Quote:
Originally Posted by pyan  It's quite possible to read it as a straightforward adventure story, but if you want to dig, there are so many books on the subject it's almost silly. |
I certainly read it as such when I first discovered it as a teenager. The deeper levels evolved over the years.
And I don't think that it's any extra work to read LOTR; it's really more the opposite. Instead of racing through, you have to slow down and enjoy the quieter moments, and not expect a thrill a minute.