h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Greetings, Lady.

I am 32 years old, and have just finished reading The Lord of the Rings for the first time (I am currently immersed in The Silmarillion).

I am ashamed because I am a reasonably well-educated person, and have, up to now, always shunned the work of this unique genius. I don't know why - perhaps I always associated the books with the greasy, spotty geek corner of my six-form common room. I realise now that those poor misunderstood guys had more insight and sensitivity than I did.

Anyway, I began reading LOTR because of the upcoming film release and because my partner has never stopped going on about how great these volumes were. He told me he intended to take me to see The Fellowship of the Ring (no argument!), and, because I have never watched a film without first reading the original source material, I finally acquiesced.

Now, I am utterly captivated. I've never experienced a simulated world which describes the conception and evolution of an entire culture and people. I feel cheated (only myself to blame, of course) that I have waited until now to experience this magic.

I would like to join your society, if you will have me. I have nothing but my humility and my sincerity to offer. My Rings are powerless (9 carat rubbish, I'm afraid), and my sword remains shattered, but my diminutive stature and furry feet are eager and willing.

Ingisim.

...Ingisim,
I would be delighted to have you as a member of Rivendell, we need some people to get it up and running, it seems to have dried up after initial interest!! I hope that with the release of the film there will be more topics of conversation.

I am so glad that you have discovered the magic of Tolkien, it is great that you have read the books before you see the film. However, good I expect that to be, it will never live up to the books, or will it? This could be a good first topic of conversation!

Arwen

Hail, Arwen!

Thank you for replying so quickly.

Even as a 'newbie', I can't believe that the films will altogether live up to the books - but then, film is a completely different medium. Hopefully, the films will encourage sceptics to read the book (at least the Two Towers and Return of the King). I really feel that the stories have the best chance with Peter Jackson, as he has such passion and in depth understanding of them; he's said himself that he can't hope to be completely faithful - but it seems to me he's doing the best he can. I've seen the trailer (many times). Middle Earth looks exquisite...kind of how I imagined it (Frodo was fatter in my imagination, but he is a Hollywood hero now - got to watch that waistline!)