50 books to read before you die discussion

We will be kicking off our LOTR group read of several months with The Hobbit

I'm definitely reading this one this month. I've read LOTR 1&2 and I'm currently reading 3. I tried to read the hobbit a few years ago but I never finished it. I think I was a bit too young. I'm really excited for it now. :D

I read The Hobbit and LOTR many many years ago. My recollection is very hazy.

Buck wrote: "I read The Hobbit and LOTR many many years ago. My recollection is very hazy."

I read them a few years ago and decided that while The Hobbit can be read at any time, a lot of LOTR should not be read in the gloom of winter. Dark!

I started the Hobbit last night. Very, very good. The way its written is beautiful. I love it!

I've read LOTR three times. Strangely I find The Hobbit less appealing.

I agree Sophie, Tolkien has an amazing way of putting things.

He was born in South Africa, in Bloemfontein. His family left when he was 2.

I finished this wonderful book this morning. Blown away by J.R.R Tolkien's skill and easily a 5 star. I just need a few things clearing up if you guys can help me. (view spoiler)[So I'm pretty sure Thorin died (I had to go back a few pages and check) but then I got confused again when Bilbo said goodbye to Fili and Kili at the same time as Throin 'Farewell Thorin Oakenshield! And Fili and Kili! May your memory never fade!' Did they die too? I don't know how I missed that. (hide spoiler)] Apart from that this is a really good stepping stone for people who want to get into classics but don't know where to start with the language. Brilliant.

Reread this yesterday, it's gorgeous! A fun fairy-tale full of life lessons. Can't wait til baby is big enough to read this to her!

Sophie wrote: "I finished this wonderful book this morning. Blown away by J.R.R Tolkien's skill and easily a 5 star. I just need a few things clearing up if you guys can help me. [spoilers removed] Apart from tha..."

Hi Sophie,
(view spoiler)[ Thorin, Fili and Kili were all killed in battle. Dain became King under the Mountain. We briefly encounter Gloin and something of Balin in LOTR, not sure about the others though. (hide spoiler)]

Ah right. Thanks Lisa