Who helped you develop your love of fiction?

[Rabblevox]

Poll question: Who helped you develop your love of fiction?

Nobody is born reading or wanting to read. And there are plenty of smart, well-educated people who almost never read for enjoyment.

But if you are on this forum, you like written, long-form fiction. That makes you a rarity in today's world.

I'm just curious...how? Positive influences come from everywhere.

For me, it was a combination of growing up in a literate family, where books and ideas were talked about as much as sports. And MOST IMPORTANT...

My 4th-grade teacher, Miss Aldridge (and yes, I had a huge boy-crush on her) thought I might be ready for "The Hobbit" OMG OMG OMG! I was staying up reading under the covers by flashlight.

I was hooked. That same year she introduced me to H.G.Wells, Ray Bradbury, and Isaac Asimov. (not well rounded, I know, but not one of her recs that I don't still appreciate) and she would talk to me about plots and characters and themes, what I liked and what I didn't...she gave me a private course in lit-appreciation at twelve that has lasted me over 40 years.

Miss Aldridge, there is a very special place in heaven for teachers like you.

OK, YOUR TURN...