Affections for Tolkien

I lay on my back in the dark, listening attentively as the van wound down steep, serpentine roads, carving a streak of light through the blackness. My body listed with the rolling motions of the vehicle as Bilbo Baggins and I ran from orks into cold, wet mines, ducking and crawling to avoid capture. I will never forget these times of immersing myself into Tolkien’s imaginative Middle Earth. His saga beckons the reader to lose himself and enter Tolkien’s universe, which my Dad discovered as a young man and passes onto his children by reading aloud.
My Dad’s impersonations still remain vivid years later: shrill, sneaky Gollum; noble, commanding Gandalf; brusque, grinning orks. Each character comes with its own facial expressions and matching intonations, often causing my Dad to lose his voice. Though I have read the books and I have seen the movies multiple times, it was through my Dad’s investment of time that Middle Earth first captured me. He so loves Tolkien’s work that he can hardly contain his excitement as he reads. With irrepressible joy he has introduced us to this mystical land where he has forged, through battles and common conquests, uncommon friendships with the tales characters.
Through these memories of my Dad reading aloud, Tolkien’s saga remains firmly planted in my affections. Not only do I love the book, but I love Middle Earth; leaving this world of care to draw my sword with Haldir. Here I meet dear friends, and often, share a journey with my Dad.