Always a pleasure to hear a real reader talk about who they've read.

I have done a lot of reading but it's been a lot more scattered than that. My childhood home was long on Catholic saint books, conservative nonfiction, and finance how-tos with a few authors like James Herriot and Richard Adams thrown in. Then I went through a lot of fantasy, then general fiction. Never been a huge thriller fan because I resent page-turners for making me feel like I have to turn the page! (I know. I'm difficult.) I do like mysteries, never had the patience for science fiction other than some Ray Bradbury. Have read some 19th century Brits but never warmed to Charles Dickens. Then dived hardcore into nonfiction of all types.

Must try some Neville Shute one of these days.

I also love hearing why people read. I wouldn't say I read to escape. That's what I turn to TV and movies for. I read to learn, to feel engaged, to eavesdrop on conversations (either real or fictional), and to be soothed.