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Hey everyone!

Today’s WordPress Daily Prompt asks a fantastic question: “What book could you read over and over again?” For me, the answer springs to mind almost instantly—though I’ll admit, I might be bending the rules just a little.

My forever read? It has to be J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.

(Pause for effect. Acknowledge the knowing nods.)

I know, I know—technically, it’s three books: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. But let’s be real: it’s one epic, sprawling story. So for the purpose of this prompt, I’m counting it as one magnificent whole. Cheating? Maybe. But if loving Middle-earth this much is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

My First Journey to Middle-earth

My first journey to Middle-earth wasn’t recent. I actually cracked open these books way back in grade school. Even then—decades ago—something about Tolkien’s world completely captured my imagination. It was unlike anything I’d ever encountered before.

So what keeps pulling me back?

Honestly? Everything.

The Characters: Flawed Yet Unforgettable

Let’s start with the characters. From the humble bravery of Samwise Gamgee (my personal hero) and Frodo’s reluctant resolve to Gandalf’s wisdom, Aragorn’s quiet nobility, and Legolas and Gimli’s unlikely friendship—each character feels so real. Even Gollum, with all his tragic complexity, is unforgettable. These aren’t just characters on a page; they’re people you come to know deeply, flaws and all.

Every time I revisit their journey, I find myself connecting with different characters in new ways. Some moments hit harder with age (Sam’s loyalty gets me every time), while others remind me of lessons I didn’t realize I’d learned from them as a kid.

Middle-earth: A World Like No Other

And then there’s Middle-earth itself—because let’s face it, Tolkien didn’t just create a setting; he created an entire universe. It feels alive, like it has its own soul. The rolling hills of the Shire feel cozy and safe; Rivendell is ethereal and otherworldly; Fangorn Forest is ancient and mysterious; Mordor is grim and foreboding. Each place is so distinct that you can almost hear the sounds and smell the air as you read about them.

Tolkien didn’t just write a story—he built histories, cultures, languages, and landscapes that make Middle-earth feel as real as our own world (and sometimes more magical).

Why I Keep Coming Back

More than anything else, The Lord of the Rings is my ultimate escape. When life gets hectic or overwhelming, opening those pages feels like stepping through a portal into another world—a world where good triumphs over evil (eventually), courage comes in unexpected forms, and even the smallest person can make a big difference.

It’s comfort. It’s adventure. It’s timeless wisdom wrapped in an epic tale of friendship and hope. And no matter how many times I reread it, there’s always something new to discover—a detail I missed before or a nuance that hits differently now that I’m older. It’s like visiting old friends while still finding fresh surprises along the way.

The Ultimate Rereadable Story

So yeah… if you ask me what book I could read over and over again, my answer will always be The Lord of the Rings. Sure, it might technically be three books—but in my heart (and on my bookshelf), it will always be one magnificent story that never gets old.

What about you? What book (or trilogy!) could you read endlessly? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your favorites!