Are you a better person?

[Dragon Reborn]

I think that there must have been some overall similarity between those of us who fall in love with these books. What this is we may never know.

Being the little philosopher I am I am hugely impressed by this topic. Let me quote a saying I have heard said: "The more you read, the more you know; the more you know, the more you grow." I think this is true in all cases of reading. I think we grow with every day, and depending on what happens to us, we may learn different things, good or bad. I also think this common admiration between so many people brings us together somehow. It's like we can understand each other more because we understand Tolkien. (Am I blabbering?)

In the most obvious sense I have benefited in my English. Yes, it does make it heaps easier to decipher Shakespeare! Because I'm still in school this is helpful because right now we have to read Hamlet...

I think I have gained a certain respect for the language used, and the way it creates emotion in its readers and helps the writing to flow. Tolkien inspires me (I suppose he inspires us all), and makes me want to be a better writer. I think we all know that nothing like this will ever be done again, and that is part of what makes it special to us. The enormity and uniqueness of his work can not be replicated.

Reading Tolkien opened the door for fiction in my life. That is one thing I am most greatful for. It was my first fiction book, and then was followed by other great fiction writers, though none will ever compare. Eg. Robert Jordan, Garth Nix, Isobelle Carmody, J.K. Rowling..

It would take a lifetime to figure fully how Tolkien affects me. But I know I am grateful for the experience. I just said the first things that came to my head, so please excuse me if they go straight over yours!