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Summary: All I expected it to be.
Review: There's a plethora of reviews below mine (this is a classic after all) so I won't bother going over the story or taking up a lot of space with my comments. I will say this: I enjoyed this story a lot more now as an adult than I did back in grade school. I think this is because Tolkien focuses more on the characters' minds and their interpersonal (or interhobbit) relations than on simple swordfighting and stuff. The book concentrates on several human themes, most importantly being power and greed. In the beginning when Bilbo doesn't want to give up his Ring, we can understand why. We also understand how the Ring's evil power lead to the downfall of Gollumn. (The Ring kind of reminded me of the corrupting influence of hard drugs, drinking, gambling, and other social vices). The theme of despair is a big part of the story. When the hobbits reluctantly enter the Mines to try to cut through the mountain range you can feel their fear. The scene where they have to let one of their ponies go is a haunting one ("Poor old Bill!" is a line I'll remember) and you can really sympathize with these characters because they're not superhuman heros; they're everyday people (well, hobbits) in a tough situation. The ending is extremely powerful where Frodo decides he must take the corrupting Ring away from his compatriots and strike out on his own. When Sam catches up to him and heads off on this seemingly suicidal mission simply because he trusts his friend Frodo so much, it's a very moving scene.I'd like to comment that I read Stephen Donaldson's 1st "Thomas Covenent" trilogy (Lord Foul's Bane et al) and I liked them as much as I liked these books.
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Summary: Reading is Mandatory
Review: My girlfriend was reading Harry Potter, heh ... and she thought I should read it too. I told her that if I was going to go reading any fantasy books I owe it to myself and the world at large to read Lord of the Rings! (Great way to get out of that one, eh?) Having read the Hobit in school (I reckon 8th grade or so - it was long ago) I was vaguely familiar with the plot. Criticisms I've heard I can sometimes concur with, it does get rather long winded with detail descriptions of meals that, if you took all reference to eating out of all six books (two in each part) could probably trim it down a few hundred pages. The other complaint is it often goes into nonsense poetry and prose in "elven" tongues, etc. Well, I don't read Elven so well and I find it difficult to even attempt reading such. These things aside the series is absolutely brilliant. Often just when you are sure you know what's coming next Tolkien will spring a suprise on you and twist and turn the events to the unexpected. It is one of the most remarkable fantasy books I have ever read and it is well worth taking the time to read. You must not simply buy Fellowship and not expect to commit to reading the other two parts: Two Towers and Return of the King. Fellowship does a great job of setting up the characters and you'll almost feel that the fellowship are all personal friends of yours by the time you make it to the second book.
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Summary: This is an awesome series!
Review: I thought tolkeins books were gonna be lame and dumb. whell at least the begining was. i started out reading "THE HOBBIT" the first of tolkeins series. mr. baggins was sitting down at home and then was doing something he never thought he would ever do ever, he went on a journey a few years long. he went through many dangers to lead him to his final task, destroy the evil dragon smog. when he came home he then realized that his house was being sold. after i read that book i got really happy to notice that i had tolkeins next book the lord of the rings. i read it very quickly for it was outstanding. when mr. baggins left the ring for frodo his adventure truly began. my favorite part of the story was when they were stuck in the room of records were the great balin died. when the orcs attacked it was suspensful to know if they would make it out alive. of course all did but gandalf the grey. there were many happy times like when they came to lothlorien and bad times when they found balin dead. these books may be stupid at first but almost all books are and then become more interesting through the end. so buy these books if you dont have them there outstanding!
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Summary: More than I expected!!
Review: I have to admit, I had never read any of Tolkien's works until now. I had a niggling doubt in my mind that his writing was dry due to the time period in which he wrote his novels. But with the movies forthcoming, I figured I should read them and see what they were all about. I must say that i was presently surprised. The first thing that jumped out at me was exactly how much he has influenced fantasy both as a book genre and also from a role-playing game standpoint. His dwarves and elves are templates for how they are used in modern FRPGs. The story moved along at quick pace, although the beginning was a little dry and slow. But once it started it went at a breakneck pace that kept me glued to the book. I'd sneak it into work to be able to keep reading it. This starts the journey of Frodo Baggins. He is given the Ring that Bilbo won from Gollum in "The Hobbit" and sets out on a journey to destroy it before the evil forces from Mordor can get their hands on it and return it to the one who created it. (Can't recall the name right this second) The only problem is that the ring causes it's bearer to desire it with an intesity that can bring about murder to obtain or keep the ring. If you plan on watching the movies when they come out, I suggest you bone up on the books so you can see the movies with a trained eye to the details.
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Summary: A force for good in the world
Review: The primary influence of this work is deeper than storytelling. If you read the Lord of the Rings, it will change your life for the better. Some perceive the changes immediately; others perceive them over time. As Gollum descended into shadow, you will rise from it. If you have not read the book, I'm sure these comments sound contrived and condescending. After you read the Lord of the Rings, you will get a feeling for what I am trying to express. The reason the Lord of the Rings is so popular is because it has a profound psychological effect on virtually everyone who reads it. This influence is pervasive and obviously not the reaction of just a few fanatics. The most mysterious aspect of this is the fact the influence becomes more profound with subsequent readings. You will get more out of the book on the second or third reading than the first. Middle-Earth becomes a place you will visit over time and this is one of the few books that you will read again and again.
