the books that raised us and the one that didn't age well

In this reflective episode of The Book Fix, Yajaira and Cheli respond to a listener's question about the books that shaped them as children. They start by unpacking their reading habits today, from the struggle of book slumps and bulk reading to the tools that help them reset—like cinematic playlists, 20-page test runs, and audiobooks during long commutes.

The conversation shifts to childhood reads, where they reminisce about series like Junie B. Jones, Magic Tree House, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and The Boxcar Children. They also revisit their experience with darker books like A Child Called It and Flowers in the Attic—stories that left a lasting impact, but not necessarily in a good way. The duo also breaks down their recent attempt to revisit Cirque du Freak and its movie adaptation, which sadly didn’t hold up to the magic they remembered. Join in the conversation by letting everyone know which books shaped you growing up!