The Fellowship of the Ring

When I read a book, I’m looking to escape real life and all the stressful b.s. that goes with it. Lord of the Rings – in particular, The Shire, where the Hobbits live - is a great place to do that.

I’m a little like a Hobbit myself in that I love gardening, food, and fine ale. I also like to wander off on the path less traveled, my heart filled with a combination of fear, curiousness, excitement, and loads of imagination.

The characters in this book are loveable (except the Orcs, Orcs are rather unpleasant), but the other characters… show more.

I first read this as a teen, and honestly, I found it hard at first. It was sometimes a struggle to understand the intricate world-building and sheer scholarship Tolkien invested in this magnum opus. Like many, after watching the films, I decided to revisit the books and immediately found them to be accessible despite the intricacy.

In fact, the level of detail that went into Tolkien’s world-building is maybe rarely equaled in modern fantasy. Tolkien even invented languages for the tome, apparently termed glossopoeia, such as the Elvish languages Quenya and Sindarin. He also had a framework for the evil… show more.

I wouldn’t be the author I am today if I hadn’t read this book. Like with Narnia, my journey to Middle Earth didn’t start with this book. But when I think of vivid descriptions and complete worldbuilding, Tolkien is the first author to come to mind.

This book ignited my fire for reading and my love for the fantasy genre. 

What accolades can anyone add to what has already been heaped on the standard against which almost all epic fantasy books are held? I loved the superbly fleshed-out characters of The Lord of the Rings, enjoyed the very British humor, and was awed by Tolkien’s creation of what is virtually a mythology for Great Britain.

Most of all, it was the tales about the realms of Middle Earth that had me finishing all three volumes in less than a week. I was so enthralled with this fantastical yet realistic universe that my grades took a nosedive because I spent time… show more.

This is the first book in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic The Lord of the Rings adventure trilogy.

This creative coming-of-age story introduces readers to a captivating world of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and wizards. One of the things that drew me into this book was the fact that despite the fact that it’s about all these fantasy characters, there were so many relatable themes, including being brave, friendship, facing challenges, being hopeful, teamwork, and the struggle between good and evil.

I didn’t get all the hype until I read this book, and now I see why it is a timeless classic that… show more.

I was 13 when I was gifted Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and, for all the many times I tried, I couldn’t get into it. Some 25 years later when I sold most everything I owned to move to Nova Scotia, my unread Tolkien didn’t make the cut.

What changed my mind? A BBC Radio dramatization. I stumbled on it soon after I got to Nova Scotia and was instantly hooked. Although I’d begun writing my book earlier that year, I’d set it aside before my move, unsure whether I would ever return to it.

But I was so inspired… show more.

If you haven’t read this series, you’re missing out! The most captivating, exhilarating, imaginative, epic fantasy ever written!!!

The character development, down to the plot and world-building, good vs. evil, etc…will keep you on the edge of your seat, page after page. Even the book to movie adaptations were some of the bests I’ve ever seen!!

How could an average little hobbit go on a dangerous quest to save the world from complete and utter destruction and darkness? Just brilliant!!! There’s just so much magic and adventure to keep it thrilling along the way.

I feel a little bashful about this recommendation because, well… everyone knows LOTR! The thing is, if it weren’t for Tolkien’s books, I’d have never become an author. Not only did these books rescue a slightly tubby, somewhat insecure adolescent boy from a passionless existence, but they showed me the absolute power of words to transport and even transform readers.

Bilbo’s decision to confront Smaug in The Hobbit and then Frodo’s decision to take the One Ring to Mordor were two of the most inspiring events in my life. Tolkien’s work is often considered the origin of modern fantasy, so… show more.

The diverse group Gandalf (Tolkien) puts together to accompany the ring and ring bearer (Frodo) is inspiring.

While they all have their own opinions on the best route, and argue incessantly, they all come together in the end. This book represents life; the ups and downs, the danger and reward. The symbolism in this book is both heartening and foreboding.

I would never have imagined adding this voluminous book to the list just a few years ago, but it is a great starting point... and here’s why.

Most people like easy instructions and clear textbooks - do like this and your life will change, don’t do like this if you don’t want to mess it up.

Yet, the best source of wisdom and transformation comes a little veiled - veiled behind a story, a plot, character development, and interaction with other characters. Because transformation doesn’t come from knowledge.

Transformation is only possible when knowledge is married with experience. Following the… show more.