Reading the Classics discussion

Please discuss Book Two of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We will plan on reading books one and two, the entire of The Fellowship of the Ring, for the month of June.

I'd forgotten how many details about Rivendell are different in the book from the film. The joviality of the elves at their feasting and being willing to put up with Bilbo's silly poems and stories is really sweet and endearing. And so many of the characters and stories of lands we are introduced to in The Hobbit! I'm loving this trip back through :)

Tolkien was gifted in his ability to describe an imaginary world in such vivid detail. It was easy to relate to his landscapes and almost feel as if you were traveling with the Fellowship. The lessons on the corruption of power are certainly lessons that are as valid today as they were when Tolkien was writing this during the era of WW II. The elves that Alana spoke of were really very sweet but my favorite endearing moment was when Legolas and Gimli were in the boat together. They became such great friends.

Almost finished Book 2 and like 1 the description is amazing. I do sometimes get lost with the many different characters but it's impressive how Tolkien has taken the time to draw out also the ones with minor parts.

Also, for me, this has to be the first book I've read, that has been written since 1900, which is a mixture of poetry and story. At first I was doubtful, but the poems really work and help to carry the story along.

The differences between the book and the film are also interesting.