The Fellowship of the Ring discussion

It's by far the greatest book in the world, but for me (and probably many others) it's the place where adventure stories started. Game of thrones, wheel of time and many others that came after owes Tolkien quite a lot. The story in it self keeps a very special mood of innocence and longing for a happier time which I find appealing especially if you like me read this the first time as a teen-ager, it's always like finding a long lost childhood friend rereading Tolkien

P.S. Currently I have read the 3 books more than 5 times and regularly hears extracts as audiobook while travelling.

I don't worship this ( or the two others) book myself, but It does have a special place in my heart as it is the first fantasy novel I ever read as a youth. It opened the door to the whole genre as well as getting me to acknowledge my new passion for reading, which shocked my mother to no end. If my husband read this, he would certainly argue with me, point out there error of my ways, and and give you 300 reasons why you should worship this book as well. So in the end, for me, it's the amazing gift that Tolkien gave to me, not so much the books themselves.

I read LOTR at the age of 13 and thought it was okay, not great. Reread it as an adult after seeing the movies and found much more to enjoy. LOTR is a long, deep novel, that takes its time to develop. You have to be in the proper frame of mind to enjoy it - but if you are, it is excellent.

The Hobbit was read to us by my summer camp counselor in the woods in NE Penn. Went home and read the Trilogy. Why is this important to me: I'm dyslexic, I was diagnosed around 10 by 14 I could read at grade level +, that was my last summer at camp and the year the Hobbit was read to me. That was 38 years ago and I still devour books.

Actually, The Lord of the Rings is one book published in 3 volumes; it's not a trilogy. That aside, it is probably my favorite book ever. Granted, I'm only 16, but I have read a lot of books. It's a great, epic story, full of adventure and hope and courage. You love all the characters that aren't evil, (you even feel bad for Gollum sometimes.) and you want to be heroic like they are. You can't help smiling, cheering them on, as they do the impossible. Bonus: the whole thing is totally clean, and it has almost a totally happy ending, even though I think it is the only book I've ever cried over. (At the end, when Frodo and Bilbo left.) Plus, THE QUOTES. Go back and re-read Sam's big speech. It's straight up powerful.

Further to your point on the happy ending, Kim, in some ways I find it a tragedy. By Frodo's actions the Shire was saved - but not for him. He was unable to lead a normal life. Samwise at least had that before he left. Arwen lives a mortal life and marries the man she loves, but Legolas leaves for the West a year before she dies, taking Gimli. But Legolas either could not or would not bring Arwen.

In my opinion, I enjoyed it very much. I think I will consider it my favorite book ever. The reason I suppose why it is "worshiped" would be because of the fact that is it the best fantasy book ever written. Tolkien does an amazing job at creating a descriptive world, Middle Earth, and developing characters, quotes, and a amazing plot. I do admit that it is a bit lengthy, but it is not boring.

It's a great book because it is really the story of the underdog against huge impossible odds.
Throughout the three books the Hobbits are threatened from every angle and come up against massive obstacles. Frodo is discouraged and wants to give up. Sam the real hero is indefatigable.

I love the LotR b/c it brings me back to good memories. When I first read them I was just starting to really get into Fantasy and it was also back when I used to play a lot of D&D with my dad. Really good memories that I wish I could relive over and over.

Well it's the cornerstone of modern-day adventure stories. I don't exactly worship it but I respect the book/s and enjoyed them very much. The only part that felt truly long was the sixth book (or the third book's second part), but even then I stretched it because I didn't want it to end.

I don't worship it, and I doubt anyone else does. I myself simply find it to be one of the greatest works of fantasy ever written. Tolkein put his heart and soul into the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. He created languages, and every character was 2 dimensional. With every chapter, you can truly see the forest of Lorien, the rushing river Anduin, the mighty Caradhras. I've read these books over 10 times each. And I plan to read them many more. I don't worship them. I simply find them to be fantastic books that actually have depth and meaning to them unlike everything that people devour nowadays.

John- I agree it's a little tragic for some of the characters. (That was why I cried at the ending) however, I think it's still pretty happy when you compare it to the mass slaughter of all your favorite characters that is all too common in today's literature; especially YA, which is all that most people my age seem to read. Plus, it could be a lot worse; Frodo did get a couple of years back in the shire with Sam, and when he left, he went with Bilbo and Gandalf to whole new and wonderful place. I mean, compare that to Allegiant; a sucky but incredibly popular book where the protagonist dies at the end. Plus, Arwen was already really really old when she gave up her immortality... So again, could've been worse. And compare Eówyn to Eponine from Les Mis; both friendzoned. Eówyn slays a Názgul and falls in love with Faramir. Eponine gets shot and dies. So, not really that bad, after all.

