Michael’s Comments (group member since Jun 10, 2010)

Michael’s comments from the J.R.R. Tolkien group.

Harryowen, The Old Forest, Tom Bomdabil and the Barrow-Downs is probably my favourite section of the book (until somebody reminds of another scene, that is!). Your mention of Lord Dunsany is apposite as there is an otherworldy feeling to this part of Middle-earth that is quite Dunsanian and rather different to the rest of Tolkien's story (though not jarringly so).

I've been stuck into another book, so not made much headway with Fellowship yet. However, having finished up the other, I'm back with Frodo, Sam and Pippin as they set off from Bag End on their walk to Buckland and Frodo's ostensible new home at Crickhollow.

I like this very early part of the hobbits' journey: the lights of Hobbiton and Bywater through the evening mists; Frodo soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of the land that he does not expect to see again (I wonder how much of this is informed by Professor Tolkien's leaving for the trenches of WWI?); the autumnal countryside of the Shire, so clearly described. Knowing what is to come makes these bucolic scenes the more poignant.

I'm looking forward to reading again Sam's reaction at his first sight of Elves!

Welcome to Jill, Georgia, James and Damla. I hope you will find some interesting things as you explore our Group :-)

James wrote: "we have named a succession of pets, both dogs and cats, after various characters in T.H. White's "Once and Future King." Does that count?"

No, that doesn't count, James, as it's not LotR, but it's a very cool thing to do! :-D

It's interesting that Tom Bombadil, who Tolkien deliberately left as a mysterious figure, should be the one to give us this glimpse of Farmer Maggot's hidden depths. I wonder exactly what he was up to out there in the Marish, fraternising with The Oldest and giving Ringwraiths short shrift?

Hi Miko - welcome to the Group :-)

That's a beautiful name, Aldean. I think that a lot of Tolkien's Elvish names and words lend themselves to proper names. They're unusual (that is, uncommon) and yet somehow familiar at the same time.

Hi Elora

Welcome to the Group :-)

As you've read the core Middle-earth books, you could start anywhere, really. The Adventures of Tom Bombadil is a particular favourite of mine, if you want to stay in Middle-earth and read some of the poetry "written by" Bilbo and some Hobbit folk rhymes. Or, you could have a look at our featured poll which has some suggestions for our next Group read in April, which is non-Middle-earth themed.

Otherwise, the discussion folders are mainly named after particular areas of Tolkien's writings, so you could have a look at some past discussions and see what strikes your fancy. If you're still not sure, please ask and one of the Group will be sure to offer further suggestions :-)

I'm glad you're on board, Bev. I'm starting on this today, too, so we're off!

Ken wrote: "Hi everyone.My name is Ken.I am new to Tolkien, having just seen the Hobbit film I would like to start reading his books.Could anyone tell me which book would be the best one to start with please? ..."

Hi Ken; welcome to Tolkienworld! We've got a poll about whether or not we liked the Hobbit film, which I guess you enjoyed as you're here -)

The Hobbit is a good place to start reading as an introduction to Middle-earth and will set you up nicely for The Lord of the Rings, which latter book we're just starting as a Group Read.

Martina wrote: "Hey everyone. My name is Martina. I am HUGE fan of Tolkien's work and Tolkien the man. I become fan of Tolkien´s work when I was 10 years old (29 now) and my dad gave me book Roverandom. After Rove..."

Hi Martina - welcome to the group :-)

Our J.R.R. Tolkien Group Read for January to March 2013 is The Lord of the Rings.

Whether you read it in a single volume or as the three separate books is fine.

Spoilers are allowed, as otherwise we can't really discuss the work fully, however please do use spoiler tags like this or a nice big ***SPOILER ALERT*** so that those coming to the book for a first time can avoid such posts.

To all recent new-comers, welcome to the Group - I hope you enjoy exploring :-)

Rainbow, I would suggest that you do not read The Children of Húrin any time soon as it is 100 times sadder than The Return of the King. I hope that you're enjoying reading The Hobbit, though :-)

Phew! Just managed to fit this in before the Christmas season ended!

A lovely book with some excellent pictures by Professor T.

Molly wrote: "How did Frodo ruin the boxing match?

He tried to destroy the ring!"

:-D

Tolkien did write about Gandalf confronting the Necromancer when he parted from the Company, it just wasn't dwelt upon in "The Hobbit". Similarly, the White Orc is Azog, about whom Tolkien wrote and who did overthrow the dwarves of Moria and who beheaded Thrór. Jackson has added these elements to the narrative of "The Hobbit" in order to more closely set the action within the context of the LotR films.

Clearly, he has re-imagined these incidents (and simply invented some) to suit the film medium and whether he has been successful is largely a matter of taste. I love the book and no interpretation will ever supercede it in my affection, but I can enjoy a film adaptation as long as it keeps to the spirit of Tolkien, if not the word, and I think that this one does that.

I really enjoyed the film, even the sections that don't derive directly from Tolkien's work (I'm thinking especially of the extended Radagast section which, while very much non-canonical, was also great fun).

I was doubtful that they'd keep the songs in and was mightily pleased when I found that they had.

By far the best section was Riddles in the Dark - Gollum was excellently done. Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis worked very well together and Gollum was extremely creepy.

The changes made could easily irk if dwelt upon, so it's probably best for me not to do so - at least until all three films have been released and it's possible to see if there are any glaring internal inconsistencies.

If there was one thing I'd like to have seen, it would be more interaction with the Eagles, which in the film simply swooped in and away again. There is no sense that these are sentient creatures with their own noble history. I guess that this is my only major quibble.

Ah, right... I misunderstood your query! There are no links in my original post, I simply highlighted the words for emphasis - sorry if that made it less, rather than more, clear! :-)

So, if you want to announce and promote your book to the Group, you do it in the present topic heading: Group Members' Writing. By promotion I mean announcing publication, highlighting sites where the book can be bought, advising of giveaways and generally "puff pieces" about how amazing your book is!

However, if you want to discuss the actual content of your book, then that can go as a new topic in the present folder: Other Authors.

I hope that I have actually made it clearer this time!

Anne wrote: "Hi Michael, I am having the same trouble as David. I have recently added myself as a GoodReads author and added my book Moments of Grace and Spiritual Warfare in The Lord of the Rings. But the links are not working for me either. Help please! Le hannon!..."

All seems to be working now Anne Marie :-)

Moments of Grace and Spiritual Warfare in The Lord of the Rings by Anne Marie Gazzolo

The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien

Is it this edition, Liz?