Peanuts In My Pocket

Like many kids in my generation, I discovered The Lord of the Rings in middle school. I read it through in a blissful week or two and then started reading it again. That first read was around 1974. Since then, I’ve managed to read the book at least once a year. It’s something I put off starting each year, but I eventually get back to it around summertime. I realized this was at least my 50th read as I started Chapter Four: “A Shortcut to Mushrooms.” Fifty times! I still love every moment of it.

I tried to get my middle-school-aged grandson to read through with me, but he’s not quite ready, so it looks like it’s just me again. I can always find another book club. There are people like me who read it every year, right?

“A Shortcut to Mushrooms” is where we first start to see some of Frodo’s shortcomings, particularly his indecision and rash behavior. We also begin to see Sam’s true character shine through the lines of the story. He is a steadfast and loyal supporter of his master, Frodo. This helps set the stage for later conflict and character development.

One of my favorite chapters is only an hour away: “The Old Forest,” where we meet Tom Bombadil. Of all of Tolkien’s creations, I like the idea of old Tom the most. I’m modeling my retirement after him. My life is focused on my own Goldberry, Florence, and taking care of the young hobbits, my grandkids. Nothing from the world outside my domain worries me anymore. Sundays carry no stress nor the shadow of Mondays. I’m free to gather white water-lilies for my Goldberry, singing a jolly old song along the way.

I’ve spent years looking for another book series like The Lord of the Rings. Nothing sticks. It’s a combination of the world-building and storytelling that few can even approach in their writing. Plus, it’s a great story filled with wonderfully rich and colorful characters. I love them all, or I should say I love all the good ones. Except Gollum, of course.

The characters live in my head all year long. By this point in my life, they feel like old friends. According to my friends, I am most like Gandalf, and my Myers-Briggs INTJ personality type offers some proof of this connection.

Introverted, iNtuitive, Thinking, and Judging. It indicates a person who is energized by spending time alone, prioritizes ideas and concepts over facts and details, makes decisions based on logic and reason, and prefers to be spontaneous and flexible.

Apparently, Gandalf has these qualities in spades. I can see it, but I think every little boy reading the story wants to be Aragorn or Legolas—or Gimli if you’re short. I cosplayed as Legolas a few times while young, but Gandalf would be the right fit these days. Or… fat Gandalf, I guess. And I don’t know about walking all the way to Mordor. Perhaps an eagle would ease my journey?

Do you have a favorite series? Something that you return to again and again, perhaps?