LOTR Read-Through 2024
It's HERE. Are you ready?!
"He found himself wondering at times, especially in the autumn, about the wild lands, and strange visions of mountains he had never seen came into his dreams." - The Fellowship of the Ring, J.R.R Tolkien
My books are stacked by my desk, my tea is sending tendrils of hot steam into the morning air and the sun is just beginning to crack open the eastern rim of the sky. It’s time to return to Middle-earth again.
Today is the first official day of our 2024 Lord of the Rings read-through. Who’s in?!
4 quick tips for your read through:
Choose the reading style that works for YOU. Whether that’s reading a physical book, e-reader, listening to an audiobook, or taking turns reading aloud with a family member/or close friend—go with what fits in your current lifestyle. It all counts!
Take the book with you everywhere. Taking the book (or audio/e-reader version) with you wherever you go increases your chances of getting through pages of it during the “in-between” times. Riding in the car, waiting on an appointment, during a lunch break, waiting to pick up the kids from school, etc. Basically, the times you’d find yourself just casually scrolling your phone, try picking up the book instead!
Don’t compare your reading pace to anyone (especially mine). I’m naturally a fast reader. Plus, I’ve read The Lord of the Rings so many times I’ve lost count. It’s the difference between hiking a trail you’ve been on numerous times vs. hiking one for the first time. Reading LOTR feels very familiar to my brain. If it feels unfamiliar to yours and you need to take things slower, that’s ok!
Just remember: THERE IS NO FALLING BEHIND because there’s no schedule to keep. Read when you can, where you can and come join the Middle-earth Monday conversations from wherever you’re at in the books. You’re always welcome.
If you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this Substack. This is where I’ll be posting weekly check-ins (Middle-earth Mondays) for paid subscribers to have a place to ask questions and share their own thoughts with others reading alongside them.
While the LOTR read-through will be free, I will also be sharing bonus posts, resources and private discussions for paying subscribers here. If you want access to that, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
The best part of this read-through will be getting to do it together. This substack is where that can happen.
From Bilbo's party and Gandalf's fireworks to Tom Bombadil’s masterfully whimsical influence in the Old Forest to the banks of the Great River, Anduin--let me be your tour guide through the first phase of this epic story for the ages.
Why? Because my heart needs a beautiful story about small good defeating seemingly impossible evil and maybe yours does too. Because wholesome escapism calls us to lift our eyes to One writing all stories into The Best Story. Because as much as we'd love to claim the nobility and grandeur of the elves, we're all just Hobbits at heart who want a simple life with good food, community and a safe place to call home.
So whether you’re celebrating with a Hobbit Day feast like us, or simply cozying up with The Fellowship of the Ring + a warm drink to toast Bilbo and Frodo’s birthday, I’m wishing you a beautiful day full of all the small comforts that matter in the biggest ways.
Questions for you:
1. Is this your first time reading The Lord of the Rings or have you gone through them before?
2. Please introduce yourself below. Where are you reading from? I'm here to cheer you on today!
Coming this Monday (September 23rd): our first Middle-earth Monday check-in! *paid subscribers only*
Good morning! Happy Hobbit Day! I am taking this journey with the Fellowship after a good chunk of years where I did not and let “life” get in the way. I read LOTR first in grade school and it became, after the Bible, a defining part of my life. Much of my early thoughts and character and ethics were influenced by it. I read the trilogy every year and learned new things and insights each time as my life perspective changed (adult, husband, father, etc).
My family has had its share of challenges and tragedies in recent years, and I am so thankful to Breanne for rekindling in me a desire to return and spend time in my roots. I was struggling to enjoy the ROP, being a little fussy and critical, and she encouraged me to let go and just enjoy it which I now very much am.
I am grateful for this group experience and eagerly subscribed and shared it with friends. I am thrilled that my 2 daughters are joining me in this read through this year. I hope to be a positive part of this community and share or help any way I can, and learn a lot.
Thank you Breanne. Your story, your openness with your life and struggles, and the love and passion you have for Middle Earth are infectious in the best of ways, and is making a difference. 😊
Good morning! I'm Lois from Michigan. Usually Hobbit day is a celebration in my home. I cook a feast, play music and enjoy all things Middle Earth. This year however I will be starting this read on a sad note as today begins my Mother in laws funeral 😢. Sorry, don't mean to be bringing any negativity to the group, but one thing I know is that I will be looking forward to little "escapes " with LOTR over the next couple days.