Picked up The Hobbit in 6th grade at the urging of a teacher. I was completely enthralled. I got a classmate to read it and we worked through all of the books together - the start of a great friendship.
Favorite Tolkien character:
Since my first reading, my favorite character has been Gandalf - mysterious, humorous, powerful, humble, wise and compassionate - what's not to like? AND he vanquished a Balrog! His fall in FotR brings me to tears every time.
While Theoden may not be my favorite character, he does stir my emotions the most. He has several moving scenes, but I cannot read The Ride of the Rohirrim without tears in my eyes.
Now, if we're talking about most fascinating character arc to read, I have to choose Turin - not exactly a role model, but his is the story that just keeps on giving...
