I have zero proof to back up this so it's not really a claim but a query: I wonder if there's a difference between true bibliophiles who adore Lewis and Tolkien and the ones who just quote them because they see them on bags or cards or framed inspirational quotes or quotations pulled out of context in some sort of edited excerpt compilation? I've read Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings more times than I can count but it never entered my mind to stop there. I just taught my creative writing class about the importance of a literary community using Dana Glyer's Bandersnatch book, and for true lovers of Tolkien/Lewis you end up branching out into all the Inklings and the books they quoted, wrote about, discussed... it's mystifying to think that two writers who were so well educated themselves would inspire any literary habits other than reading voraciously and widely.
I think you might be onto something, really. Would be interested if someone actually researched this and could back up the claim because it does sound plausible! Also, bandersnatch is an amazing book!
I had the same thought while reading the essay! Some people like to just stand outside the gates and admire the crafted landscaping and floral plantings that draw you near. But they don't want to walk the streets themselves. The books dont keep people out, but I think many people choose not to realize the gate is always open.
Yes! That is fascinating imagery with the gate. I am going to start noticing when people quote Lewis/Tolkien if they are citing a quotation website or if they preface it by saying, “I was perusing Silmarillion last night and noticed…'“ 🤣
Hi, Ruth! I love this! As a lit professor, I get very frustrated over the lack of interest in authors beyond Lewis and Tolkien. In fact, I once wrote an article about this for TGC. I wanted to ask if you would mind if I shared this on my Substack and made a post about some of my own suggestions inspired by this?
I started Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell many years ago. Then I had to return it to the library and never went back and finished. I think it's time to pick it up again
It's so good, Anna! Although I agree with what is said above about the pacing. It starts off slow and then really ramps up. So I can see not being immediately hooked.
Hopefully you will win the giveaway and have your very own copy!
Like the substack and enter to win one of my copies of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I love that book so much I pick up an extra copy anytime I see it.
Thanks for these recommendations. I'm starting with the "Wheel of Time" series. I've read Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series and the "100 Cupboards" series (along with Narnia and LOTR) so often, it's time to broaden my horizons beyond that gate!
Oh, man. Yes! Both great. I read The Dark Is Rising series early in my 20s and was so hooked. There were just too many good books to narrow our recommendations down to 6!!!
This is such a varied list! I've never read the Wheel of Time series but am intrigued. Is now the time to say that I have never read all the Narnia books? I read Magician's Nephew and Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe but got bored with Horse and His Boy and gave up. *ducks head in shame* But I have read LOTR, including the appendices!
I almost didn't read it because it had done the rounds in book clubs, and I'm generally not one for "book club" type books. But this one is the exception that proves the rule!
I have zero proof to back up this so it's not really a claim but a query: I wonder if there's a difference between true bibliophiles who adore Lewis and Tolkien and the ones who just quote them because they see them on bags or cards or framed inspirational quotes or quotations pulled out of context in some sort of edited excerpt compilation? I've read Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings more times than I can count but it never entered my mind to stop there. I just taught my creative writing class about the importance of a literary community using Dana Glyer's Bandersnatch book, and for true lovers of Tolkien/Lewis you end up branching out into all the Inklings and the books they quoted, wrote about, discussed... it's mystifying to think that two writers who were so well educated themselves would inspire any literary habits other than reading voraciously and widely.
I think you might be onto something, really. Would be interested if someone actually researched this and could back up the claim because it does sound plausible! Also, bandersnatch is an amazing book!
Such a great book!
I had the same thought while reading the essay! Some people like to just stand outside the gates and admire the crafted landscaping and floral plantings that draw you near. But they don't want to walk the streets themselves. The books dont keep people out, but I think many people choose not to realize the gate is always open.
🗣️ THE GATE IS ALWAYS OPEN
Yes! That is fascinating imagery with the gate. I am going to start noticing when people quote Lewis/Tolkien if they are citing a quotation website or if they preface it by saying, “I was perusing Silmarillion last night and noticed…'“ 🤣
Thank you for this!
Yessss. IMHO, we need a lot more lists like these!!
I just made a note for myself to look for these so I can start some new *good* reads. 🥳
YES! Let me know if any of them work out for you. I love hearing how reads land for people.
It was Bilbo that said “
it’s a dangerous thing, Frodo, going out your front door”
I went in and made a sneaky little edit. Thank you, Tim!!!!
And now you know what a geek I am, though there has never been any doubt.
Having just met you here in my shame of a misattributed Tolkien quote, you are the right kind of nerd. We approve.
Keep it secret, keep it safe. - Aslan, probably
😂😂😂😂
!!!!!!!
How do I tag Erin in this comment 😆 I'm crying 😂😂😂
I can’t verify this quote because I read too many other books. 😆
Doh! That one’s on me.
Hi, Ruth! I love this! As a lit professor, I get very frustrated over the lack of interest in authors beyond Lewis and Tolkien. In fact, I once wrote an article about this for TGC. I wanted to ask if you would mind if I shared this on my Substack and made a post about some of my own suggestions inspired by this?
Oh, I would absolutely love that. We need more of this! Can't wait to see your picks as well!!!
Awesome! Will let you know when I have done it!
Yay!
I started Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell many years ago. Then I had to return it to the library and never went back and finished. I think it's time to pick it up again
It's so good, Anna! Although I agree with what is said above about the pacing. It starts off slow and then really ramps up. So I can see not being immediately hooked.
Hopefully you will win the giveaway and have your very own copy!
Like the substack and enter to win one of my copies of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I love that book so much I pick up an extra copy anytime I see it.
I can add this addendum to the post above. What will be the end date for this offer?
Thanks for these recommendations. I'm starting with the "Wheel of Time" series. I've read Susan Cooper's "The Dark is Rising" series and the "100 Cupboards" series (along with Narnia and LOTR) so often, it's time to broaden my horizons beyond that gate!
Oh, man. Yes! Both great. I read The Dark Is Rising series early in my 20s and was so hooked. There were just too many good books to narrow our recommendations down to 6!!!
I've loved Wheel of Time so much.
An admission. I have not read Wheel of Time.
This is such a varied list! I've never read the Wheel of Time series but am intrigued. Is now the time to say that I have never read all the Narnia books? I read Magician's Nephew and Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe but got bored with Horse and His Boy and gave up. *ducks head in shame* But I have read LOTR, including the appendices!
It's fine that you haven't read them. And even that you didn't like them! Nobody reads everything and we certainly don't all like the same things. 🙏🏽
Love love love! Such good books.
I'm assuming you've read them all!!!
All except Eleanor Oliphant. Gilead and Jonathan Strange are among my very favorite reads!
I hope you make time for Eleanor. So lovely.
I almost didn't read it because it had done the rounds in book clubs, and I'm generally not one for "book club" type books. But this one is the exception that proves the rule!