Challenge for LOTR fans

[Amy Z]

Catherine wrote:

> I have to say that the first few chapters of LOTR are my 
favourite.  
> I love the buildup to Bilbo leaving, Frodo taking on his "Quest", 
and 
> most of all, how safe and comforting most of the Shire feels and 
how 
> this begins to erode when the Black Riders start sniffing around.  
> The atmosphere in these chapters is fantastic, as it combines what 
is 
> safe and familiar, with a more ominous, darker presence.
> 
> Catherine, who is in a rambling mood tonight.

That wasn't at all rambly, and I agree with you; I love those 
chapters also.  I just know that it often takes a plot hook to drag 
me into a book, and though LOTR offers one right off (the Ring), it 
could lose a lot of people like me who will be impatient to hear more 
about it.

Amy Z, feeling rambling too