"I'm Looking for Someone to Share in an Adventure"
how do the LOTR read-throughs work?
Hello and welcome to Many Meetings, the heart of Tolkien-dom on Substack. I’m Breanne, a new-ish substacker, but a life long Tolkien fan. This space is one I’ve created to welcome others into these beautiful stories, sometimes on walks with my dog and sometimes in a quiet corner of your inbox.
Many Meetings is where I’ll be hosting my yearly read-through of The Lord of the Rings (coming this September!) and upcoming reviews on Rings of Power S2 this August. When I’m not doing read-throughs, I also post essays and deep-dives inspired by the works of Tolkien.
You can read all about it (and grab that free playlist) below.
Every year for the past three years, I’ve hosted a public read-through of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Personally, I’ve re-read them (nearly) each year since I was twelve but in the fall of 2021—in the midst of a very dark time in my life—I decided to invite others to join me.
The response shocked me. So many messaged me to say how comforting it was to carry this story with them throughout their days, how it gave them new ways of interacting with the world, how it brought them peace.
Turns out, so many of you needed wholesome escapism too.
In the midst of life’s brutality, God gave us the gift of Story—not just for escapism but also as a song from a Far Green Country calling us to look higher than the dust we're shuffling through here.
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’s done it many times versus venturing out on it by yourself. Sure, you’d probably be fine, 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 the adventure (that’s me!).
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How the read-throughs work:
Once we start on September 22nd, I will give some gentle accountability to keep you on the 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, recipes, topics of discussion and a private community space to hash over all things Tolkien.
And in the meantime, you’ll be getting written deep-dives (like my Tolkien Walks but straight to your inbox!) as well as my reviews for S2 of Rings of Power coming this August.
You’re Invited
Many Meetings is where you can join in and share where you’re at in the books—ask questions, share perspectives give insights!
Much like a mug of ale at the Green Dragon, these stories are richer when enjoyed with others. And you’re welcome to join us anytime.
If the button doesn’t work where you’re reading this post from, you can also click here to subscribe.
Can’t wait to read all of your posts about the books. I read them again in late spring and they were just what I needed then. I had forgotten how moving the end was.
Excited to be a part of this!!