I read LOTR for the first (and only) time after "Fellowship" came out at the movies, and I have to agree that they were a chore to read through. For example, it took FOREVER for the foursome of hobbits to get from the Shire to the Prancing Pony inn in the first book!!! Fans lamented the exclusion of Tom Bombadil, but I'm thankful that Peter Jackson didn't include all of that. I know the movies are long, but at least they are well-done and involving in their storytelling. So anytime I want to "re-read" LOTR, I just watch the films!
I agree, this is one case where I find the movies superior!
Tom Bombadil! My gosh. When he showed in the first book I dropped it like a hot potato. I just couldn't get past the long, impenetrable wall of text introducing him!
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one. Maybe I don't have the requisite attention span, but I just could never get into it, despite so many friends saying it was the best thing ever written.
The only character in all of literature who has been described as "badnass" while using the phrase "vile miscreant."
I read them during exams years ago, just for a bit of prolonged escapism. They were fine. I've not read them again, but can't think of anything bad to say about them either.
"...not having to believe in a thing to be interested in it and not having to explain a thing to appreciate the wonder of it."
I had a similar result when I tried to read one of Anthony Trollope's Barchester novels. He was being paid by the word and it showed. He spent about four pages describing the combs a minor character wore in her hair. It had no bearing on the novel whatsoever. I finally abandoned ship, even though I found the premise fascinating.
The only character in all of literature who has been described as "badnass" while using the phrase "vile miscreant."
I rember the very first Wheel of Fortune episode. I was five years old. The solution to the first puzzle was "Burt Reynolds". Why I remember this, I couldn't tell you.
The only character in all of literature who has been described as "badnass" while using the phrase "vile miscreant."