The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings is my favorite book. Of all books. Of all time. I've read it at least fifty times.

My uncle gave me my first copy of the trilogy plus The Hobbit when I was eleven. I was hooked immediately. Although I've owned several versions, including some collector's editions, I still have that first set. The tattered covers are held fast by clear tape.

There is so much to love about Middle Earth. Growing up, I daydreamed a lot about living in the treetops of Lothlorien or navigating the dark passages of Moria. I developed crushes on Faramir and Legolas. I rooted for Sam Gamgee and wept for tired, pitiful Smeagol. I pondered the origins of Tom Bombadil and his lady Goldberry. I shuddered when Frodo and Sam crawled through the Dead Marshes.

LOTR taught me important lessons about loyalty and true friendship, perseverance, courage when all seems lost, and integrity. It also showed me that hope and light can be found in the most unlikely of places.

Here's a link to the official online bookshop for Tolkien.