When will I understand Tolkien like you guys?

[Carannillion]

I have to agree with all you who say that the first time you read LotR, you didn't really understand it. I first read it when I was about 10 (something like that), and to me, it seemed like a huge fairy-tale of sorts. I re-read it a few years later, after having read 'The Hobbit', and suddenly the world of Tolkien was opened to me.

I sort of went on, consuming every book on or by Tolkien that found itself in my path, but the first time I read 'The Book of Lost Tales', I got a bit scared, so I kinda calmed down for a while. I then found (after the first year in what I think would be the the equivalent of Junior High) out that analyzing books (using a 'checklist' while you read is not cheating) makes them even more fun. Just be sure not to analyze a book the first time you read it. Read it preferably a couple of times first.

I still havea long way to go, on the road which will (as already pointed out by someone else) probably never end, as Tolkien himself is the only one who can fully understand his works.

BUT, we can still appreciate and love his books.

Also, discussing the books in forums like this one is extremely valuable. Learning from more experienced *tolkieners* is both useful and fun.