Do you find that the books grow with you?

[Arwen Melian]

Now that I have read all your comments ,I would like to contribute my ideas as well. I,for one, feel that my experince changes each time I pick up the book.I am also not ashamed to say that it has changed my life.However, some people say that reading LOTR is a form of "escapism." Well,this is what I say: if Tolkien's work is merely an escapist fantasy, then so be it! The real world can be too serious and drab without the magic of Middle Earth. In reference to a post above, yes people do see it as "cultish." But those people are ignorant, they always try to find some flaw in everything wonderful. Well...actually in 60's and 70's I think there were some actual Tolkien cults out there....but that is different. People will always try to bring something or someone down....it's human nature. And I believe it is something that they have to get over.But seriously...if this is truly an escapist fantasy....I would rather have Middle Earth then the real world (even though life isn't horrible,in light of recent events....it can be nice from time to time). I also find parallels between the real world and Middle Earth every day.Those people who fail to do so are just boring drones...there I said it(of course none of you here are [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]).As some people grow up...they tend to lose grasp on their imaginations......what they need is Tolkien. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]