(Yes, it’s the return of the stick figures!)
Reading Tolkien’s Books Chapter by Chapter
Almost every blog does it at one point in its existence. It seems to be the inevitable fate which I’ve recently been set into doing. It’s time for me to begin my annual Tolkien Trio Reading Tradition: reading, in chronological order, through The Silmarillion, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Long have been my discussions (with myself) about specific aspects of the stories; or the intricacies of a single chapter; or even just marvelling at the rich and complex world laid out before me.
So this year, I’ve decided to do a series of weekly posts discussing, one chapter after the other, each of these books. From the creation of Arda and Middle-earth to the Fall of Sauron and the Voyage into the West.
And you’re all invited to participate!
Every couple of days (depending on reading times and real life intrusions), I’ll be posting a brief summary of the current chapter read: including my thoughts on it and raising some questions for discussion.
The primary aim of this read-along is to discuss with you, in depth, Tolkien’s major works; whilst at the same time, perhaps, help out anyone still struggling to open up that dusty copy of The Silmarillion for the very first time. And it’s precisely why I’ve decided to tackle the seemingly overwhelming tales of the First Age at the beginning. I encourage all of you Tolkien readers, beginners and veterans alike, to join in this reading experience. You may want to read at your own pace – which is absolutely fine; so long as we see you joining the discussions 🙂 The idea is to have fun and share our reading experience of J.R.R Tolkien’s books.
And yes, those dreaded stick figures of mine will be making an appearance in these posts: to help you visualise the books beyond what Tolkien or Peter Jackson are capable of doing … 😀
In the meantime, it just so happens that we welcome a new blogher who has also started doing a similar series of readings – but based on the equally-challenging The History of Middle-earth series. If that’s currently your cup of tea, head over to Lisa’s Tolkien Read Through for the opening first chapters. So get out your copies of The Silmarillion and start reading, as next week we’ll be talking about the Ainulindalë and the Valaquenta. Until next time 😉
A Tolkienist's Perspective 
How long does it take you to read all of the books? I’m a slow reader. Right now I’m reading the Hobbit. I’ll be sure to join for discussions.
I’m also a slow learner. The Lord of the Rings takes me approximately 3 months. Although I know what’s going to happen in the following pages, I can’t help re-reading and letting myself immerse into the world.
The Hobbit naturally takes considerably less – 3 weeks. Whilst The Silmarillion maybe 5 weeks.
And I’m talking about 30 minutes of reading everyday – so I’m sure if I dedicate an hour or two more I’ll get through each more quickly …
Looking forward to discussing the books together, Toni 🙂
Me too. It’s so hard to find people who get into it as much as me. I’ll go on and on about Gil-Gilad and his spear or Turin and Beleg and people are like “which movie was that in.” haha
Hahaha! Oh the pain, the pain!
Great timing! 😉 Seeings as there are parallels between volume one and two of The History of Middle Earth there can be opportunities for comparisons as well. Very good! 🙂 I hope to get a post up on “The music of the Ainur” tomorrow or on sunday! 🙂
Thankfully I’ve already finished Ainulindale and Valaquenta. I’m currently stuck in chapter 9 of the Quenta… Right in the paragraph that starts with “Now Feanor led the Noldor northward.” (Uh oh) Nothing to worry about though, just taking a break from the intensity of the previous chapter. I believe this plan and scheme of yours is just the right thing to get me re-invigorated to tackle the rest of the Silm! 😀 (especially since this is my first read-through of it… and not exactly a consecutive one at that.) -_-
However, I just can’t wait to get to The Hobbit, for I am quite certain that that charming little oddball will always(?) be my favourite Tolkien book. (LotR is a harsh and difficult reading journey in comparison… But its rewards are well worth the hardships! 😉 )
Cool! I’m in!
Fantastic – was actually looking for something like this for LOTR, but starting with the Silmarillion is even better!
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, man. That sounds ideal for me finally reading The Silmarillion, except I’m in the middle of 3 long books and 2 short right now, and… this is so tempting. Hmm.
I did a chapter-by-chapter read-along of LOTR on my blog a little over a year ago. So Much Fun!
Great! The big adventure starts tomorrow 😉
Okay, yes, I’m really in. Posted about it on my blog just so I can’t chicken out!
I really appreciate the mention Hamlette! Kudos 😀
Ok, I’ll give it a go. I read the Hobbit last year, but it’s been over 10 years since I read LOTR and The Silmarillion. Just dug my old paperback copy out of storage in the basement (sorry, I don’t have good copies of my Tolkien books to display). I don’t know how well I’ll keep up, but like you said, I have a better chance of re-reading them if I follow along with the group and your blog. Good idea!
Cheers Mark! You’re very welcome to join the discussion any time. I’ll try to be on hand as much as possible to help out in any way.
Check back tomorrow when we start discussion the Ainulindale and Valaquenta 🙂