I can't remember the first time I read Bradbury's work, but it was back when I was only 11 or 12. I still get shivers when I think of The Martian Chronicles or Something Wicked This Way comes. I love his ability to mix the fantastical into everyday normal life. One of the nicest things that happened in my literary life is I sent a copy of my novel
Dust (which was heavily influenced by Bradbury) and he was kind enough to write me a letter to me. It still hangs, framed, on my wall.
Art