When you start a new book series- do you like to read from the very beginning, or just pick a book and go from there?

Some book series to get the full picture a person has to read them in order (Think The Hunger Games trilogy). While other series, it seems to no matter so much (example Carol Higgins Clark Regan Reily series).

Take Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series and Sue Grafton’s ABC series– they can be read in order; however if they are not, it’s not that big of a deal. Both characters (Stephanie and Kinsey) introduce themselves to the reader and any pertinent backstory is brought up to keep readers current.

Most book series I read are like that- each book can stand alone; but is much better when knowing the characters and backstory.

Thoughts on this? How do you like to start a series? Chime in with thoughts and make recommendations on book series you love!