In addition to his childhood experiences, Riordan's interest in books has also been influenced by his travels around the world. He has visited over 30 countries, and he has been inspired by the cultures and mythologies of many different countries. He says that he is "fascinated by how people tell stories", and he uses his travels as a way to explore different storytelling traditions.
Finally, Riordan's interest in books has also been shaped by his experiences as a teacher. He taught middle school English for many years, and he found that he enjoyed sharing his love of reading with his students. He saw the power that books can have to influence young people, and he became determined to write books that would appeal to middle school readers.
It is clear that Rick Riordan's interest in books has been shaped by a combination of factors, including his childhood experiences, his travels around the world, and his experiences as a teacher. These factors have all contributed to his success as a writer, and they have helped him to create books that have inspired and entertained millions of readers.