[Meela]

I read most of the books first, but I prefer reading them after having seen the movies. This happens with most book/movie adaptations: I find the books easier to follow if I already know what happens. The movies are much clearer, and so I can grasp the plot more easily. This was the most clear with The Return of the King, actually. I had no idea what was happening at the end of the book, until I saw the movie. I had no real understanding of the Battle of Pelennor until just after The Two Towers was released, and Return of the King was being publicised. I think I actually just asked someone outright what was going on.