Online fandom (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter), dogs (I have one), kids (I have two), hiking, classical piano (Im learning)
First Lord of the Rings reading experience:
I picked up "The Hobbit" in first grade, against the advice of older, wiser heads. Loved it, but decided the older, wiser heads had a point. I tried "The Fellowship of the Rings" in second grade. Loved it, but older, wiser heads still had a point. I finished the series the following year. Loved it then, and still do, lo these many rereads later. (Most recently, I read it on my new Kindle for the first time).
Favorite Tolkien character:
Samwise Gamgee. The could be no better, truer friend, as far as I am concerned. That's a thing I value highly. Also, he was pretty amazing in the last bits of the book, from the encounter with Shelob onwards especially.