[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'm really surprised that so many people abandon LOTR. It's one of my most read books. I re-read it every few years, and always get something new from the experience. Wonderful, wonderful book.

Originally Posted by Gazella

I read The Hobbit last year for the first time and loved it. And like you, I would've bought the LOTR because I thought if I enjoyed The Hobbit I would definitely enjoy the LOTR as well. But then I started reading all those reviews from people who have read The Hobbit but were disappointed with the LOTR books as they found them very long and dull. So that's basically holding me back which I know isn't a good enough reason and I should try reading the book. Maybe one day.

Originally Posted by Dngrsone

While we are banging on LotR, I completely failed at trying to read the Silmarillion. Twice.

Originally Posted by Hitch

(Only slightly less annoying than the hundred or so pages wasted on Tom Bombadil, in Fellowship.)

I agree with Harry on this one. LoTR is wonderful. I'd urge anyone who enjoyed The Hobbit to give it a go, but bear in mind that it's not really written in the same style at all.

The Silmarillion is another thing altogether - much more like the LoTR's appendices than a novel. Only for those who really want to read more about the first and second ages.

Tom Bombadil is interesting. I didn't like him at all at first, but over the years he's grown on me a lot, and I now wouldn't be without the bit in the old forest.

Originally Posted by Synamon

Wicked was terrible and I should have abandoned it, but I'd seen the musical and thought it might fill in the blanks.

I agree with this. I saw the musical and liked it. The book was poor in comparison.