The Chronicles of Narnia influenced my childhood a lot. I think "The Magician's Nephew" was the first book that actually got me into reading. 
 My favourite thing about it was how the books concentrated on different characters. I always enjoy reading a story as seen through different peoples' eyes. Besides, the characters were children, just like I was, so I related to them a lot. The books might seem lighthearted and childish because of this aspect, but you know what? It's never to late to read or re-read pr even re-re-re-re-read The Chronicles of Narnia. 
 The entire franchise kept me on the edge of my seat and I still cry when I read the ending. Go on, folks, read it yourselves!