Part 5 Chapters 5-10

[Krista]

You're halfway through this final book. What do you think?

Have your thoughts on Merry and Pippin changed throughout this series?
Have any parts ramped up the intensity for you?
What are you thinking of Tolkein's writing at this point?
Any other thoughts, comments or questions from this section?

[Krista]

I'M SO BORED! haha.

If it weren't for this readalong I would just pop in the movie and skip this last book. I am lost most of the time. Hate the battle scenes. SO many names and places that I just don't know what's going on. I want to get back to Sam and Frodo. I want this to be over!! This so far is my least favorite of the three by FAR!

[Kathleen]

Krista, I felt your pain. Battle scenes are my least favorite, really in any story. I also got tired of the constant feeling of doom, but having said that there is much beauty in this book. Sam and Frodo's friendship is so precious, no pun intended there and there is a lovely twist. Also when you are completely done I would be interested to talk with you about something the author was meaning to say overall or in my opinion trying to show.

[Paul]

In my opinion it didn't get much better once it finally went back to the quest. This is the one that made me decide I had no interest in watching the movies because oh my God this was dull. Tolkien may be credited as being a huge inspiration for a lot of fantasy authors but I think he's been surpassed in terms of both writing quality and story telling ability. If it hadn't had been for the popularity of the movies I think the vast majority of casual fantasy fans wouldn't praise this overhyped author anywhere near as much.