LOTR: what did you NOT like in the books?

[Pomegranate]

Agreed with Agan concerning running naked, that is very Finnish of us though. Could be questioned why the Nordic people, who definitely should keep their clothes on in order to stay warm, are the ones who are the most comfortable in taking them off. Hmm...

As for me, I've more than once just skipped the fourth book (shame on me), I never found that storyline (/characters I think) interesting enough to hold me for the length of the whole book. It's been a while, though, so maybe if I read it now (which I can't do, my copy is in Finland :/) I'd like it better.

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Pomegranate

Agreed with Agan concerning running naked, that is very Finnish of us though. Could be questioned why the Nordic people, who definitely should keep their clothes on in order to stay warm, are the ones who are the most comfortable in taking them off. Hmm...

And the English aren't as bad as the Americans. I thought the communal bathroom at Crickhollow was a bit odd but there were communal showers at school even in my day.. and nude bathing is an Oxford tradition
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parson's_Pleasure

There is a story of a group of dons who rushed to cover their err embarassment when a boat party of ladies appeared. Most wrapped their towels around their waists but one took the swifter action of throwing his towel over his head. When his companions asked him what he was doing he replied "I don't know about you chaps, but in this town I am known by my face..".

[Boo Radley]

Wow, we Yanks are taking some hits here (Not really, I know). We have communal showers in gyms and swimming pools and schools (Unless they've changed the layouts in college dorms, that is). BUT! Unlike some Hobbits, for the most part, if a person were to tell a group of grown men to run around outside, nekkid... chances are they'd demure.
And I don't believe we Americans are alone in this.

[Mithalwen]

Well you guys do seem particularly hung up on nudity. Though I agree the Brits are more reticent than the continentals. And I don't disagree but privacy is a relatively modern notion. I just think it probably wasn't so weird then as it seems now. Maybe it was some skyclad ritual ; ) . But I think it was probably a bit parky in October for such shenanigans.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

Well you guys do seem particularly hung up on nudity. Though I agree the Brits are more reticent than the continentals. And I don't disagree but privacy is a relatively modern notion. I just think it probably wasn't so weird then as it seems now. Maybe it was some skyclad ritual ; ) . But I think it was probably a bit parky in October for such shenanigans.

To be fair, it is nude hobbits we're talking. Three feet high, hairy feet...and my fear is that there could be attributes other then stature and feet where they might differ anatomically from Men.

[Mithalwen]

You don't mean *gulp* the...the...pointy ears?

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

You don't mean *gulp* the...the...pointy ears?

Not exactly....er, I mean, yes, that's exactly what I meant.