I don't think this is the greatest book in the world, but I think that it's so widely loved because of the care that Tolkein took in crafting the LotR world. He drew from a lot of myths and folklore from around Europe and wove that into the story so it felt like Middle-Earth was a living and vibrant place. He also ended up (accidentally) popularizing a lot of tropes that we accept as being part of the "high fantasy" genre, so it feels really familiar to people who are already fans of the fantasy genre.

I don't really recall anyone saying it IS the greatest book in the world... I know many who didn't enjoy reading any of the books in The Lord of the Rings. I loved it myself, this book and the ones that followed, but it wasn't my favorite.

But three lines in this book or any of Tolkien's others are worth more than whole trilogies I've read elsewhere. Just the author's command of the English language is melodious and hypnotic. If you didn't like it though, that's fine, it's your call to decide what you like.

When I started reading, I read fantasy almost exclusively. Whenever I would tell this to people, they would say, "Have you read Lord of the Rings? it's ama-a-a-azing." I hadn't but what I couldn't help noticing, that most of the people who got starry eyed about it were not fantasy fanatics like I was, but often it was the only fantasy they'd ever read. In other words, in my book they were like muggles.

I finally got round to it when I was seventeen. For me it was just okay. The underdog surmounting impossible odds was actually what I found bad about the book. I find this plot line naive and imbecilic as well as psychologically unhealthy, and unfortunately I had already read a lot of fantasy novels which were modeled on this platform.

I do think Lord of the Rings has a special place in many people's hearts, partly because it was the first of it's kind. There had been fantasy novels previous to Tolkien's work, but they were much wordier and this story was much more personal.

I do not consider it the best fantasy novel of all times. That would be silly. It's simply the most famous fantasy novel of all times, and a sort of pioneer of the genre.

I don't think of The Beetles as the best group ever either, but many people have accepted them as such.

In some cases this is a symptom of nostalgia, and in some cases, I think it's just people liking something because it's famous, and their friends want them to like it.

That's my scathing honest opinion for what it's worth.

One of the reasons I love this book is because of the poetic way in which Tolkien writes. His words are like the paint strokes of a master artist. Yes, it is a little long-winded. But what's wrong with that? No offense meant to anyone, but I wonder if my generation has lost the ability to appreciate prose that makes us think and plots that unfold slowly. We want action and we want it now! It's sad, really.

While not being a major fan of this book, I do wholeheartedly agree with your point Becky. I am a big fan of plots that unfold slowly. Atmosphere can be even more crucial than the actual events of the story. After all, we read to be transported don't we? I did like The Silmarilion, and The Hobbit for these reasons. There's no denying than Tolkien is an amazing writer.

Hmm.

Yes, Tolkien can be long winded. But that depth is part of what makes his books so fascinating. He's writing a history. He's writing about a time and a place, and he does it with incredible clarity. He evokes a thing out of his imagination and presents it so perfectly that I cannot help but be awed and swept away each time I read it.

His understanding of myth, of the structure of story and narrative, of the ebb and flow of history, and even the way language evolves and changes are unparalleled. Further, he understands and conveys maturity of character. His characters have a gravity and a majesty to them that many other writers do not themselves even grasp, let alone know how to represent in their writing.

You can certainly say that lots of other people have written similar books, and many of the basic plot elements that Tolkien used have since become staples of the genre. But ... it's important to understand that Tolkien was first. He's hardly the only Fantasy writer, he himself was drawing quite heavily on Norse mythology (particularly on the story of the Ring of the Nibelung). C.S.Lewis was one of Tolkien's friends and wrote his Narnia Chronicles largely because of the success he saw Tolkien having. George MacDonald was a major influence on both authors. It's also possible that Tolkien might have been influenced by E. Nesbit's works.

But the person who made the modern Fantasy genre what it is, is Tolkien himself. Much of the The Lord of the Rings was written during World War II, and spent the next 20 years spreading out around the world. Just about every Fantasy writer who worked during the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's read and was inspired by Tolkien.

