Part 2 Chapters 5-10

[Krista]

You made it to the end! Great job!

Was this your first time or a reread? If it was a reread what was the same or different for you this time around?
What stands out the most as you have finished?
Any favorite parts/characters?
What will you rate this book?
Any quotes you underlined/marked along the way?
Which characters stand out the most to you? Why?
What are your feelings as you prepare for the next book?


Thanks for reading with us!

[Linda "The Book Lady"]

It interesting that Gimli and Legolas became friends. You can see the professor of language in his writing.

[Sarah]

Linda "The Book Lady" wrote: "It interesting that Gimli and Legolas became friends. You can see the professor of language in his writing."

Definitely.

[Sarah]

This was a reread for me. I love Middle Earth, and this one just might be my favourite individual book of the bunch.

I forgot how relaxing Tolkien's writing style is. Even when it's not technically poetry, it feels like it should be a lot of the time.

What stands out the most as you have finished?: I kind of feel like we're at the top of a roller coaster now.

Any favorite parts/characters?: Bilbo and Gandalf... especially Bilbo. Him snapping at Thorin just before he enters the mountain for the first time is a great moment.

[Janelle]

This was a reread for me, although I last read it probably 20 years ago, so I don't remember much about my reactions. I like how Tolkein ended the book - the fellowship has broken, characters flaws are revealed, and everyone is headed directly into danger.

There was some interesting foreshadowing of what would happen to Gandalf:
"Moria! Moria!...Too deep we delved there, & woke the nameless fear." (Gloin in book 1, ch.2)
In response to Boromir's saying there are fell voices in the air, Aragorn says, "There are evil & unfriendly things in the world that have little love for those that go on 2 legs, & yet are not in league with Sauron, but have purposes of there own. Some have been in this world longer than he." (bk2, ch3)
"I will follow your lead now - if this last warning does not move you.It is not of the Ring, nor of us others that I am thinking now, but of you, Gandalf. And I say to you: if you pass the doors of Moria, beware." (Aragorn - bk2, ch4)
"There are older & fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world." (Gandalf - bk2,ch4)
"Do not be afraid! I have been with him (Gandalf) on many a journey, if never on one so dark; & there are tales of Rivendall of greater deeds of his than any that I have seen. He will not go astray - if there is any path to find. He has led us in here against our fears, but he will lead us out again, at whatever cost to himself." (Aragorn - bk2,ch4
"It may have nothing to do with Peregrin's foolish stone; but probably something has been disturbed that would have been better left quiet." (Gandalf - bk2, ch4)
"And since the dwarves fled, no one dares to seek the shafts & treasures down in the deep places: they are drowned in water - or in a shadow of fear." (Gandalf - bk2, ch4)
"The Dwarves tell no tale; but even as mithril was the foundation of their wealth, so also it was their destruction: they delved too greedily & too deep & disturbed that from which they fled, Durin's Bane." (Gandalf - bk2, ch4)

Forshadowing this:
"Ai! Ai!" wailed Legolas. "A Balrog! A Balrog is come!" Gimli stared with wide eyes. "Durin's Bane!" he cried, and letting his axe fall he covered his face. "A Balrog," muttered Gandalf. "Now I understand." He faltered & leaned heavily on his staff. "What an evil fortune! And I'm already weary." (bk2, ch.5)
"He staggered & fell, grasped vainly at the stone, & slid into the abyss. "Fly, you fools," he cried and was gone." (bk2, ch5)

Also interesting is Aragorn's prescience - although I don't know if he recognizes it himself.

[Amy]

This was my first time reading the book. I've seen the movies loads of times and they are some of my favorite movies so I figured I should finally read the books!

I loved the second half of this book! As soon as the fellowship left Rivendell and started on their journey I felt like the book really picked up and had more focus. The beginning took so long but I got through the second part very quickly.

I loved how Legolas and Gimli became friends. I thought it was really sweet that in all this chaos, something good and effective was happening in the background.

I did partial audiobook and partial physical reading (mostly just to get through the beginning slow bits). But I'd give it a solid four stars.

I'm looking forward to Faramir and seeing Rohan in book two!

[Evelina]

Honestly, this book was so much better than I had expected. I do think that it would have gotten a higher grade if I had read it in my native language.

Overall I liked the pacing and tha narrating style. I didn¨t expect the book to end with a cliffhanger so I'm really excited to start the next book.

One of the things that I noticed is how many other modern authors must have taken some of their inspiration from Tolkien's books. You can see the influence he had on today's fantasy.

I was a bit surprised about how much Bilbo was in the book and that there were so many references to The Hobbit. I always thought that The Hobbit was very much standalone. I feel like I understand this book better having read the previous book.

A character that stood out to me was Strider. I liked the way he was introduces and he's really capable. Yet he is somewhat of a mystery. I also enjoy reading about the fellowship and how they must work together.

Rating is probably going to be 3/5 and that to me is a good book.

As I said, I'm really excited to read the next book!

[Sarah]

Janelle wrote: "This was a reread for me, although I last read it probably 20 years ago, so I don't remember much about my reactions. I like how Tolkein ended the book - the fellowship has broken, characters flaws..."

This was cool seeing all of this laid out so concisely. Thank-you.

[Sarah]

Amy wrote: "This was my first time reading the book. I've seen the movies loads of times and they are some of my favorite movies so I figured I should finally read the books!

I loved the second half of this b..."

Yes! Especially regarding Faramir! I actually like him even more in the books.

[Sarah]

I'm going to release a full review/reaction to this book on my channel, but just a few quick thoughts:

-Sam is the friend we all need.
-Merry is way smarter than he seems at first.
-Tolkien is such a poet.
-Bilbo is hilarious.
-Oh! The Elvin King finally has a name!
-Strider. Is. Awesome!!!

[Krista]

Hello all! I realized I never came in here to post my final thoughts of the book. I liked it so much more than I expected based on my intimidation! haha. I'm glad for that. It's an easy 5 star read for me because Tolkein is a genius. Even with the "boring" council of Elrond, it is amazing the depth of this world he created, the connections between characters (and books), and the history that we won't see necessarily, but is there and influences the world for these characters. I love the interaction between members of the Fellowship. I was waiting and waiting for the scene with Baromir because I could remember that so clearly from the movie. I don't remember much from the movie though so I'm going to watch that this weekend. Yay!