Book Storyline Sequence

[Aganzir]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

the basic sequence is Silmarillion Hobbit Lord of the Rings

Yes, I agree with Mith here, who summed up my opinion pretty nicely in her post.

Originally Posted by Legate of Amon Lanc

Perhaps you might try stop at Silmarillion after chapter 20 and instead of the short version of the story, read Children of Húrin and then return back and continue in the tale of Silmarillion

My little brother did it that way when he first read the Silmarillion (ah to be young enough to actually have a chance!), and found it good.

Now, I'm not sure if you have read Lotr already? Anyway, I would suggest starting from the Silmarillion and then reading the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit is different from the other books, but it is lovely anyway - at least in my opinion. It is nice to read something a bit lighter yet still very good for a change, after spending countless hours on HoME.

I haven't read yet further than the Lost Road so I don't really know what I am talking about, but I don't think you should read the rest of HoME before finishing Lotr and the Silmarillion - after all, they give the official versions of the stories.

Also, if you liked HoME, you might find the History of the Hobbit by John Rateliff interesting.

The poetry collection Adventures of Tom Bombadil is also M-E related, and it is pretty sweet. Maybe you should have read at least Lotr before reading it, but I don't think information given in any other book is required in understanding what it is about.

Welcome to the Downs, and good luck with your reading project!