I have to say that when I first joined this board, my interest in Tolkien's works was duly piqued. I realized that I was out of my league, lacking the in-depth knowledge necessary to partake in many discussions. I began reading Silm. while school was still in full swing, and I just couldn't meet the deadlines that I had to, as it took me several times reading each small portion to find any meaning in it. Once summer came around, and I was home for a while with a bit of spare time on my hands, I went back to attempting reading it. I found that I have to be in a totally separate state of mind when I read Silm., sometimes to the point of zoning everything else out. My parents have startled me when I'm reading and they can't manage to rouse me just by calling!
I suppose you could say that my "breakthrough" was learning how to read the book. When I focus my full and undivided attention on it, I find Silm. fascinating, exciting, and quite wonderful!
Cheers,
ShadowFacsimile
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"In buying a horse or taking a wife, shut your eyes tight and commend yourself to God."
-Tuscan proverb
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