I could never get into Fingersmith, but I loved The Time Traveler's Wife.

I definitely agree about books being associated with certain times and memories. Like, I will always have a special place in my heart for The Phantom Toolbooth because I was reading it when my future best friend introduced herself to me. There's also this really amazing high when you're really engrossed in something, when somehow the story comes alive where others haven't been able to. I'm in love with that feeling.