The Two Towers by J.R.R Tolkien 5 stars

[Magdalena]

The quest to destroy the ring becomes even more dangerous for Frodo and Sam with Gollum leading them. Meanwhile, the rest of the fellowship has perilous adventures of their own.

One of my favorite things about Tolkien's writing besides his incredible powers of description is the way he gives each character such a distinct voice Treebeard, Gollum, The Orcs and Sam particularly stand out in this respect. I think this might be my favorite book in the series, although I say that about all of them. Since The Lord of the Rings was originally meant to be published as one book this one ends with quite the cliffhanger.

[annapi]

I remember as a child how I would get totally invested in one storyline, only to be whisked off to the other, then when I was absorbed in that one, to be transferred back. It was both frustrating and captivating at the same time, especially as that was my first experience with the technique in a story.

[Jgrace]

This is my favorite of the three. I love the way it is focussed on the importance of friendships.

[[deleted user]]

I read this so long ago but I do remember loving it. His descriptions are something you do not forget. Good review.

[Joanne]

Also my favorite-Re-reading Tolkien is what took down the fantasy path....

[Amy N.]

annapi wrote: "I remember as a child how I would get totally invested in one storyline, only to be whisked off to the other, then when I was absorbed in that one, to be transferred back. It was both frustrating a..."

I felt the same way! Infuriating in the best way.

(I was about to write that I came to these books when I was older, but I did the math and I must have still been a freshman in high school! I read them after the first movie came out, and surely that was not that long ago... Try seventeen years!)

[annapi]

LOL after the first movie came out you were still in high school? Yikes, I am old. I read them when I was 9 yrs old in 5th grade, that was 45 years ago...

[Jgrace]

annapi wrote: "LOL after the first movie came out you were still in high school? Yikes, I am old. I read them when I was 9 yrs old in 5th grade, that was 45 years ago..."

Hmm, yes, I first read them 45 years ago.... when I was a senior in high school. Not just old. Ancient.

[Theresa]

Jgrace wrote: "annapi wrote: "LOL after the first movie came out you were still in high school? Yikes, I am old. I read them when I was 9 yrs old in 5th grade, that was 45 years ago..."

Hmm, yes, I first read th..."

Okay, I beat you all as I first read them in 1971 as a sophomore in high school, making it 47 years ago. I am definitely ancient!

[Joanne]

Theresa wrote: "Jgrace wrote: "annapi wrote: "LOL after the first movie came out you were still in high school? Yikes, I am old. I read them when I was 9 yrs old in 5th grade, that was 45 years ago..."

Hmm, yes, ..."

Same Theresa....