[Thinhyandoiel]

I agree with practically everything said so far. Basically all of my friends use at least one of those excuses so as not to read the book or watch the movie. My best friend won't watch it because she isn't 'into' fantasy. Only comedy and horror. When I explained about Merry and Pippin and the Nazgul, the Barrowdowns, the Paths of the Dead, Moria, etc. etc. I was immediately labelled as 'obsessed' for simply knowing these things! Another friend, and I must say, she's an absolute genius, won't read it because to her, fantasy novels hold no truths to real life, they have no meaning. I must say, I nearly cried 'blasphemy!' and almost went off on a tantrum, but we were in class at the time (drat). Later, I tried explaining to her that there are truths in Lord of the Rings, that it was emotionally driven and had me in tears five times! She found the latter bit doubtful (I never cry) so she didn't believe me. I think what Belin said about fantasy being too 'sincere' applied to her. I honestly can't see her sheding a tear throughout the whole book. It's just not her. Which is another reason. LOTR simply doesn't fit with some people's personalities and lifestyles.

My only success was brief. I had my sister read some of The Two Towers after she saw the movie. (She's very worried about Merry and Pippin you see) And yes, she was interested. However, a new Nelly song was released that same week, so I lost her. Dammit.