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Summary: Why to read Tolkien
Review: Literature for children, as opposed to children's books, is a work of serious fantasy where a world is created in imagination and then flowers from the author's craft. In both craft and imagination, no one rivals Tolkien. It isn't the story that captivates you, but how could it not, Sauron, perverter of beauty and good, unleashes the 9 Ring Wraiths to hunt down the Ring of Power. Who has the ring ? An innocent hobbit, Frodo, who has known nothing but comfort and love in the idyllic country of the Shire. Frodo inherits the ring from Uncle Bilbo who discovered the ring in the Mines of Moria while seeking a dragon's hoard. Frodo's introduction to the struggle between Good and Evil and his harrowing escapes from from the mounted Ring Wraiths is your introduction to the greatest work of fiction I have ever read. Tolkien's love of the mythology of Middle Earth which he spent a lifetime perfecting is inspiring and that is what makes it great. If you want a book that will last a lifetime, buy this one.
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Summary: You better go ahead and buy them all now
Review: I am not going to fill you in on the many lives of J.R.R. Tolkien. Nor am I going to paraphrase the story. J.R.R. Tolkien himself tells you what you need to know in the prolog. However I don't believe that people take him seriously when he says that this work is not an allegory. The reason I say buy the complete "Lord of the Rings" now is that you will just be picking up speed and getting everything straight in your mind and you will come to the end of this volume. Talk about a cliffhanger. This animal leaves you with several. Everyone in the book seems to enjoy pleasures. So should you and consider buying the hardback book. My image of the critters course do not match any pictures. However you don't have to strain your eyes with a paperback in one hand, tea in the other and a cat in the third. A good size book will help detour any animals heading for your lap.
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Summary: This book is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I started this book. It is awesome!!! It keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time!!!!!!!!!!! Buy it, it's worth hundreds of dollars!!!
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Summary: Tolkien is The Master Story-Teller....he created the genre
Review: The writings of Professor Tolkien are absolutely Timeless. These books are the gauge by-which all Fantasy books are measured. The Hobbit and The Trilogy have been the Inspiration for decades of works by other authors, yet I have not ever seen these works surpassed by anyone. Terry Brooks is the only author I have read who even compares to J.R.R. Tolkien and his epic style. I became fascinated with The Hobbit and Trilogy when I was in the seventh grade. I borrowed them from a friend and snuck them home. I was completely enthralled with the world Tolkien created. I was not allowed to read anything that was even remotely related to Wizards, Witches, Astrology, D&D, etc., so these books were like nothing I had ever seen, before. I was captivated and felt the call to become a Writer. Previously, the poetry and such that we were studying in school BORED me to tears. I found my schooling to be mind-numbingly BORING and Tolkien became my Inspiration to Learn, create Poetry, Write stories, Study, become an Anthropologist, delve into Masonic Lore and so much more.... Throughout High-School, I had pictures of Prof. Tolkien on my wall and I desired to be like him. Not-only was he the Greatest Fantasy Writer the world has known, but he was "Professor of Anglo-Saxon, at Oxford University, from 1925 to 1945....and professor of English Language and Literature....and a Fellow of Merton College from '45 to his retirement in '59." Check out his translations of (book title:)"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl, and Sir Orfeo" (J.R.R. Tolkien) Also, Prof. Tolkien wrote wonderful stories like "Smith of Wooten Major (&) Farmer Giles of Ham" for children. Pop those titles into the search box! I can honestly say that reading Tolkien changed my life...for the Better! Tolkien created the highest standards of writing for generations of authors....I am quite sure he would be deeply disappointed with the majority of books published today, with numerous spelling errors and pathetic grammar. I believe Tolkien is a god-send to English teachers. Perhaps, he can still inspire young people to elevate their Writing and English skills, from beyond. I would fight to keep his works on the shelves. I was not allowed to do my Senior Thesis about this author, despite the fact that he is such an amazing author and advocate of Literature. I lost interest in doing my thesis and threw something together at the last minute. Perhaps teachers should Recognize the potential for inspiring youth, via the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.
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Summary: A Creative Adventure Story
Review: In the beginning, I was not sure what to think of Tolkien's books, since I did not read any of his previous works prior to this book. First, I must say that I enjoyed the story and it kept me interested. I will soon read the rest of Tolkien's epic. I liked the characters and how Tolkien made each one specically unique. Even within the journey, each character finds or learns something that helps his own life. The company changes and developes like Frodo's opinion and feelings toward the ring (and its destruction). My favorite characters were Sam, Frodo, and Strider. They were all responsible and loyal characters and I felt like I could trust them. Another wonderful thing was Tolkien's expressive language which he used to describe the setting. The woods and the mountains were pretty, yet scary when they needed to be. It was easy to see the darkness (of Mordor) and the happiness (of the olden days) through the chants and songs that were mixed into the story. They were fun to read but also helped me understand the basic plot. I also thought the plot was exciting; it kept me wondering what evil the company might run into. Another thing I looked for was how the company dealed with the evil chasing them. They faced their worst fear and horrible dangers. So it was interesting to see how they escaped such things, as the Orcs and the Black Riders.
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