This book was a short read, both in length and in the time it took me to finish (caused by someone putting it on hold after me, and me only noticing that the day before it was due, so I basically read the whole thing in one night).
I probably would have enjoyed it more as a monthly column (which it originally was) instead of a one night read. Lots of book recommendations from it, but most of all I liked the connection I felt with a fellow book lover.
Nick Hornsby, the author, does a great job of talking about how he buys more books than he reads, reads books he doesn't end up liking (though he can't give the titles of those books) and then shares what books he did love and recommends for the month. I totally related with him being stuck in a classic for an extended period of time and not being able to read other things.
I recommend this book if you are a book lover, just to read someone with a kindred soul, or if you are looking for some book recommendations.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Lord of the Ring Series, the books
I have long held the opinion, shared with most of the world, to read the book first, see the movie second. Most of the time, I won't even watch a movie based off a book, unless I have read the book first.
But the Lord of the Rings series was an exception for me. It was a large trilogy, previously started and unfinished, and the movies were too popular to not join with friends and see as they were released.
I loved the movies, how they presented the world of the books, the nuances of characters and was very moved by just the stories presented on the screen. As much as I loved the movies, I loved the books more.
It did take something away, knowing what was coming, but to hear Tolkien's description of the emotions, and depth of the characters that movies just can't come close to bringing across was incredible. I actually cried, at numerous points throughout the books, they were that touching.
I was also pleasantly surprised when I came across the sections that didn't make the movies, and found extra delight in them.
Bottom line, even if you have already watched the movies, these books are worth the time invested in them. If you are short on time, just read the end of The Return of the King, there is a HUGE interesting story about the hobbits return home that is not even close to represented in the movie, and it is quite the interesting end of the book. Plus, you would then be able to read the touching scene where Sam and Frodo part company, and that is worth reading all by itself.
What I learned from it- the power of friendship, and the various ways that friendship is represented in the story. There are friends who fight for you, friends who make you laugh, and friends who stand by your side even through the darkest times, even when you try to push them away. This series is a good reminder that you will never make your goals in life without precious friends getting you through.
But the Lord of the Rings series was an exception for me. It was a large trilogy, previously started and unfinished, and the movies were too popular to not join with friends and see as they were released.
I loved the movies, how they presented the world of the books, the nuances of characters and was very moved by just the stories presented on the screen. As much as I loved the movies, I loved the books more.
It did take something away, knowing what was coming, but to hear Tolkien's description of the emotions, and depth of the characters that movies just can't come close to bringing across was incredible. I actually cried, at numerous points throughout the books, they were that touching.
I was also pleasantly surprised when I came across the sections that didn't make the movies, and found extra delight in them.
Bottom line, even if you have already watched the movies, these books are worth the time invested in them. If you are short on time, just read the end of The Return of the King, there is a HUGE interesting story about the hobbits return home that is not even close to represented in the movie, and it is quite the interesting end of the book. Plus, you would then be able to read the touching scene where Sam and Frodo part company, and that is worth reading all by itself.
What I learned from it- the power of friendship, and the various ways that friendship is represented in the story. There are friends who fight for you, friends who make you laugh, and friends who stand by your side even through the darkest times, even when you try to push them away. This series is a good reminder that you will never make your goals in life without precious friends getting you through.
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