La Germandat de l'Anell (1954)

There was a time in my teenage years when my sisters and I could recite whole passages of this book to each other nearly verbatim. ( )

Nothing happens for about the first half. There are also so many songs. Whatever amount of songs you think "so many" is you can probably add even more.

It was, however, funnier than I expected. It was fun to compare this experience to the movie. There are some moments and information that you miss out on if you just watch the movie. It was a good time. ( )

What can I say about The Fellowship of the Ring?! The movies came out when I was in high school, and now after 18 years of being on the to-read shelf, I've been able to finish the first. Being probably 10 years since I've seen them, my memory of the movies is spotty. But other than Tom Bombadil, it seemed pretty similar.

I am, on all accounts, a poor critic of literature. But here are some thoughts:
Was the story enjoyable? -Yes, no doubt, except for some of the wordy details. Tolkien likes to wax poetic and describe.
Was it compelling? Yes! I want to pick up the next one, but I'm trying to wait a bit!
Are the characters lovable? Without a doubt. Tolkien's creativity is intoxicating.
Was it suspenseful? At times, for sure. But - as mentioned, parts can be dry.
How much do the movies paint the story? Quite a bit for me. I can't help but think of Frodo as Elijah Wood and Galadriel as Cate Blanchett... :/
Does it make me want to see the movie again? Definitely. I miss the music.
Should there have been more women? Yep... it's dudes everywhere.
Does the book give more background and fun details? For sure. I feel like I understand and remember the plot better too.
Which is better - the book or movie? Truth be told, the movies are excellent. Pretty even.

Some thoughts: I love the hospitality that the fellowship is shown. What if that sort of thing were more common? We have professionalized hospitality - it is sterile in the worst of ways.

I can't help but try and think of the symbolism of the ring. What does it represent?! Is it a metaphor simply for power? Or -- is it a mistake to look for layered meanings and symbolism?

And - how does Tolkien's faith and Catholicism color the story-telling? (No doubt books are written on this....) I can't help but think poorly of the explicit dualism of good verses evil. For me, most of life is grey. Little doubt that the shadow of WW2 played some role is Tolkien's depiction of good/evil. All that being said, a redemption narrative (or myth), I believe is crucial (and is central to the Christian narrative). We just have to locate evil appropriately, ie. with the principalities and powers and within us all. My recent favorite quote: "The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being." - Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

So would I recommend it? ... without a doubt. I wish I read it sooner, like as a kid before the movies came out.
( )

It's one of the oldest fantasy books I've read and It's writing style is interesting and kind of hard to read, but once you get through to the action parts of the books. It get easier to read. Tolkien created a world that is very detailed. ( )

This re-read has proved rich and insightful. Quests are not merely about the objective, but also how you grow on the journey. ( )