New to the game...

Ok well I'm new here and well I haven't actually ready any of the LotR Books but ive seen the movies and ive been reading all about the books and other works on the internet at various sites (this one included) and im very intrested in readin them.. but im just not sure where to start.. with what book?.. Hobbit or Fellowship or what..
also.. are the books hard to comprehend as in, are the way they are written make it hard to understand whats going on or what?... Help please