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Jimjams101 t1_itf7c7b wrote

I tried to read this in high school for an English assignment and I hated every minute of it. But I had no context about what it was supposed to be and that was like 20 years ago pre good internet. Maybe it’s time I try again.

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sweetspringchild t1_itfb3j1 wrote

It felt like trying to read the Bible except the Bible at least has a historical value in the real world. Never got past the first few pages of Bible either. Some books shall have to remain unread.

(Just looking for a kindred spirit to commiserate on our shared hate and suffering, not trying to ruin anyone's enjoyment. I am genuinely happy for people who enjoyed Silimarillion, it's not always easy finding the next book you're going to love.)

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phasestep t1_itfcbxb wrote

It's like reading the Bible if you had zero cultural or historical context. Like we picked an alien off another planet, taught them our alphabet and then gave them this book and said "it's a really good read!"

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pierzstyx t1_itfg2pv wrote

Really, it's almost nothing like reading the Bible. It is more like if someone handed you a book of Greek myths and told you to read it.

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phasestep t1_itfg9o5 wrote

The closest I've come is reading Indian mythology. I don't know the names or places and some of the ideas are totally foreign. And that's with me already having a vague idea of India and it's people. You don't even have that with Tolkien

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Jimjams101 t1_itfdgzy wrote

Boy, it was tough when I was 17 trying to get through it. Like quite depressing.

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TimelyEvidence t1_itgfdep wrote

This was my experience. All the more power to folks who enjoy this book but it was too much for me.

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annomandaris t1_itjhw1p wrote

I just skipped the making of the music, and it was so much better. Then after i knew the story and characters, the music made more sense and was enjoyable.

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