I have always tried to "read the book before I watch the film" even when I was a child. So, I've spent most of my life trying to avoid listening to any conversations about Lord of the Rings or seeing anything more than brief clips of the movies. And it was really hard, almost all my friends were obsessed with Lord of the Rings at one time or another. I have no idea why it took me...15 YEARS to read this book?! Okay, I did not do that math until right now. Wow! this is definitely the longest a book has ever been on my TBR.

It was nothing like what I expected, but I am still completely blown away! First, I thought there would be a lot more action. I expect it will have more action later in the series, but there was hardly any in The Fellowship of the Ring. The fantasy elements, while being a constant presence, were not overpowering to the story or characters. In fact, what really stood out was the atmosphere this book created. The descriptions of the land and environments were so detailed. You felt like you were there experiencing everything along with the group of travelers! With all the little histories and customs of the different races it felt like a real place. I've seriously never experienced suspended belief as strongly as I did while reading this. It was impossible for me to not be completely absorbed into the world anytime I picked this book up! I don't think there is a better way to summarize my feelings than, reading this was truly a magical experience! Don't wait 15 years to read this, move it to the top of your TBR now! It is worth it, I promise!