His work wasn't created for today's frenetic, action oriented entertainment market. Modern readers, exposed after adulthood may not appreciate him much because his work has the pacing of a slower, more gentile age. His work ... is like a symphony rather than a pop song. Pop songs are fun, pop songs are catchy, we remember them. Symphonies have worth too, but they require a deeper understanding of music to appreciate, they're not as easily accessible.

The joke that Peter Senge likes to tell is that if Calculus was introduced today, we'd send people to a weekend seminar and then do a six month trial evaluation, and then reject it as a useful business tool because no one had really understood it.

Also, not everyone likes every book or every author. I personally can't stand Charles Dickens, though most people who've read his stuff rave about him. Reading is a subjective business, we're all individuals.

As for the The Lord of the Rings being too long ... I completely disagree. In point of fact, it crams about 3 years and the ending of an age between its covers. I consider it too short. There is so much that Tolkien barely skimmed over.

Why is it worshiped? Because it's the foundation that the modern Fantasy genre was built on. Because it fired the imaginations of hundreds, thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands of writers. I hope that helps you understand a little bit of why I (at least) value the book highly. I'm sorry you personally didn't enjoy it. You might consider giving it a look again in 30 or 40 years.

This book is trapped between awesome and lame. This is because the story that it is telling is awesome, and adventurous and original and well thought out. But the way the author wrote it is torture. You can literally feel you brain falling asleep as you turn the pages.

Anamika wrote: "By worship I didn't mean literally worship though some people do.But I don't understand what is great in this book.I mean all of you seem to like it.What I don't understand is why you like it."


I like it because of the complete universe in which it exists, the flawless prose, the enjoyable characters, the depth and breadth of all the above, because it's a journey in which you want to see what's over the next hill or around the bend in the river. Because it's like life. You think everything is as it should be and then all of a sudden something threatening and massive takes shape just out of sight and you suddenly feel you've walked up to the edge of a cliff in the dark. I love it because it's just written better than ANYTHING else out there. And the two books that follow it are even better.

Its a great book because it was the start of the fantasy movement. But not just that its also brilliantly written and one of the greatest examples of world building I have even seen.

Anamika wrote: "So do you mean I ought to read it when I become a bit more older.That usually doesn't happen with other books.Perhaps it's not my choice of book."

I was suggesting more than a bit more older, but ... I suppose I should add the caveat that I have no idea how old you are. It's possible that you might never like Tolkien's works. Certainly his books aren't much like the Fantasy books you've personally rated highly.

All I'm saying is that people's perspectives change as they move through life and you might consider looking in on Tolkien again later on, his stuff might make more sense to you then.

Or, it might not. Everyone is different.

The book itself isn't everyone's cup of tea (although I did enjoy it), but it was also enormously influential, which is at least part of the reason that people like it so much. I've also found that I've enjoyed it more over the years than when I first read it.

Once upon a time, I watched the LotR movies and loved them. I read the books right after and thought that they were...just okay. I liked seeing more details about the characters, but the whole thing just felt too long-winded for me.

I was in junior high at the time.

Now I'm in my fourth year of college. I decided to read LotR again for the heck of it...and now I love it. The book is still flawed (all books are, even the best books), but I feel that I have a better appreciation the poetry and level detail in this book. I find the detail immersing rather than tedious.

But everybody's different.

SAME. I get how people can worship maybe the whole series, because it started it all.

But really. The first book had a really sucky plot. Like it started off great, with great writing. But after a while it's just THEM. TRAVELING. Then they get attacked. And something always happens to Frodo but he ends up fine. They travel more. They eat. They encounter something dangerous but they defeat physically. They travel some more.

Big exciting scene at the end of the 1st book...and then MORE traveling!

It got really boring for me so I stopped about halfway through. Which made me sad because the writing was really good in the beginning and had me really into it.

I watched the movie again (which i hadn't seen since i was a kid) to see if it got better, but no. the plot of the first book really is boring.
The next sequels were a lot better in terms of plot.

I thought The Fellowship of the Ring was a ripping read but then the whole thing became bogged in fluff and nonsense in the second two books.

It took me three attempts to read it through and I am glad that I did but I won't be doing so again.

Its worth worshiping because of the sheer majesty of the world created by Tolkien. The characters are real with a rare and subtle wisdom. It is not a fantasy world. Its a book fables within fables. It's worshipful because its poetic in its beauty and touches like a cool breeze on a warm evening taking us away and showing us what is beyond our capability of imagination.

