Most of us protect ourselves as readers and always go for our own tried and tested favourites which we are confident will deliver the hit we're looking for.  We've all had the experience of coming across something by chance, quite different from our usual kind of read, and being surprised to discover we really enjoy it.  Even though we may have experienced this occasionally it is still very difficult to actively go seeking those surprise hits. 

Reader development finds ways of encouraging readers to go outside their usual boundaries without leaving them feeling exposed.  Readers can get stuck in a rut, even the old favourites can lose their charm eventually.  If you read something different in between then go back to the old favourites, they will seem fresher and you'll enjoy them all the more.