Lord of the Rings Read-Along

Jenni of JenniElyse and Kami of Kami's Library Thoughts are hosting a Lord of the Rings read-along. I've been meaning to read this series for years. I read the first two books long ago, but I didn't read them consecutively and I also read them early in my fantasy days. I didn't appreciate them the way I wanted to and never got to the third. Now I have motivation to read it all at once.

I'm a little late in the read-along schedule, because I decided to re-read The Hobbit before tackling Lord of the Rings. Even though it got me off the timetable, I'm really glad I went back to The Hobbit. It provided a foundation I wouldn't have had otherwise.

I've finished Book 1 (basically 1/2 of the Fellowship of the Ring). I enjoyed it. Not quite as much as The Hobbit, but I am reserving opinions until I'm done with the book. Actually until I'm done with the series.


Here are the read-along questions:

1. Is this your first time reading or a re-read? What do you think so far?

As I said above, I've read the first two LOTR books before, but it's been a long time and I remember virtually nothing. I don't know what I think so far, but I definitely like it more than I did last time.

2. Jenni hates the songs, I love them. How do you feel about them?

I wouldn't say I hate them, but they aren't my cup of tea either. I like them better this time than I did the previous read.

3. The Hobbits live a simple and peaceful life. Tolkien considered himself a hobbit. How about you? Do you relate to the hobbits, or would you be another race?

I suppose I like hobbits' homey nature. I admire the stately and dignified elves, although I think the hobbits may have a greater quality of life.

4. What are some differences between the movie and book that you like?
5. What are some differences you hate?

Giving a single answer to Questions 4 and 5: I saw the first movie a long time ago. I don't remember it. Mostly I remember paying more attention to the pretty scenery than the story. I haven't seen the other movies.

6. Why do you think the ring didn't work on Tom Bombadil?

Because it didn't belong to him. And the ring didn't want him.

7. How do you feel about Frodo selling Bag End, especially to the Sackville-Bagginses?

I understand why he sold it - to show that he wasn't coming back, but I thought it was a poor thing to do. Especially to the Sackville-Baggins. But then again, it's just a house.

8. What do you think about Tolkien's writing style?

It's a bit wordy and dense. I feel like I would appreciate all the details more if I was a huge LOTR fan - and maybe I will be. It's something you go back and focus on in re-reads. For now, I'm focusing on the story.

9. Do you picture the actors from the movie in your head, or do you picture your own characters?

I keep going to IMDB and looking up the actors who are playing each character. But since I haven't seen the movie in so long, I'm not picturing them in my head. I'm not really picturing anyone in particular.

10. Jenni wanted me to ask about Tom Bombadil. She hates him, I enjoy him. How do you feel about him?

I didn't trust him. I went around and read about him on the Internet, enough to realize that he was a good guy. Then I felt a little better about him. Still, a part of me thought he was a spectre trying to trick Frodo and get the ring.

Also, he seems like he's a throw-back to The Hobbit. I read that Tolkien originally intended the LOTR series to be childrens' books, like The Hobbit. And it wasn't until he was midway through writing it that he realized it was a much more mature series. Tom Bombadil is a more juvenile character than I want to see in this book.