I want to read the lord of the rings trilogy but not sure.I'm only 13 and not sure if i could read them could i? i love fantasyy and have read harry potter and loved it.Is it really good?Should i start them?
thanks
dee
2006-07-11 07:37:15 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I also love Harry Potter, and loved the Lord of the Rings movies, so I naturally thought I'd love the LotR books. I didn't enjoy them nearly as much as I hoped, and I eventually didn't finish them at all.
JK Rowling focuses on Harry's thoughts and how he sees the world, while Tolkien is much more interested in describing the world from a third person perspective. I got lost in the lengthy descriptions of different areas, and found myself desperately wishing for a character's reaction of place, rather than hearing about the place itself.
But, my sister claims that they are her favorite books, and she is also a fan of Harry Potter.
My answer: I didn't enjoy them, but you should definitely start either The Hobbit or Fellowship of the Ring, because you never know if it will end up being your favorite series.
If those don't work, read Ender's Game.
2006-07-11 08:17:49 · answer #1 · answered by HP Wombat 7 · 7⤊ 3⤋
Start with The Hobbit, since it has a lot of the background for the Lord of the Rings, like how the Ring ended up in Bilbo's possession. The Hobbit, however, is a much lighter fantasy than the trilogy is. The Lord of the Rings can be long-winded and dry in some spots, but overall it's quite a rewarding read (I've only read them twice, so I'm not a completely raving fan). The first time I read it, I really bogged down about half-way through the second book, putting it aside for a year and then starting up again. It's definitely not as face-paced or as light a read as Harry Potter, and it's much more serious. But it'll stick with you forever after you read it, since it's the first real "epic" fantasy.
2006-07-11 14:47:29 · answer #2 · answered by Tom J 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have only read the hobbit proper, but listened to a BBC version of the trilogy which was really quite good (I didn't realize it was the trilogy until after I'd gotten it). Anyway, I think that you're more than capable of reading the books, just know that they are big and difficult. There are a lot of names and characters so it can get confusing butTolkein is amazing. Start with the Hobbit (as everyone else has suggested) because it's the start of the stories (although I think it was written after the trilogy). My twin sister, who is not a reader, read it in high school and loved it.
My suggestion on starting this journey is not to give up. Check out your local library for books to help you get through. Also try getting the books on tape or CD so you can listen to them if that sounds interesting. I love audiobooks, especially ones that have lots of names (of course I commute 2 hours a day so I have a lot more time where I either listen to a book or channel surf so it works well for me). I think that having the passion to get through the books gets you 90% of the way, just stick with it.
Good luck and happy reading!
2006-07-11 14:45:38 · answer #3 · answered by PrincessBritty 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I didn't read them that young, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to enjoy them. It's not reading level--too difficult, too easy, or just right--but attention span that will determine if you're ready to read these books. If you're interested in the story--you will find the time to read them...and you'll enjoy it even if they are more challenging than the books you may be used to reading. It is if you find them interesting that counts. You'll never know unless you try.
I would read The Hobbit first for several reasons. It is written on an easier level for one thing. And secondly it tells you about the setting (the Shire) and some of the key players (characters), and introduces you to the Ring. It provides a nice introduction to hobbits :)
2nd...it's okay to skim the Lord of the Rings....I know that probably isn't a popular response...but while I enjoy the action of the novels....I am not particularly fond of the poetry that's scattered throughout.
Much like in the movies...I'm prone to fastforwarding Frodo scenes (as much as I love Sam--he's one of my favs) to get to the action.
2006-07-11 15:13:18 · answer #4 · answered by laney_po 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you should read The Hobbit first, and if you like it you can read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. The Hobbit is a bit easier to read though.. the trilogy tends to get a bit boring... when I was reading it it took me forever because I easily get bored without much dialogue. I've read Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings is a very different style.. I think you should try reading The Hobbit first to get a sense of the story.. and then read the Trilogy... and watch the movies.. they are really good.
2006-07-11 16:47:37 · answer #5 · answered by WiTcH 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm sure you'll love them. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is just magnificent, and Tolkin really had a beautiful style of writing. I read them when I was 13 too, so age is not a problem. I have to warn you, though, that the style of writing you'll find is completely different from JK Rowling's. Don't expect a very easy read - those are not books you can read in just a day. Enjoy the descriptions and the wonderful details in that book. If there's something that saddens me, is that JKR failed to make her books this literarily valuable, though I love her stories to the death.
2006-07-11 17:17:52 · answer #6 · answered by S€kO€_GiRl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course you can read them. They're not hard or confusing, just exciting and fun. They're not just good: they're excellent. Start with The Hobbit, as other people have answered. That's the intro to the trilogy.
Other fantasy books for Harry Potter lovers: Philip Pullman's books, Peter S. Beagle's books, Ray Bradbury...
Enjoy.
2006-07-11 15:06:59 · answer #7 · answered by ekelks 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Read them as separate books. Don't buy one of those big books with small writing. You'll struggle and you'll miss stuff. But if you read each book separately it gives you more time to enjoy the characters.
You'll love it. I can't think why anyone would not love it.
It also helps to know that Tolkien put a lot of his real life war feelings into the book( not on purpose, but you can feel it while you read). This helps to explain how he characters react to each other and to different circumstances. Also, that feeling of being overpowered by evil, but still fighting for what you know you love. amazing book, really
2006-07-11 14:49:23 · answer #8 · answered by lallie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I began them at 9, got lost in the details, finished them at 13 and re-read them a few years back. Do start with The Hobbit.
Tolkien is insane with the details! That guy could describe a knot hole in a tree for 12 pages.... But, they are well worth reading in everyway! Enjoy
2006-07-11 18:56:25 · answer #9 · answered by Amy W 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I read The Hobbit, and I loved it. However, in my opinion, the Lord of the Rings books were reeeallly boring, I could barely get through them. I would suggest trying to find something easier for your age.
2006-07-11 14:46:12 · answer #10 · answered by Cody 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