[Lostgaeriel]

My favourite book is LOTR, probably because I read it first. (The Hobbit was a bit of a letdown after that!)

After The Battle of the Pelennor Fields for all the reasons mentioned by others above, I really like At the Sign of the Prancing Pony.

Barliman and Nob add much-needed comic relief to a chapter that turns so black. There's the contrast of the safety, comfort and hominess of the inn and yet the dark and dangerous atmosphere of the common room with the mysterious stranger, Strider.

There is a song and dancing (oops!) There's a great description of a really good meal. (I always get very hungry reading about food or lack thereof in this book!) There's suspense about the pending attack from the Black Riders. The hobbits begin to really understand the incredible danger of their journey.