"Worship" is a silly way to put it but there is a degree of veneration. What these books manage to achieve is fairly remarkable in the world of literature and I don't think they have an equal in that regard. The simplest way I know how to put it is that there is no other set of books (that I know of) that manages to so convincingly sustain the illusion of a fictional world. For every tossed off reference to a location or character or event there's the implication that we've only scratched the surface of this world. There's so much more to know. In part because, well, there is so much more to know in works like the Silmarillion. LoTR wasn't written in a vacuum - it emerged from his life's work and it's apparent.

The thing with Lord of the Rings, though, is the fact that the fantasy you have claimed to love, Anamika, owes so *much* to Tolkien. Modern Day fantasy would not exist if not for the initial popularity of Tolkien and Lewis. Books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are great, but the thing with Tolkien is that his books are so much *deeper* and complex than just the main plot. The themes, the morals, the complexity of each realm and each character, so much effort was put into the books that it's not just a world within a world like so much modern fantasy, it is a different world entirely.

No, there isn't constant action, and yes, it's difficult to read, but try to look past that. Think about the time period. 50 years ago vocabulary was a lot different.

The book progresses the way it does because that's how it was intended. Tolkien wanted it to relate to like only as an analogy, the fact that life doesn't progress the way it should and may have some boring streaks. The first book's real purpose is to develop conflict, character, and setting. And personally, after a time, I felt like I was on the journey along with them, watching as their characters unfolded and progressed, watching as they fight together and keep going no matter what, going through the challenges to reach a goal. Sound familiar? We set goals for ourselves and often rely on other people to reach them.

I always respect other people's opinions, but just try to dive down a little deeper.

Fans of LOTR may rave over it because it helps *them* look at life a little differently. If they're like me, they may look at LOTR and realize they don't need some grand quest to make them feel valuable or make a mark on the world. They're quest and mine is life itself.

Anamika, if you find the journey boring, if you have read even just the first book and really don't like it, then you just might have to realize that the series is not for you. I first read the trilogy when I was 12 years old; it took me a solid year and I understood maybe 25% of it! I have since read it another 20-30 times (maybe more), and I seem to find something new, or at least different, everytime I reread it. I love the series because it is written in a way that speaks to me; it is exactly what I want and expect from high fantasy.

On the other hand, I was only able to get through about 100 pages or so of Game of Thrones. I hated it. I liked the setting, and I have read other works from Martin and I know I like his writing style in general, but I think he was doing much of his plot devising simply for shock sake. First pushing the little kid out of the window during incestuous sex, and then killing the wolves... I was all set. The Game of Thrones is HUGE, and you would think it is right up my alley, but I hate it. Sometimes certain books/series/authors are just not our cups of tea. And that is OK. Don't worry if you don't like LOTR; you don't have to.

I feel that this is the book that has started it all. It deals with stories from multiple vantage points as they all soon converge at one point in the last book. I agree that this paved the way for Game of Thrones and other role playing books!

I read the Lord of the Rings when I was 11 as I was not allowed to go see the first film in the cinema. Yes it is rather wordy but I loved it. Books were my escapism and this was the first time I had encountered a fantasy world that was so thoroughly thought out. It allowed me to get lost in Middle Earth in a way that I had never been in any other world. Also the fantasy genre would not be the same without Tolkien and many of my favourite book series would not exist. Although Lord of the Rings isn't one of my absolute favourites it will always be very high on my list. My fiancé finds them boring and was disappointed that Tolkien wasn't much of a battle writer and I get where he's coming from, but we always have to agree to disagree on how awesome this book is.

I agree with Joshua, the book is not worshiped.

I think that part of the reason it is so widely liked, is because readers of all ages enjoy it, unlike (for example) the Percy Jackson books. Also readers can relate to the things that the characters struggle with; like pride, tested friendship, jobs that really test your physical and mental strength, "friends" who betray you.

also this book is the second best selling book in the world after the bible. It has stood the test of time, books like Percy Jackson, or the Divergent series will not be in print and one of the best selling books in 50 years!

♫~Kelly~♫ wrote: "In my opinion, I enjoyed it very much. I think I will consider it my favorite book ever. The reason I suppose why it is "worshiped" would be because of the fact that is it the best fantasy book ev..."

would be because of the fact that is it the best fantasy book ever written.

Says it all really.

