From time to time I really enjoy reading a good biographical book, especially when it’s on someone like J.R.R. Tolkien, who I have admired for quite some time. I have read many books by Tolkien, and in the process became a huge fan of his works, but I never knew much about the man who put those words down. I had learned some things, such as how Tolkien and C.S. Lewis (another favorite writer of mine) had been good friends, but even that relationship has been somewhat of a mystery to me.
This book opened up the world of Tolkien just as if I were opening my front door to find my world had transformed into the Shire itself. Reading about the child Toklien was, his losses early in life, the friendships he made, and the struggles he went through, makes me feel a sort of kinship to him, and gives me an even deeper appreciation for his works.
That being said, like most biographies, it did hit me with information overload from time to time, which makes me lose some interest in actually finishing the book, but the subject would always get me to pick it back up again after my break. Overall I think this book did well in portraying the life of a man many have never known, but have come to love none the less.
- FYI, I got this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my review. I was not required to be positive, and did not receive any other compensations. If you enjoy reading, and have a blog of your own, check out Booksneeze.com!
