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 Steffan 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 Steffan O’Sullivan’s responses:

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

While browsing in a book store, I stumbled across the first US paperback publication of The Hobbit in 1965, when it had just been released. I was in high school, and a science fiction and fantasy reader since the late 1950s, so frequently checked the shelves for anything new.

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

The Hobbit, closely followed by the tale of Beren and Lúthien as found in The Silmarillion.

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

Reading The Hobbit out loud to various people, both children and adults, over the years. They’ve all loved it.

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

Well, sometimes I skip right to my favorite parts, but mostly my approach is the same. That is, I settle down to immerse myself in Tolkien’s worlds.

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

I have, and do, and will continue to do so. Because it’s unique, and simply the best at what it does. I tell people The Hobbit is the best book written in the last hundred years, though I confess I haven’t read *all* the competition. I say it anyway.