The Lord of the Rings. 3 Vol. Set
by J.R.R. Tolkien
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Book Reviews of The Lord of the Rings. 3 Vol. Set
Book Review: After having reading this book for the 4th time...
Summary: 4 Stars
I didn't like Fellowship of the Ring the first time I read it, but plowed on to the end and gave up on the other two "books" (it's really just one long book). I think I now know why. I had just read and loved The Hobbit, and was expecting another book along the same lines. In short, I feel that LOTR is about the world first, characters second, and plot last. This took me some getting used to, and I could not grasp everything the first time through.
It's pure fantasy in the sense of looking around at all the wonder. (often times of things that are not magic eg, trees and grass and hills in the shire.) Indeed, the later books focuses on humans. (In the recent movies they injected Elves in places where there were none before in the story, I expect to increase general interest in the atmosphere)
The result is that I did not enjoy LOTR until I took a very leisurely attitude towards it, rather than an adventurous one, notwithstanding that there are adventurous moments. Every time I read it I find some facet of the world that I did not notice before, or that I forgot. That is now when I most enjoy the book. For others to enjoy this book I think you must enjoy the moment, and not be in a hurry for the plot to advance.
Book Review: Amazing trilogy
Summary: 4 Stars
This has to be one of the greatest contributions to English literature in a long, long time. It is a twentieth century classic.
Tolkien has managed to create an entirely real, tangible, and absolutely enchanting world through sheer characterization, detail, and passion for a people and a place, even if he created them.
The plot itself is entirely epic and exciting, perfect for the people that like action galore. But it also has everything else: great characters, humor, romance, charm. It's very real, even if they are hobbits and elves and whatnot. They'r real people, and Tolkien has made sure of that.
The story is also timeless in that this is simply a great battle between good and evil. I know it's a plot that has been done countless times, but it's still a great plot and I dare say Tolkien was one of the first.
Also of note are the wonderful appendixes going, adding more depth to the incredible world of Middle-Earth.
Excellent writing and wild adventure. What more could you want out of a great book?
Book Review: As Tolkein would have wanted it
Summary: 5 Stars
Most everyone familiar with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy knows that its author didn't envision it as three volumes; financial realities in the publishing industry gave us the familiar three books. Now here it is in one great volume, just its author would have wished! I wish I knew how to express my joy at being able to read the saga whole in one book. For those of us whose reading experience consists of jumping back many pages to refresh our memory, or jumping forward to the appendix to remind ourselves of the vast scope of this fantasy world, the ability to do this without keeping track of three separate books is a God-send. For the first time, the story flowed seamlessly from volume to volume, without the artificial boundaries presented by three sets of front and back covers.
If you read and reread the LOTR (as many of us do,) I suggest you treat yourself to the single volume experience. It's an even greater read!
Book Review: The most effective OTC sleep aid.
Summary: 1 Stars
I honestly do not understand what all the hype is about. I forced myself to read this book because all I had ever heard was how it was one of the best and most influential pieces of modern literature, but eight hours a day of manual labor would be a less tiresome task then trudging through this pile of rubbish.
In all honesty, the plot is entertaining, if you can find it. I am sure the Cliffs Notes of the LOTR are interesting and entertaining, but why anyone would want to torture themselves reading this collection is beyond me.
I read one chapter a night until I was done, and that was too grueling a task. I constantly found my mind wondering and having to reread every page because it could not hold my attention.
You don't have to believe the hype. This collection of books is really, really terrible and boring, and I wouldn't wish the task of reading in on my worst enemy.
Book Review: one volume to rule them all...
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit that I hadn't read the books before the films were released. Even after seeing the first film, I wasn't a fan. However, my former roommate's enthusiasm for the series (he bought the DVD the day of its released) and a second viewing of The Fellowship of the Ring made me a convert. The books themselves astounded me with their depth, moral quality and sheer imagination. A book that I had previously associated with geeks who rolled die with more than 6 sides made me think about questions like the nature of good and evil and whatnot, all within the confines of a thrilling narrative. If you are wary about the book, check it out for yourself. Its a great read and adds even more depth to your viewing of the excellent films.