Book reviews from buttrfly

Farmer Giles Of Ham

by J R R Tolkien

Whether you love the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, or just can't figure out what the fuss is all about, you owe it to yourself to read Tolkien's short story "Farmer Giles of Ham". The story allows you to experience J.R.R. Tolkien at a slightly slower, less grandiose scale than the sweeping panorama of "The Rings". Somewhere between a fairy tale and a fable, the story revolves around Farmer Giles, his village, and a dragon. Along with the expected mythical creatures and heroic adventures are bits of humor and everyday life, making Giles just another person who has heroism thrust upon them in a stressful situation. The story reminds me of James Thurber's "The Great Quillow", another story appropriate for adults, taht you can also read to your children.

Road Goes Ever on

by J. R. R. Tolkien

The poems of J.R.R. Tolkien, set to music by Donald Swann. Contains music for both piano and guitar. The characters in Tolkien's books are often singing odd bits of rhyme throughout the story, leaving us to imagine how the tune might go. Here they are set down and put to music for us, at least for those who can play an instrument. The book is illustrated with elvish script and runes from Tolkien. A companion CD was also made.

Brave Men

by Ernie Pyle

The war from the view of the average soldier, captured by a writer on the beaches beside them.