I now have the urge to read "The Lord of the Rings" for a third time. Something about a story of unlikely victory over a world descending into unspeakable evil and darkness is rather appealing at the moment.
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I heard Robert Reich recently disappeared in the celebration of his birthday, much to his family’s dismay, and he left a mysterious jewel to his nephew. Al Sharpton was there, in charge of the fireworks.
It's a 450-page book, and I'm only on page 150. Some parts are very close to the movie, but there's more to the story in the book, obviously. It's been an enjoyable read so far!
I reread it every year at this time. Always amazed to find something I’d missed in earlier readings. And yes, inspiring in times like these! Thank you for reminding us of its value!
I’ve read them all a couple of times and made my way through the Silmarillian. I’m careful NOT to pick it up. There just are no real Frodos or Sams and that just breaks my heart. ♥️
I get the urge each fall but it has been especially strong this time. Currently reading The Stand for the second time and it is hitting a little close for comfort.
I texted my kids last week "we are entering the age of Sauron, but must never give up the task of destroying the rings of power in the the hellish heat of mount doom". Bit dramatic but it felt right at the time.
"Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something even if you were too small to understand why. But I think Mr. Frodo I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going. Because they were holding on to something"
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world Frodo, besides the will of evil.
Tolkien went through hell in WW1, and he still had hope.
I’ve read it at least 5 times in the last 60 years. My favorite quote from it is by Samwise Gamgee: “There is some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for." I need to keep this in mind, especially after the distressing election results.
Even Frodo couldn't willingly destroy the ring, it was the 'lucky' event of Gollum falling off the cliff with the ring that finally ended the evil. Maybe we have a Gollum going over the cliff event in our future...
I cannot give up in the face of evils aa mundane as ours. I'm dealing with warmongers and landlords intoxicated by greed not orcs, ringwraiths or evil wizards. I won't give up.
As a serial reader of LOTR myself (not exclusively as some fans seem to be), a good reason to reread it is that it passes Oscar Wilde's judgement that "There is no such thing are moral or immoral book. Books are well written or badly written. That is all."
Silmarillion also works, heck as much as he said there was no allegory, most of Tolkien’s major works involve unlikely victory over unspeakable evils and also the fact that in some cases those on the other side may not truly be evil (Samwise pondering the name and heart of the dead Harad soldier)
Frodo: I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
In Lord of the Rings there was "worm tongue" advising the steward of Gondor and running the kingdom. Now the Americans will have senile King Trump being advised by RFK "worm brain"!
I've never read any of Tolkien's works. His son was priest at my school in the Potteries in 1960s. Tolkien Sr was invited to a school prize-giving. Gave the most boring speech it has been my misfortune ever to sit through.
I have and do read a lot. A heck of a lot. But I haven’t read any of Tolkien’s books (don’t slap me around) - convince me why I should, what have I been missing?
If you’re interested in a dystopian drama featuring strong female protagonists who rebel against an oppressive regime to liberate truth and control their own destiny, you should check out “Silo” on Apple+. It meets the moment. ✊🏼🔥
I enjoyed the books. Robert Jordan was the author. First book felt very similar to the Fellowship to me, and the series just gets better (for the most part). Start with The Eye Of The World if you’re interested. Library’s are free!
I wrote a book called "The Shadow", where a young girl goes on a quest to rescue her kidnapped brother. Along the way she realizes that in order to save him, she has to save the entire world from the tyrannical king.
If you're looking for inspiration, this one may be of interest to you.
WOT is a serious committment but it's a worthy one. I've read it three times now. Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy is also very good. Sanderson finished WOT when RJ passed.
Having read this a number of times before, I randomly started reading it again this week despite 50 other books waiting patiently in line. Coincidence? Perhaps not so random after all …
I'm in book two and I no longer know how many reads. Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn are running across Rohan trying to rescue Merry and Pippin. Never gets old; never loses relevance.
When I was first elected mayor, I identified so strongly with Frodo. The dread, the inevitable and unforgiving task, walking into the fire. Sounds overly dramatic but you had to be there.
One thing LotR has on nearly every other fantasy series is that the main characters tasked with the quest are Average Joes. They aren't mighty warriors or have magic. Those guys support the Average Joes.
So do I! I have thought of it, been reminded of it (Steve Bannon) often! We may be living in a worse iteration of it. Won't that feel WORSE? Catch 22 is whispering to me, as well.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo.
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
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The Door Into Fire, by Diane Duane
Ranks of Bronze, by David Drake (1st story)
The Excalibur Alternative, by David Weber (2nd story)
WoT again
But, it was refreshing for all of us!
Tolkien went through hell in WW1, and he still had hope.
Gandalf: So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
And I love the books, too.
A light from the shadows shall spring;"
A tale of revenge and justice.
I guess MAGA nuts could project themselves as the victims, but that’s always going to be a misinterpretation of reality.
The truth doesn’t care about our delusions.
I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED
If you're looking for inspiration, this one may be of interest to you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6C8SX0mWP0&t=153s
Silmarillion like 6 times, best book ever!
Once sat down with a mate not into reading. Ended wrapping it up for like 6 hrs😂🤦♂️...
And yes, Putin is Sauron 🤷♂️
t Wing but now I just can't bear it. TLotR sounds like a great alternative, thanks. Either that or romance
"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
JRR Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
(Movies were fab, also).