The Lord Of The Rings Is The Only Book You Ever Need To Read

If we had to pick one book to read in all of eternity, it’d be the Lord of the Rings.

The book doesn’t need an introduction, but for posterity’s sake, it’s a fantasy adventure that follows the hobbit Frodo and his companions as they try to save their world from the eye of evil, literally.

But while the fantasy aspect is an initial forefront, on a second glance, the book offers much, much more. J. R. R. Tolkien with his words has created a world so complex yet serene, that you can’t help but delve repeatedly into the pages to find what you’re looking for – whether it’s possibilities of adventure, a tale of friendship, nostalgia, or even hope. From his opening chapter in the Shire to the journey to Rohan and Gondor, right till the end when the Shire needs saving; the book explores not only fantasy but also a wider view of the plot – adding layers that help the characters grow page through page, chapter to chapter, in a world so beautiful you can’t help but visualize and care for it.

Another aspect of the book is its honesty in defining the characters and their journeys. Maybe it’s a cliche, but we’ll still pick Samwise as an example – a loyal friend, an honest man (hobbit?), and the true hero of the story. Even though it’s Frodo who is given the task to destroy the ring, the everyday struggles and endurance portrayed by Sam are the true essence of their friendship and the journey they undertake. And in a way, his character defines the crux of the book better than Frodo, Gandalf, or any of the others.

But that doesn’t mean the rest aren’t worth rooting for. As you read the book, you relate to Frodo’s struggles with the ring, sympathize with Gollum as his story unfolds, and understand Aragorn’s fight with himself to accept the destiny that awaits him.

The drawn-out descriptions and classic literary tropes may be too dry for people to read, it’s still one of the best books you can read to understand literature, characters, storytelling, and human connections like friendship, love, desire, loneliness, despair, and even hate. The book explores dark vs. light, good vs. bad, and central vs. eagle-eye views of a plot that has so much to give that one, or even ten reads, aren’t enough. Which is why Tolkien’s masterpiece is relevant even over 60 years down the line.

A fellow Lord of the Rings fan rightly said that the book is loved for a million reasons and one. As an adolescent, it gives you adventure. As a grownup, it gives you assurance and hope, and as a jaded reader, it gives you nostalgia, and a world you want to root for; a world worth saving.

Have you read the book? What are your thoughts about it?