I read the Star Wars books as a kid. That was my introduction to Sci-fi and fantasy. Most of the books I read as a kid were boring science literary books, mostly about dinosaurs and paleontology.
I read Harry Potter, and The Hobbit while I was in Elementary school as well. I think the second Harry Potter book came out when I was in 4th grade or something so that was a huge thing for me. I also read Lord of the Rings in Middle School.
It is through my love of books and reading I made my first friends. I had a friend who got me into the Ranger's Apprentice and Wheel of Time.
It is my experience reading the Wheel of Time that the ideas for my current book series, 'The Imagient King' first took root. The book series has evolved over the decade, but it never would have been inspired if it wasn't for me reading The Wheel of Time.
Throughout college I only read history books, mostly primary and secondary sources. As a historian, I had no time for novels. But, that changed when I graduated. Now, with a lot of extra time and a hobby to fill my void I took to returning of novel reading. I had a few friends who were big into epic fantasy and asked them for recommendations. I read Shannara, and reread A Song of Ice and Fire. I had originally read the first book in the franchise, A Game of Thrones in high school and didn't care for it. After the success of the TV show I reread the book and somewhat enjoyed it.
Currently I'm reading through Malazan Book of the Fallen, and have enjoyed every minute of it. It's a fantastic series if you like epic fantasy with a bit of history/anthropology and enjoy a high learning curve.