The Fellowship of the Ring

Executive Summary: The final book offers a richer conclusion than the movie. Does that really surprise anyone?

Audio book: Robert Inglis once again does a great job with the audio. I particularly like his voices for Gandalf and Gollum. I will definitely revist this series in audio again.

Full Review
And once again I've finished the epic journey of Frodo and the ring. This is probably less of a review and more of a reflection and contrast with the movies. Needless to say I still enjoyed this book.

I enjoy the Lord of the Ring movies. At this point, I've probably seen them more times than I've read the books. However, as long as they are (and I own the extended versions) they left stuff out. Some things they left out don't add anything of substance to the overall story (like Tom Bombadil) but are simply interesting world building.

The one part I don't get being omitted however was the Scouring of the Shire. To me this part of the book is extremely important in showing how the journey of the ring has change things not just for Frodo, but for Sam, Merry and Pippin as well.

These aren't the same hobbits who set out from the Shire. This isn't the same Shire that they set out from. So as much as I love the movies, unsurprisingly the books are still better, especially this one.