[judithavory]

1) As far as the Hobbit, it's probably good advice but I'll note that I'm a huge Tolkien fan, have read Lord of the Rings several times as well as the Silmarillion and am now amassing a collection including the Unfinished Tales and all twelve books of the Histories... and have never read the Hobbit. I tried when I was about 12 and didn't like it. I will try again as an adult, but it's never been a top priority for me because I'm less into the story aspect and more into the language/history/etc.

2) I think that's why the Lord of the Rings is so excellent. It combines a narrative drive (yes, slow at times, but I don't think ever to the point that you really don't care what happens to the characters) with the weighty mythos of a universe that comes to full fruition in Tolkien's other works, but may be too much for the casual reader without the pull of that narrative. If you are someone who is interested in history, languages, literature/poetry, or myth, you will love the Lord of the Rings. When I started the books I didn't expect to like them, but they really drew me in. I'm also a student of languages, have a degree in history, and am a professional writer and hobby literature buff, though. Even without those credentials, I think you'll find that you become thoroughly immersed in Tolkien's world, and there's a power in some of his words that defies simple description. I know those who are really into Tolkien are considered big fat nerds (and I'm fine with that!) but I have found great comfort in difficult times, whispering the short verse that goes with Aragorn's name to myself. Furthermore, I think reading the books makes the films so much better, because as you watch you understand the great significance of moments the films can only just touch on. Similarly, if you ever do tackle the Silmarillion, it suddenly gives the Lord of the Rings so much more meaning.

Good luck!