In this debut episode of By The Book, I’m taking you on a nostalgic ride through my reading origin story, from scented sticker bribes and Rainbow Magic Fairies to Percy Jackson, Dork Diaries, dystopian obsessions, and eventually falling headfirst into the romantasy rabbit hole.

These are the books that shaped my reading life, influenced the way I see the world, and turned me into the bookworm I am today. Whether you were raised by Greek gods, dystopian rebels, or diary-writing middle schoolers, I think you’ll find something to relate to here.

So cozy up, press play, and let’s dive into the stories that started it all.