I grew up listening to stories from Indian mythology. I accidentally stumbled upon a short story about 'Echo and Narcissus' from Greek mythology when I was six. I could not stop until I finished the whole book,  even though I had hard time understanding a few stories at that age. Those stories inspired me to read about other mythologies like Egyptian,  Norse,  etc. I've been so spoiled that any books other than fantasy,  sci-fi,  or supernatural horror,  fail to entice me. I have read some great books that imitate real life,  but after a lot of persuasion from my family and friends. Even when I am reading something mundane,  my active imagination kicks in,  inducing imaginary creatures into the story. Lincoln and vampire slayer? Well,  I've learned a lot about Lincoln and the civil war through this version than the actual history. If I were the Official in Life of Pi,  I would have liked the first version better,  and probably believed Pi too.... who knows!