eras filled with intrigue, honor, and romance. These stories added a new dimension to my reading, weaving history and emotion into captivating narratives.
My love for contemporary romance was growing too. While I still enjoyed fantasy, I found myself drawn to heartfelt love stories—especially Harlequin romances—that offered comfort and hope during the sometimes-challenging teenage years. I remember eagerly stocking up on paperbacks, returning to my favorite stories again and again, savoring every swoon-worthy moment.
This was also the stage where I realized how much I valued emotional connection in books. Whether it was an epic fantasy, a rich historical saga, or a simple love story, I wanted characters who felt real, whose struggles and joys I could understand and share. This blend of genres set the tone for my reading habits in the years to come.
❤️ Adult Reading Life: Romance in All Its Beautiful Forms
Moving into adulthood, my reading tastes have continued to evolve—but romance has remained the beating heart of my bookshelf. What excites me most about romance is its incredible diversity and emotional depth. There’s so much more to the genre than the stereotypes might suggest. It encompasses a wide range of stories, tones, and themes that reflect the complexity of love in real life.
Contemporary romance is a major favorite of mine, offering stories grounded in everyday experiences—relationships, career struggles, family dynamics, and personal growth. These novels often feature characters navigating real-world challenges, making their journeys both relatable and inspiring. Whether set in bustling cities or charming small towns, contemporary romances provide a comforting sense of hope and the promise of connection.
Small-town romances are especially dear to me for their cozy, welcoming settings. There’s something uniquely heartwarming about stories where communities feel like extended families and love blossoms amid familiar places and shared histories. These books often bring a soothing balance of humor, warmth, and emotional sincerity.
Historical romance transports me to different eras, combining rich period detail with passionate love stories. I appreciate how these novels can explore societal constraints and cultural nuances while still delivering swoon-worthy moments. The layers of history add depth to the romance, making each story feel timeless yet vivid.
Then there’s dark romance—a subgenre that intrigues me for its complexity and intensity. Dark romance delves into relationships that are fraught with tension, secrets, and emotional challenges. The characters often grapple with deep personal struggles, sometimes walking difficult or dangerous paths. While these stories explore the darker sides of love, they also focus on healing, redemption, and growth. This subgenre provides a powerful emotional experience, balancing intensity with hope.
Romance as a whole is a genre that continuously surprises me with its versatility. It can be light and fun or deep and thought-provoking, often within the same book. This diversity allows me to select stories that match my mood or life circumstances—from lighthearted rom-coms that make me laugh to slow-burn love stories that keep me hooked for days.
What keeps me coming back to romance is its capacity to reflect human vulnerability and resilience. It celebrates connection, second chances, and the messy, beautiful process of falling in love—not just with others but often with oneself. The genre’s inclusivity has also expanded tremendously, offering stories that represent diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences, which feels both important and refreshing.
Ultimately, romance provides me with a blend of escapism and emotional nourishment. It’s a safe space where I can explore hope, passion, and transformation, all while being entertained and moved. Whether curling up with a book on a rainy day or seeking comfort during challenging times, romance novels are my constant companions and my favorite kind of literary escape.
Why the Evolution of My Reading Taste Matters
The evolution of my reading taste has been more than just a shift in genres or favorite authors—it’s a vital part of how I continue to nurture and deepen my love of reading. As my interests and life experiences have changed, so too have the kinds of stories that resonate with me. This natural growth keeps reading exciting and meaningful, rather than stagnant or routine.
By embracing new genres, discovering fresh voices, and allowing myself to explore different themes, I keep my reading journey vibrant and fulfilling. The evolution of my reading taste reflects not only personal growth but also a commitment to staying curious and open to what books can offer.
Understanding and appreciating this evolution has helped me foster a lifelong relationship with books—one that adapts and expands alongside me. It reminds me that reading isn’t just a hobby, but a dynamic part of my identity and well-being. It’s a continuous journey of discovery, growth, and connection that makes every book feel like a new opportunity to learn and feel deeply.
Looking Back and Forward
Reflecting on my reading journey, I’m grateful for every book and every genre that’s shaped who I am today. My childhood favorites, with their simple joys and comforting themes of friendship and adventure, will always hold a special place in my heart. While those early favorites remain beloved memories, I’m truly happy with where my reading journey is taking me now.
Fostering my love of reading has become a big and meaningful part of my life. It’s not just about the books themselves, but the way reading connects me to stories, emotions, and even to myself. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace change in my tastes and follow where my reading heart leads, without feeling confined by labels or expectations.
Each book I pick up adds another layer to my understanding of stories, people, and myself. The evolution of my reading tastes mirrors the growth in my own life, offering comfort, challenge, and inspiration along the way.
If your reading taste has evolved over time too, I’d love to hear about it! What books have marked your journey? How have your favorites changed as you’ve grown?
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