As a kid, I read everything I could get my hands on -- genre didn't matter so much. However, as I got a little bit older (mid- to late-elementary aged), probably my most-read genre was mystery. I read Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators, all of Phyllis Whitney's kids' mysteries, The Baker Street Irregulars, etc. My two favorite authors, however, were Madeleine L'Engle and Norma Johnston, and I devoured every book of theirs I could get my hands on. And although I loved Swiftly Tilting Planet, I reread the Austin books at least once a year -- so I'd have to say they were my favorites. Norma Johnston wrote historical-type novels, and I practically memorized some of hers. I also really loved Mary Stolz...but as I ran out of new material, I always turned to mysteries (and eventually read all of Agatha Christie's books -- except the Miss Marple group) and discovered Mary Stewart, who is still a huge favorite. I also read Mary Higgins Clark for a time in college, though I now prefer Linda Howard.
I love some fantasy too; but Harry Potter wasn't around when I was a kid (or teen), so my choices were limited. I definitely loved The Chronicles of Narnia, The Tower of Geburah (a series by John White), and The Dark is Rising series. And when I was an older teen, I discovered Tamora Pierce's books, which will always be favorites (and I reread them often, even today). I didn't hear about Harry Potter until a couple years after the first one came out, and I was actually hesitant to read it -- but my SIL insisted, and yes, I ended up loving them (though I've only read book one once -- I didn't really get hooked until book two). I've read books 3-7 over five times each.
So I think all this babble simply shows that I love to read! I will admit that I don't enjoy literary novels (YA or adult) at all -- and I don't like any kind of edgy. I definitely read to escape, and a good mystery (especially with some romance) continues to be my favorite way to go. I won't watch depressing movies, either, no matter how thoughtfully done...