As a young boy I struggled to read. Seems like I was usually behind the other children at school, even when it came to mastering my ABC's.

Then, one day at age 8 was exposed to the animated film of The Hobbit. It sparked my interest and motivated me to read the book. With new found interest and motivation I dove into Bilbo's adventure. It opened to me a feeling of excitement, wonder, and adventure that I had never before experienced.

Since then I've devoured other books ranging from The Lord of the Rings and Silmirillion to the Dragonlance series, Bram Stoker's Drakula, Tom Sawyer, Shakespeare, and many others... even some writings of Jane Austin. Still, The Hobbit will always be the book that opened my mind to new worlds and wonders.

The Hobbit will always be the epitome of fantasy for me, by which all other fantasy is measured.

Sorry to carry on, but naturally I am happy to find this corner of the internet.

Nice to meet you Shane. I agree that all other Fantasy will be measured by Tolkien's (and CS Lewis's) books. Which is why I have trouble finding new fantasy books to read (see my comments on Best fantasy series next to LotR thread). Anyway, welcome to the forum and Happy Posting .

GB

Great to have you, Shane333! (btw: is the username your name, or is it in honor of Shane Rangi?)

This "corner of the internet" is always secluded from the hustle and bustle of the normal world. I oftentimes come here when I want to engross myself in Tolkien and nothing else. It's a nice relaxing atmosphere. Welcome!

My username reveals my boring personality. I use the same username on just about all forums I visit. Shane is in honor of the character from the old western movie of the same name.

333 just comes from one of my favorite numbers.

Not very creative, but there it is.

Gee wiz Shane! You're hitting the Forums hard! I check the "New Posts" every night, half of them were from you . Great to have you here!

Hello Shane.. Welcome to the forum.. It certainly is a nice little corner to get away from things and talk to others about Tolkien, Hobbits, Elves etc.. I love The Hobbit too & recently re-read it.. Fantastic book

Galadriel2911

Mr Shane333,

Share your thoughts on Middle Earth. I read The Hobbit as a 12 year old and it changed my life in a marked way. I have done a lot and read a lot since, but I still remember that first adventure clearly. Fantasy (good fantasy that is) drips with "realism" irrespective of how much belief you have to suspend. In their own fashion, both are deeply serious literary works deserving of devotion. Being effusive about finding somewhere to chat about all things Tolkien seems perfectly understandable to me. I feel the same way. Call me a nostalgic "Old Fogey if you like! Tolkien (and C.S Lewis and Mr Eldorion might concur?) was a very serious person with a very deep insight into life. So talking over every nuance and detail of his works would seem a worthy occupation! Remember, Tolkien saw his work as History as much as Mythology - and History is real, you know! (Yes, I know T could always separate himself from his creation - I just never knew why he would want to).

Regards,
Odo

I know you're here somewhere Odo (I hope you don't mind the familiarity, but I feel an immediate sense of kinship for some reason ).

I was fairly young myself when I first read the Hobbit, around 7 or 8 , around the first time I also read The Chronicles of Narnia. I know what you mean about the profound effects that such books have on you. They really shaped my world-view, and to this day I see reality through a Magical/Pagan lens. And like you, I can't think of a good reason to leave that world behind or separate oneself from it .

GB

Hello Gandalf's Beard (I think I might drop the 'Mr' bit - it was fun while it lasted - and I must say, talking to a beard is a new experience! Next time I grow one, I'll pay it more respect! C.S had talking animals - and I believe in them! Now I believe in talking beards! What will people think?),

I don't need to say much. I just agree with you in regard to your last post.

Regards,
Odo.

NB There are a lot of topics to go to. If Bilbo (who I feel was a tidy person) was here I feel he might ask THE ADMINISTRATOR (Orwellian?) to maybe somehow electronically sort the topics out a bit so that there are not so many. (Does that sound undemocratic?) The NEW MEMBERS would seem to be a good place to put all the NEW MEMBERS who come and join the party. (Moderator, are you listening? Can you help? Is it possible?)