FAQs for the 2025 read-through of The Lord of Rings
how it works. who it's for. how you can join.
Starting September 22nd, 2025 me and my paid subscribers here on Substack are going to journey through The Lord of the Rings together. If you’re curious about what my read-throughs include and how they work, this post is for you!
“What is a ‘read-through’ and what is this substack for?”
Many Meetings isn’t a book club with deadlines and schedules; it's more of a book…hike.
Think of this substack as your field guide to Tolkien’s works; like going on a trail with someone who has traversed it many times versus venturing out on it by yourself. Sure, you’d probably be fine alone, but you’re going to have a much more enriching time with other people who know the path, know how to get to the best views and what to pack to get the most out of the adventure (that’s me!).
I call these events 'read-throughs' and not 'book clubs' because there won’t be rigid deadlines and schedules you feel obligated to participate in. We’ve all got enough of that in real life, this space is for wholesome escapism and building community around a shared love of Tolkien’s stories.
“How does the 2025 read-through of The Lord of the Rings work?”
This read-through will not include The Hobbit. We will just be reading The Lord of the Rings which includes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.
Because The Lord of the Rings has over 60 chapters, I’m aiming to cover around 5-7 chapters a week once we start.
If you read faster or slower than that, no worries! There’s no rigid schedule or falling behind. Each week, you’ll be invited to share where you’re at in the book with the group while everyone else does the same.
Once we start on September 22nd, I’ll give some gentle accountability to keep you on track in the form of what I call ‘Middle-earth Mondays’. Once a week, I’ll post on social media to share my progress and invite you to share yours.
And—if you’re a paid subscriber to Many Meetings—you’ll get weekly posts from this publication tucked into your inbox full of bonus resources/videos, topics of discussion with a private invitation to an exclusive community space to talk all things Tolkien.
“Who is the read-through for (and who is it not for)?”
This read-through is NOT for you if…
…you want to read The Lord of the Rings as fast as possible. For this group, we’re going to cover between 5-7 chapters a week which means it will take us over two months to finish the entire series. This will give us space to deep-dive and really get the most out of these stories while still moving through this hefty book at a reasonable pace.
…you absolutely loathe The Rings of Power TV show and me making occasional references and connections to it will bring out your inner Balrog.
…you’re not open and welcoming to other people having differing interpretations to Tolkien’s work than your own. We have a diverse, international audience here. I worked to intentionally build this community into that. And I’m only interested in having people here who will continue to help me make this a welcoming space for people from differing beliefs, genders and races. My firm rule is: Be kind or get blocked.
This read-through IS for you if…
…you’ve ever felt intimidated by reading The Lord of the Rings and want a no-pressure zone to be guided through it.
…you know the The Lord of the Rings inside and out and want to gain a new perspective on that story. Reading LOTR with other people changes so much about how you experience a story that may already be familiar to you. Your input in the group will be welcomed!
…you don’t have time to delve into the books but still want to join in and learn more about Tolkien’s legendarium via general osmosis (i.e., reading summaries, asking questions) within the group.
“I wish I had known about this earlier! I just finished reading The Lord of the Rings. :( “
You’re still welcome to join! One of my favorite things about the way I host these events is that you can choose your level of participation. Maybe you want to read every chapter and take notes and share them along the way. Maybe you don’t have the capacity to participate in the group, but you still want to get the weekly check-in emails. Maybe you’ve already read LOTR this year so you don’t have to read every chapter again, but you still have lots of fresh insights on your mind you can share with the group.
You’re welcome to participate in the read-through in the way it works for you. And if you’ve just read LOTR, your input will be welcomed in the group even if you’re not rereading the chapters like everyone else is.
“But what if I can’t start on September 22nd? Are there going to be live readings I miss out on?”
There will be no live readings! And everyone is encouraged to read at their own pace so there’s no such thing as “falling behind”. We’ll all pick up our books at on September 22nd and get on personal reading schedules that works for us individually.
Then once a week paid subscribers will get access to exclusive posts that provide a place where we can discuss where we’re all at in the book, ask questions and share commentary about the book.
“Ok, so how do I join the 2025 read-through of LOTR?”
All you need to join is:
a copy of The Lord of the Rings—audiobooks and library editions count too!
a paid subscription to my substack ($5 a month, cancel anytime).
That’s it!
Due to the hours of research, writing, and editing it takes for me to host this read-through it will be for paid subscribers only.
My primary mission behind the Tolkien spaces I facilitate is to make these stories as welcoming and accessible as possible. My aim is to foster a space that both enriches your journey through these books and equips you to get the absolute most out of them.
That’s why paid subscribers to my substack will be getting weekly check-ins, extra resources, private discussions, and curated links that will open up The Lord of the Rings in a whole new way.
I’ve done the work so all you have to do is show up with a copy of the book and a paid subscription here to go on this journey with us.
See you in Middle-earth!
I am SO glad this popped up on Instagram feed just in time!
YEAR THREE!!!!! I m so excited! I'm getting pumped with some "about Tolkien" material. I am in the middle of reading "The High Hallow- The Liturgical Imagination of Tolkien" by Ben Reinhard, released by Emmaus Road Publishing. A delight. Making plans for our Hobbit Day kickoff too, and considering opening it to the neighborhood children of all ages as well (meaning yes, the adults too).
Mulitple copies for "tote and read", comfy chair, supply of tea and coffee, waistcoat....
Ready, set..... Read!