OK, so these are not literally towers, but I can't stand being left out of the fun.

Mike has been doing some nice think pieces about the Tolkien books, explaining their significance to him and his memories of reading them. He also attempts to grapple with the unloved ideology issue that drove him to "put the books away" for a while in adolescence.

Tolkien's response to the industrial revolution and the social upheavals it engendered is to wish longingly for a feudal past that never was. If there's no heavy industry, how can there be sin, to paraphrase the Sex Pistols, and of course the Anabaptists.

In a way, I am glad I didn't read the books until now, because I can spare myself the political correctness that probably would have plagued me, too, as a student. Instead, I've found the reading experience to be a relief and a delight. I've devoured the books like snack food this year, marveling at the good story, the detail of the literary vision, and the liveliness of a good read.

Some days, that's all I want.

I won't be pushing any of the devotees out of the way at the theaters tonight; but I look forward to a twilight show over the holidays with friends, ideally at a theater with stadium seating, and popcorn.

See you there!

I expect I'm not taking this seriously enough for the hard-core fans, but that's OK. I'll be first in line at The Hours with my English degree on my sleeve.