The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

The One Ring has been lost and forgotten for thousands of years but is now being sought by Sauron, who intends to use the Ring’s power to rule over Middle Earth and all of its free people. Fate leaves the Ring in the hands of a hobbit, named Frodo Baggins, who inherits it from his uncle, Bilbo Baggins. He and a group of companions, including the wizard Gandalf, take up the challenging task to take the Ring to the fires of Mount Doom and destroy it once and for all and save the people of Middle Earth.  

This trilogy was amazing! Another one of Tolkien’s greatest works. I would highly recommend it to others. And don’t feel discouraged by all the pages because they are action packed with many battles, many laughs, and teach many lessons such as perseverance and the great bond of true friendship. The characters and story touches the reader and it stays with them for a long time. It was truly a great book.

Written by Priya, Teen Volunteer

The Hobbit: or There and Back Again by JRR Tolkien

Hobbits are a race of peaceful, short human-like creatures who love food, but when the circumstances call for it, they can be very courageous and pack a punch. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who is quite happy living his normal, unadventurous life in his homey hobbit hole. One day, unexpected guests arrive for an unexpected party in his house. He agrees to be a burglar and go on a journey with 13 dwarves and a wizard to recover the lost treasure of the Dwarf King, Thorin Oakenshield, that was stolen by the dragon Smaug. On their journey, the company comes across many creatures and beings, friend and foe, or even a little in between, and make their way over high mountains and through dangerous forests. Bilbo finds his courage and explores the lands outside of his home in the Shire. He even finds a ring deep down in the goblin caves — its significance unknown to Bilbo — that can make him invisible when it comes time for him to be a burglar.

I loved this book so much! Even though it may seem like a bedtime story for the little ones, it is still a great read for teens who want to get away from the piles of homework and relax their minds with a fun adventure. And if you really liked the characters and places of Middle Earth, the story doesn’t have to end with Bilbo returning to the Shire. The Tolkien Legendarium is a collection of tales and adventures imagined and written by Tolkien, taking place  in and beyond the lands of  Middle Earth. One of the other well known works of Tolkien is The Lord of the Rings which is also a great book worth reading.

Written by Priya, Teen Volunteer