Read Alouds - The Lord of the Rings

by Kerry
(Rotorua New Zealand)

Read Alouds - The Lord of the Rings

Well, I think most people know about "The Lord of the Rings" (or trilogy), and if not the book, then the movie. My children were besides themselves wanting to see the movie. I am a firm believer in reading the book first, so eventually, over a winter (!!) I read the 3 books out loud.

It is the all time classic tale involving every fantastical creature you can imagine, good and evil. The descriptions are so vivid they enabled Peter Jackson to so accurately portray them in the movie. The scenes of both beauty and horror are easy to imagine. Even my then 5 year old listened to most of this story (although the movie was strictly censored in parts!).

They sat for hours enthralled as I read on and on through the days (and nights) forsaking all other homeschooling activities. I put special effort into all the voices and accents which the children loved...if I forgot how one went they reminded me how I did it last time. They would not let Dad read to them because "he can't do the voices properly".

This book is quite amazing in its depth of history and invented languages. I believe it is a modern literary genius. The language used, the adventure, good and evil plot makes up 'the perfect book'.It took ever so long to get through so it is not something you should read if time is of the essence. Can be quite exhausting actually.

After it was over, my 10 year old daughter said wistfully..."I wonder if you can get it on tape at the library?" Arrghhh...

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Sep 07, 2015
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The Lord of the Rings
by: Jessica

Books are your true friends..I personally believe that reading book is better than watching a movie

Dec 08, 2012
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Thanks for your post; I am convinced now!
by: Robert

I have been thinking of when to read The Lord of the Rings to our children. They are now 10 (son) and 7 1/2 (daughter). I read The Hobbit to them about 6 months ago and they really enjoyed it.
I have been afraid that most of TLOTR would be over their heads even though they enjoy an advanced reading level (she is on the second book in the Narnia series, a series he finished, and he is on the first in the Prydain series).
Your post convinced me to get the 50th anniversary edition that has been on my wish list for some time as a Christmas present to the kids and myself and start reading to them soon thereafter! We are excited!!

Oct 17, 2009
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Mammoth Job to read "The Lord of the Rings" aloud!
by: Anonymous

Kerry,
I cannot believe you read the whole trilogy of "The Lord of the Rings" aloud to your family.
Well done!

My children have read it themselves and have also listened to the CDs from the library (yes, they are in the library!!), but nothing replaces the special time you've had for weeks/months on the couch sharing an excellent novel!!

What a mammoth task.

Oct 12, 2009
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Lord of the Rings..... Given away....
by: Julie

My husband owned collector's edition leather bound copy of the Lord of the Rings, all three and gave it away before the movies were made and became so popular. Who knew the books would be a movie?? How he wishes he had that back. They are a great literary work.

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