Review: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (Spoiler-Free)

I sit beside the fire and think

of all that I have seen

of meadow-flowers and butterflies

in summers that have been;

Of yellow leaves and gossamer

in autumns that there were,

with morning mist and silver sun

and wind upon my hair.

I sit beside the fire and think

of how the world will be

when winter comes without a spring

that I shall ever see.

For still there are so many things

that I have never seen:

in every wood in every spring

there is a different green.

I sit beside the fire and think

of people long ago

and people who will see a world

that I shall never know.

But all the while I sit and think

of times there were before,

I listen for returning feet

and voices at the door.

I did it. I crested hills, hiked across dales, spent a few nights at dilapidated inns, and now I'm here. I finally read The Fellowship of the Ring.

I'm not sure there's much to say that hasn't already been said. This first third of the Lord of the Rings journey was slow at times, but well worth it. Tolkien's writing is painstakingly detailed and completely immerses you in the world of Middle-earth. The songs and poems, though randomly placed at times, are lovely, and the use of meter is masterful.

Where I think this story shines the most is in the friendship between Frodo and Bilbo. Who knew I would get so attached to some whiny little hobbits.

And of course, I need to thank my own fellow hobbits Adah and Olivia for finally convincing me to read this book. You were right, I was missing out. Movie marathon together over winter break??