Who know why a person responds to a book so deeply? When I was young I loved science fiction and fantasy books, and read all the "Greats", but I was in my angst-ridden, "realistic" phase when I discovered Tolkien, and the "Lord of the Rings" has been a faithful companion ever since.
But if you ask me to compare him to another favorite author of mine, I wouldn't choose a Sci Fi/Fantasy author, but Charles Dickens! (I reread some of his books as often as I do LoTR) I guess because, not only do both authors create beautiful, detailed settings and accessible "human" characters, but because both authors appeal to the "angels of our better natures." The people in their novels live and breathe, but overcome adversities in ways we can only hope to achieve.
My only regret is that Tolkien was not as prolific as Dickens. A few more novels like "Lord of the Rings" would have been wonderful!
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