The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, #2) in Overdue Podcast

Apr 26, 2020 Hannah rated it liked it

For me, this book was much more of a slog then either the first book or The Hobbit. I don't know why, perhaps it has been tarnished a bit by the movies. In the movie, we experience these battles and pain and change. But the book seemed to drag. And there were definitely things that I noticed that did not improve.

#1 - Sam's devotion to Frodo starts to feel obsessive. And yes, I know that without Sam, Frodo wouldn't be where he was or get through it. I understand that, but there's just a little bi For me, this book was much more of a slog then either the first book or The Hobbit. I don't know why, perhaps it has been tarnished a bit by the movies. In the movie, we experience these battles and pain and change. But the book seemed to drag. And there were definitely things that I noticed that did not improve.

#1 - Sam's devotion to Frodo starts to feel obsessive. And yes, I know that without Sam, Frodo wouldn't be where he was or get through it. I understand that, but there's just a little bit that makes me uncomfortable. He FREAKS out whenever he can't see Frodo. I mean, Frodo has to have a call of nature right? One time, Faramir wakes up Frodo and takes him a few feet away. Sam wakes up and is stressed and comes running after. He needs to give him a little bit of breathing room.

#2 - Gandalf is a bit of a jerk. First off, he comes rushing up on Pippen and Merry who have been watching the Ents (which they are still trying to comprehend) destroy Isengard. And they stare in disbelief that their beloved comrade who THEY WATCHED DIE ride up on a horse. And his first words are "Fool of a Took!" I mean, come on. Also, while everyone is riding to Helm's Deep getting ready for war, Gandalf, I don't know, sniffs the air, and is like "I got an errand, I'll be back." Like, did he suddenly remember the bank closes at 5? I mean, he can never be bothered to complete thoughts and he is always really surprised that people aren't reading his mind and keeping up. And yet everyone is always so happy to see him.

#3 - Moronic hobbits. My goal is to root for these hobbits. They're the (sort of) heroes of these books. And yet they do stuff that makes it hard. An example you ask? Well, the Nazgul fly overhead and freaks everyone out. Gandalf grabs Pippen and off they go. Pippen asks "What was that?" How has he forgotten the big fight in book one where a NAZGUL STABBED HIS FRIEND? Come on Pippen, I want to be on your side.

That being said, I do like the books. I enjoy the story and I feel Tolkien does a good job. My only other issue is that the series that I own doesn't have the greatest of maps. I would try to follow along on the journey. I don't know why, it's not like I'm going to recreate it, but I did. And they wouldn't have all the places spelled out so I had no idea where people were. But that's a very minor complaint. You know, compared to everything else I spewed about. ...more

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Jul 19, 2019 Molly rated it really liked it

Not gunna lie, I liked the movie version of helms deep better...now I'm that person. Even so this is still my favorite instalment of the trilogy. ...more

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