I remember seeing the first teaser trailer in theatres with my father who said something to the effect of, "OH, you'll love that trilogy." I was eleven. When I was twelve, I got them for Christmas and devoured them; of course, it always helps when you have cinematic eye candy to help you along. I am long, long overdue for a quality re-read, however.
Favorite Tolkien character:
I haven't decided. Lately I like Aragorn, because I like Viggo Mortensen. Pathetic? Probably. Am I okay with that? I suppose I am.