Anamika wrote: "Thanks.I am the only one out of the people who have read LOTR in my locality who hates.Probably its because I'm too young to understand.But if Tolkien 's books aren't like the ones which I have rat..."

it might well be a generational thing, given your IF about growing old. So you are presumably a member of the instant gratification generations. Don't even think about trying Robert Jordan, David and Leigh Eddings or George R R Martin, then.

I first read LOTR when I was 14. Are you younger than that? I have worn 5 copies out and number 6 is looking a bit 'well-loved'.

Ah, I see you're an anime fan. Its no wonder then you can't grasp the concepts and meanings of this book. You have my sympathies.

Anamika wrote: ""Worship" is the wrong word.
No I deliberately used the worship because there was one person I know who bought a LOTR book,read the same book twice from the library but left the newly bought book ..."

Anamika, that is called "collecting". I have a collection of books (my library), and I have many versions of the LOTR and other Tolkien books. It is the same thing as a rich person collecting different versions of Porches.

And while I think worship is probably a bit strong, I am sure there are some people who do cling to the books with almost that much intensity. Just look at some of the loony college football fans out there! That is close to worship too! For most of us, when we find a story like this it becomes "part" of us, in a way that some people can't understand, unless they can compare it to something that moves them in the same way, such as sports or science or kiddie pagents or whatever. It really comes down to whatever moves you. And the selfless sacrifice of Frodo moves me. I am VERY unreligious but to me his story is very Christ-like. He gives up everything for everyone elses future.

Well said

Kim wrote: "Lloyd the Bartender wrote: "Ah, I see you're an anime fan. Its no wonder then you can't grasp the concepts and meanings of this book. You have my sympathies."

Don't be rude, people are allowed the..."

I like anime and Tolkien. I can completely understand why some people can't get into his books. I don't see how liking anime is relevant to not being able to understand the Lord of the Rings

Lloyd the Bartender wrote: "Ah, I see you're an anime fan. Its no wonder then you can't grasp the concepts and meanings of this book. You have my sympathies."

You're awfully judgmental, aren't you? I happen to enjoy both Lord of the Rings AND anime.

I think the reason I like it is because the characters and events seem to come alive off the page as you are reading it. I did not read these until after seeing the first movie, and I felt that was the book that was the hardest to get through for me. I think it was because I already knew what was going to happen. The others were much quicker because of the suspense and unknown. Tolkien was meticulous in the detail, and I understand why some people would think this to be superfluous, but it's why I think Tolkien stands out. He was able to create an entire world and history of that world and make it seem you want to learn everything there is to learn about it. I also love the idea of a small diverse group coming together for the fate the universe. There's something idealistic about the whole thing.

I think this is a really interesting thread. I read The Hobbit some time in my early teens and picked up the LOTR later. When I started reading FOTR I initially found it boring and really slow, but I kept reading and gradually warmed up to it. I think the secret to getting the most out of the book immersion. Most likely your friends who save the book so they can "worship" it see it as a symbol of what they experienced when reading the book - i.e. that they were taken into another world where they had emotionally meaningful experiences. This is different than fantastic plot, cool characters, etc. This is more about how the reading the books made them FEEL.

Why does LOTR do this for more people than other books? I just think it pings off a lot of cultural touchstones - mythical creatures, nostalgia for simpler times, the desire to see good triumph over evil, to see characters sacrifice for the greater good, resurrection, end of an era, etc. There is also a pace that asks you to step away from modern life and live in the "space" of the book. The language is part of it too - it's reminiscent of nineteenth century literature (i.e. has that "voice of authority"). Novelty is probably an aspect as well for the right reader.

I could go on, but I think you're asking for concrete reasons for your friends behavior (i.e., why this book is better than other books), but the truth probably lies in the very subjective responses that different people have to the same stimuli. All I can suggest is that you ask your friends how they read the book (without interruption? right after seeing the movie? on weekends only? etc.), replicate that as much as possible, and see if it changes how you feel. If not, no big deal. There are plenty of other books out there that can sweep you away into another world.

Anamika wrote: "Randy wrote: "I think the reason I like it is because the characters and events seem to come alive off the page as you are reading it. I did not read these until after seeing the first movie, and ..."

