This is one in a series of posts where the content is provided by a guest who has graciously answered five questions about their experience as a Tolkien reader. I am very humbled that anyone volunteers to spend time in this busy world to answer questions for my blog, and so I give my sincerest thanks to HT and the other participants for this.

To see the idea behind this project, check out this page

I want to thank Donato Giancola for allowing me to use his stunning portrait of J.R.R Tolkien as the featured image for this project. If you would like to purchase a print of this painting, they are available on his website!

If you would like to contribute your own experience, you can do so by using the form on the contact page, or by emailing me directly.

Now, on to HT’s responses:

1. How were you introduced to Tolkien’s work?

Saw it on bookstore shelves in the 80’s

2. What is your favorite part of Tolkien’s work?

Character development and exposition of culture variances

3. What is your fondest experience of Tolkien’s work?

Reading LOTR (all three books) in the week before the first movie opened

4. Has the way you approach Tolkien’s work changed over time?

A bit, since becoming more comfortable with fictional locations (versus London in England, Moscow in Russia, etc. – places I know of on maps)

5. Would you ever recommend Tolkien’s work? Why/Why not?

Completely, without hesitation. Fantasy, good/bad events, characters, strong role models in his characters, extreme example of proper education and its potential outputs