If you’ve read “The Lord of the Rings” or “The Hobbit,” you probably know John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, whose work from the 1930s influenced and shaped the high fantasy genre of modern times. As of today, “The Lord of the Rings” has sold over 150 million copies and “The Hobbit” has never been out of print ⸺ making them some of the best-selling books ever written.
As fans of both books (yes, we’ve read them more than once), nothing gets us excited more than celebrating the author’s work on Tolkien Reading Day. J. R. R. Tolkien obviously has many fans, including famous personalities such as Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, former US President Barack Obama, and Prince William. So when Sean Kirst, a newspaper columnist, founded this special day back in March 25, 2003, many people took to celebrating the author’s life and promoting his works. If you’re curious about why this was the date chosen for Tolkien Reading Day, it’s because the 25th of March marked the downfall of Sauron and Barad-dûr (Dark Fortress).
J. R. R. Tolkien’s most famous works were influenced by his personal experiences and the places he visited. Ronald, as he was known to his family, could read by the time he was four years old, thanks to his mother who encouraged reading. He enjoyed learning about language but disliked books such as “Treasure Island” and “The Pied Piper.” After moving with his family to the UK from South Africa, where he was born, he enjoyed exploring places like the Malvern Hills and Sareholl Mill in England. These and other places inspired the landscape described in the books. Bilbo’s journey across the Misty Mountains was inspired by a summer holiday he had in Switzerland in 1911.
As we celebrate the day, let’s remember all the themes surrounding his works and how books can be great companions for learning. When you want to help your customers pass the time or learn something new, you can never go wrong with books that challenge their minds. Take a look at the Sharper Minds Games: Word Searches Challenge booklet for a giveaway that truly engages.