[VanimaEdhel]

I agree that you are trying too hard, DarkRose. I first read The Hobbit when I was eight and The Lord of the Rings trilogy when I was nine (dunno how, at nine, I finished the books in under a year, but I did), and, personally, I didn't experience that.

Buuuut: I'm 15 now, and my best friend is 14. She couldn't even get throught the Fellowship of the Ring, so: do not feel at all bad about it. I started reading 200 page books when I was six, so...whatever: pay no attention to me. I go to a private school, so ignore me.

My best friend is really smart though and she can't get through the Fellowship. Like you, I think she is trying too hard. If you just approach it with the innocense of a 9-year old: not really expecting anything, but just letting the meaning come to you, I think you'll do better. I mean, I fell in love with Elves when I was 8, loved Legolas when I was nine, at the same time thinking Gollum was (I called it "interesting" then) the most complex character I'd ever heard of. I remember telling my mom about the "meaning" behind Gollum...not far off what we talk about on the Forum now in content of what I said, just with simpler words. LOL

Aaaah: memories. To be 9 and honestly think I would become an Elf, go to Middle Earth, and experience the sorrow of the Elves when I was magically transformed into one...I thought I'd be a princess and marry Legolas too...LOL...I miss those days.

Anyway: just relax and let the book come to you!