Ringing?

I haven't answered a for ages and ages (sorry Laura!), so to celebrate my new-found love of reading, here it is! (It's also rather appropriate!)

"We noticed last week what a disproportionate number of participants had Tolkien's Lord of the Rings either in their list of "most tattered" books or featured in the photos. So . . ."

1. Have you read Lord of the Rings?
Oh yes!

2. If so, how many times have you read it? Just once? Or so many you can't count? If not, why not? Not your cup of tea?
I first read it when I was 13. I won the form prize that year and got a book of my choice. I had to get special permission for my parents to pay the extra cost, but I chose The Lord of the Rings and read it instantly. I can still remember how scared I was when the Nazgul were chasing the hobbits to Rivendale. I loved it and promptly tried to read The Silmarillion (didn't get on so well with that!)
I think I've read it another three times since. The last time was a couple of years ago. We have three complete copies in the house. My omnibus from prizegiving, Martin's paperback set, and my leather-bound set. I really want to get the Alan Lee illustrated copies too!

3. And, while we're on the subject, did you see the Oscar-winning movie(s)? What did you think?
Of course I've seen the movies (too many times to count), I do live in Middle Earth you know! Didn't you know I'm a hobbit?


(Yes, this is THE Bag End - sorely in need of refurbishment now Frodo's gone away! And the pic at the top was taken in Wellington when the Return of the King premiere was on - those Nazgul are a problem when you're trying to shop!)