That might be why you weren't able to enjoy the book as much as some people. I feel the same way when I cannot connect to the characters as well. This is what makes reading so enjoyable. Everyone can have a different experience while reading the same book and you will never know what that experience will be until you finally choose to open the first page and make it to the last one. Also about your point about the unwanted detail, I can see why someone might feel that way as well. I, however, feel Tolkien needed to be overly descriptive because he was creating such a world that had never been seen before.

this book made me hungry in jail

Anamika wrote: "I never understood why this book is worshiped so much.I don't know about everyone but I feel that it is too long and boring.I doubt anyone else feels the same.But yet,why is this like the greatest ..."

I wouldn't go so far as to worship a book, but there is something to be said about Tolkein's ability to build worlds, both inside the mind and physical worlds. To be able to tell the ring creature's story without pulling us away from the actual story. To spend a crap load of time in a mountain and not completely bore the reader.

I refuse to watch the movie, because anything Hollywood can make would be a pale comparison to the imagery created in my head fueled by Tolkien's words.

Anamika wrote: "I never understood why this book is worshiped so much.I don't know about everyone but I feel that it is too long and boring.I doubt anyone else feels the same.But yet,why is this like the greatest ..."

I know a number of people that would agree with you, and at least one of them absolutely loves the wheel of Time series . . . go figure.

Reading preferences vary.

Why the love for LOTR, and why doesn't everyone feel it? I think there are several reasons:

+1. It has arguably the best developed alternative world ever written. Tolkien gave us bucket-loads of backstory. Heck even the back stories have back stories. That gives the stories depth and help to foster escapism. You can immerse yourself in Tolkien, wallow in it, smother yourself in orcy elvish goodness.

+2. The basic story is full of hope and righteousness. Good characters prevail over evil ones, character flaws cause pain, character strengths are rewarded.

+3. The concept of destiny features strongly. People do great things because they are somebody's heir or because they have a magical doohickey. This creates the comforting feeling for the reader that they too could do heroic deeds if only they had a ring of power, a black arrow, an ancient sword ... or if their father/ grandfather/ ancient ancestor had been someone glorious.

+4. In many ways it's a simplified world. Good and evil. Right and wrong. Simple to understand technology. You feel no moral uncertainty when someone kills an orc or a troll - they are evil disposable enemies, the zombies of their day.

+5. It was the one of the first of its kind and largely spawned the entire fantasy genre. So many books and films lift huge chunks of the LOTR language, history, plot, themes.

That's the case for the defence. Funnily enough, the case for the prosecution uses more or less the same arguments to explain why some people don't like LOTR.

-1. The large amount of back story means that LOTR is a very long book. Too long for some modern tastes. As a boy I was an avid reader of fantasy but I struggled to get past the first 100 pages. There seemed to be very little urgency or threat (one of the things that the films changed BTW).

-2. The "good prevails" theme can seem a preachy at times.

-3. Destiny is all very well but it takes away some of the risk for characters. If someone is destined to do something at the end of the book then you and they know that they aren't going to get bumped off by a minor character in chapter two.

-4. A simplified world can sometimes verge into over-simplification. A more contemporary author would probably take the time to flesh out his or her bad guys a bit more and spend less time on all that history.

-5. The book is of its time. It was written between 1937 and 1949 - a very different age. It has been much copied and imitated since (which may be the understatement of the year). This can mean that new readers find it a little slow and samey when compared to other more recent fantasy books.

The verdict - LOTR is a bit like your Grandfather. A bit old fashioned at times, doesn't what an internet meme is and you've probably heard all his stories a thousand times. But you make allowances, don't you? You love him to bits, you've probably got more to learn from him than you realise, you'd miss him when he's gone and ... without him you and the rest of your family wouldn't be here.

^Wow that's a long description. xD

@Annamika: I think it may also depend on how old you were when you read it. I read it in 6th grade, but I saw the movies first, so maybe that has an effect on how much I like it. How old were you when you read it?

Kimolisa wrote: "I refuse to watch the movie, because anything Hollywood can make would be a pale comparison to the imagery created in my head fueled by Tolkien's words. "

Oh don't get me started. :) I think if you want any chance to appreciate a book, you'd best steer clear of movies or shows at all affiliated, either before or after reading the books. If you read the books before, you'll probably drive all your friends crazy trashing the movie or TV show, and if you see the movies first, you'll preclude your own imagination from envisioning the scenes and characters freely.

I have read it many times, the first at around 12.

i enjoyed the movies, There are a few points I would like to discuss with Jackson over a trapdoor, but in the main he followed the story reasonably well. As he had to - 99% of the viewers would have read the books and had expectations.