I never thought about my moods and significant life events effecting the way I read or view literature. I usually read to boost my mood, and associate reading to postive things such as reading on the beach or outside on a breezy summer day because of the experiences that I have had. This gave me something to think about, and I will have to pay attention to what mood I am in when I read books and see if I can tell how it effects what I am taking from the book. I, too, read the Babysitters Club, and it was mainly through that series that I developed my passion for reading. I think it's awesome that you plan to grow as a reader regardless of your past reading experiences. I would be interested to know what kind of books evoke strong emotions for you, and what kind of books you strongly respond to. You mentioned that you never voluntarily picked up a random book and enjoyed it. I don't believe that I have ever done that either. I usually read books that are reccomended to me or, like you, books that have a subject that interests me. Perhaps I will pick up a random book the next time I am out simply for the experience!