I read Eye of the World when it was first released in 1990. It was a purchase I made for my sister's birthday, but she had no interest in it and I went ahead and bit the bullet. I enjoyed the characters, with Mat being my favorite, the setting, and the general plot of the first book. I really appreciated how Jordan gave us some examples of different cultures with their stereotypes of one another. It was the summer when I read the book, I was looking forward starting my freshman year in the Fall, so there were plenty of things that went over my head. Men having to "master" their power while women submit and the map of Tar Valon looking like, well, uh, let's just say even Georgia O'Keeffe might have arched her eyebrow at that one.
As the books continued being published, I couldn't help but feel as the series began to drag. I forget which book, Crossroad of Twilight maybe, where about the only thing I can remember is Elayne took a bath. Getting through that book was a slog and I nearly swore off the series. But after ten books and 13 years of my life, I was going to finish no matter whether the wheel itself stopped spinning.
I have fond memories of the series and there's always a (faint) chance I'll read it again in the distant future.