The Silmarillion read-through, how is it going to work?
everything you need to know about the 2025 read-through of The Silmarillion
This substack is where I post weekly Tolkien Deep Dives and also where I host my read-throughs of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works.
Starting April 6th, 2025 me and my paid subscribers here are going to journey through The Silmarillion. If you’re curious about what my read-throughs include and how they work this post is for you!
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 traversed 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 of the adventure (that’s me!).
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How is the 2025 read-through of The Silmarillion going to work?
Because The Silmarillion has 24 chapters (or sections), I’m aiming to cover 4 chapters a week once we start on April 6th.
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 April 6th, I’ll give some gentle accountability to keep you on track in the form of what I call ‘Silmarillion Sundays’. 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 and a private 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 Silmarillion as fast as possible. For this group, we’re going to cover around 4 chapters a week which means it will take us 6 weeks to work through the book. 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 have not read any of Tolkien’s books before. You’re welcome to join regardless, but if you’ve never read any of Tolkien’s books, starting with The Silmarillion can feel like jumping in the deep end. It totally works for some people! But I’m of the opinion that you’ll get the most out of The Silmarillion if you’ve at least read The Lord of the Rings first. But it’s ultimately up to you!
…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.
This read-through IS for you if…
…you’ve ever felt intimidated by reading The Silmarillion and want a no-pressure zone to be guided through it.
…you’re vastly familiar with The Lord of the Rings and want to gain a new perspective on that story. Reading The Silmarillion changes so much about how you experience LOTR!
…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.
…you know The Silmarillion inside and out but want a fresh place to discuss it with people. Your input in the group will be welcomed!
“Ok, so what do I need in order to join this read-through of The Silmarillion?”
All you need is:
a copy of The Silmarillion—audiobooks and library editions count too!
a paid subscription to this substack ($5 a month, cancel anytime).
Due to the hours of research and writing it takes 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 here will be getting extra resources, private discussions, and curated links that will open up The Silmarillion 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.
The best part of this read-through will be getting to do it together. This Substack was created to be the place where that can happen.
From the grand cosmology of Tolkien’s creation story, to the dreadful oath of Fëanor and his sons, to the sweeping romance of Beren and Lúthien, let me be your guide through these stories for the ages.
Why? Because in a world gone mad, God has given us the gift of Story. Because beautiful storytelling offers us escape and reprieve so that we’re better equipped to show up in real life. Because my heart needs to remember that, in the end, “the shadow is only a passing thing” and good will always triumph in the end. Maybe you need that reminder too.
Whether you’re new to The Silmarillion or you’ve wandered its paths many times before, come join us for the epic adventures that await between its pages on April 6th.
I’ll see you there!
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Can you believe I’ve had my copy of The Silmarillion since I was 15, I’ve never read it and I’m now 53! So looking forward to this read through, to finally do my copy of it justice.
This is perfect timing since I told myself this year is my Tolkien and Brandon Sanderson year (yes, I know. Very heavy year lol) and I was actually starting to read The Silmarillion at the beginning of the year.