Sadly, I was part of the generation of teachers convinced that phonics was evil. Now, as someone who assesses learning disabilities, I have completely swung the other way and advocate for adequate structured literacy teaching. Teachers and parents can still impart a love of reading by reading fantastic books like Holes by Louis Sachar, The Giver, Scar Island, The Island of the Blue Dolphins etc. to and with children. But only a tiny percentage magically learn to read without direct phonics instruction. We really failed thousands of kids.