“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

On this Free Week, I will finish the thought I began a couple of months ago on an audiobook I listened to on YouTube; one that had me enthralled.

It was the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

As I have said before, I am not usually crazy about audiobooks. I like to ‘hear’ the voices of the different characters in my mind and I have found many of the readers distract from the stories, but that is not always the case. I have utilized YouTube and other sites, plus audio discs and at times, even Audible. I can be busy and still enjoy stories which I would not otherwise be able to experience, because of time restraints.

As you may remember, the title of this post is in both the movie and book, some of the wisdom of Gandalf, some which I have taken to heart.

I went into these points before rather deeply, but what makes the LOTR Trilogy that I heard so wonderful is the fact that it is so well done, with some of the actual actors from the famous movies reprising their rolls in voice work. The ones who did not return had their parts read well and the narration was (is) exemplary.

When the movies came out, most of the family went to the theaters to see them; I waited for the DVDs. We were all greatly taken by them. I am surprised that we have not worn the discs out.
My husband tried to get me to read the novels when we first got married and several times afterward. Others had tried as well in previous years to get me to read them. It seemed like a lot of work for a long –term investment, which I had not been willing to make. Frankly, I could not get into them, even though those whom I knew who had read them became total devotees. When my husband was teaching social studies, he had maps all around his classroom, and a couple of his students gave a map of Middle Earth to him to add to those of our world.
He was piqued at the differences made to the movies from JRR Tolkien’s books.

My niece took her sister’s son to see the movies, although she had no previous interest. But she, too, was bowled-over, and ran to read the books…which only made her angry concerning Peter Jackson’s changes to the story, as well.

I could not understand their vehemence and frankly, still don’t; the stories are close and at least one change was an improvement, (Arven, the Elf princess, love of Aragorn, rescuing Frodo, as opposed to the elfin man who did so in the books.) More people began reading the books and listening to the story than ever would have without the movies. Peter Jackson brought together fine actors, incredible scenery and great effects to bring the stories to visual life.

I knew much of the story’s details were left out of the movies. Goodness, they are full and long as they are! I chose to listen to hear what was omitted from the story. What I did not expect was to be wrapped in incredibly beautiful writing! Tolkien’s way with words are warm and comfortable, even when the story is not. But if you have not experienced the stories, don’t worry, the ‘not’ parts never last for long. There is much dry humor throughout, as well.

If you have not read or heard the Lord of the Rings books, I could not recommend any stories more highly. If you don’t have the time, or find yourself with driving time or time with hands-on work where you could listen, I implore you to do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook, available on YouTube.

It’s worth it just to hear the song of the Ents!