How Many Times Have You Read The Lord of the Rings?

The moment I first picked up The Lord of the Rings trilogy in 1966, I was hooked. At the time, I was a freshman in high school, taking books out of the library yearly for the next three years. In 1970, I finally purchased the Ballantine's paperback versions and even took extra measures to protect them. I made covers out of shoe box cardboard and used a special brown tape to secure them, ensuring they lasted. From that point on, I've read the trilogy almost every year, a total of about 50 times. I still have my original paperback copies, albeit gently yellowed with age, but the stories remain just as vivid in my mind as they did initially. While I have other versions in hardcover, the paperbacks remain my preferred format for their readability.

Others in my circle have a similar dedication, reading the trilogy each and every year. Personally, I've read it seven or eight times, finding it easier to revisit after having seen the films. Despite the modern interpretation, the experience of seeing the imagined world brought to life is priceless. I watched each film in the cinema three times, and it's hard to believe that The Hobbit was published because the publisher's son enjoyed it. The work of J.R.R. Tolkien clearly hangs on such a fine thread.

As a long-time reader of Tolkien, I often find myself drawn to other authors and works. My journey with The Lord of the Rings has opened up a whole realm of fantasy, leading me to explore mythology and ancient European history. This, in turn, has enriched my understanding of the world and my appreciation for Tolkien's immense talent.

Reading the trilogy has taught me much more than just the story itself. The world of Middle-earth has taken me on a journey of imagination and adventure. And even now, as my eyes start to grow tired, there is a deep connection that I cannot sever. I turn to my dear old friends in Middle-earth whenever I can. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to J.R.R. Tolkien, and I hope that future generations can experience the magic of his world just as much as I have.

One day, I might get the new versions just to add to my collection and see the new artwork, but my old friends in the paperbacks will always hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of my journey, the memories, and the incredible impact J.R.R. Tolkien has had on my life and countless others.