I would recommend that you check out
Meditations on Middle-earth, edited by Karen Haver, and illustrated by John Howe. As the blurb from Chapters/Indigo says:
Quote:
From the Publisher
Original essays on J.R.R. Tolkien from bestselling fantasy writers George R.R. Martin, Orson Scott Card, Terry Pratchett, Harry Turtledove, and many more. To tie in with the release of the first blockbuster film in New Line Cinemas Lord of the Rings trilogy, Meditations on Middle-Earth presents a collection of insightful, original essays by today's top fantasy and science fiction authors on the importance of The Lord of the Rings to their lives and their work. Additional bestselling and award-winning authors include: Raymong E. Feist, Ursula Le Guin, Gene Wolfe, Charles de Lint, Poul Anderson, and more! Also included is stunning original art by John Howe, the world's foremost Tolkien illustrator, who is working closely with director Peter Jackson on the upcoming films. This blockbuster book is an absolute must-have for Tolkien fans.
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In other words, these are some of the biggest names in fantasy writing today, telling in a bunch of personal essays how they were influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien. It's a fairly engaging read, and more personal than academic, but I think you'd fing it an immense help.