[thecommabandit]

I would say that you should read it because it's one of the classic novels, right up there with 1984, Brave New World and Neuromancer. Though I'd advise unless you are INCREDIBLY word-savvy (no amount of emphasis short of it being written in mountains on a continent does justice here) you need to keep a rather comprehensive dictionary around whenever you read it. That Tolkien does like his words. Also, pay attention, he gives extremely detailed description of the land's features and my mental depiction has got caught out numerous times for not knowing exactly what geological features he's talking about. It's difficult to get into at first, but it's very rewarding.