Thursday Tea: The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien
This month I'm continuing with the Lord of the Rings Readalong. March is The Two Towers (by J. R. R. Tolkien, of course), and our host is Teresa from Shelf Love.
I couldn't wait to get started on this book. Some of my favorite characters and creatures are introduced in The Two Towers, and the story line divides into at least three parts after the breakup of the fellowship: Frodo and Sam; Pippin and Merry; and Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli.
I am again listening to the unabridged edition read by Rob Inglis. Right from the beginning, the novel sets a darker mood than the first book. The companionable days of travel are over for our heroes, and Aragorn has made the difficult choice to track the orcs. The worst days are ahead, and the true nature of the characters will soon be tested. The cover shown here is of the paperback edition I bought in the 1960s.
The Tea. I'm drinking Adagio's Spring Darjeeling. Here's the description: "Organic black tea from the Darjeeling region of India. Springtime Darjeeling tea is famous for its lively 'bite' and an abundance of fresh flavor." I like the aroma of this tea, and the mild taste is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
The Assessment. Alas the poor hobbits: Yes, they do love their tea, but it will be many days before any of them will have that pleasure. I haven't seen Frodo and Sam yet, and I can't remember if Sam has managed to stow any tea in his pack. Pippin and Merry are lucky to get water. Maybe in their more homesick moments, the hobbits think of Darjeeling.
Northern Hemisphere or Southern, we're all entering a transition period, I'm hoping my tea-drinking days will soon mean sun tea and ice. How about you? What are you drinking this week, and more important, what are reading?
Thursday Tea is hosted by Anastasia at Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog. Here's how it works: Tell us what tea you are drinking (and if you like it). And then tell us what book are you reading (and if you like it). Finally, tell us if they go together.
Source: Have owned for years (see review policy).
FTC: I buy all teas myself, I am not a tea reviewer.
11 comments:
I always imagine you with a long commute, listening to these stories, a smile on your face But you are drinking tea as you listen, and so then I imagine you near a fire.....
Now that is interesting. I never pegged those hobbits for tea drinkers.
Oh, I love this trilogy and it's one of the few where the second or middle book doesn't feel like filler. If I recall correctly, Frodo and Sam do have a teakettle. Although, I'm not sure how they would have time to brew a cup of tea while trekking through Mordor, keeping an eye on Gollum and checking to make sure their water doesn't boil over. Those Hobbits do love their tea though.
Ah, the memories! The one I read years ago had that same cover. :) Oh how I loved it ...
"Alas the poor hobbits: Yes, they do love their tea, but it will be many days before any of them will have that pleasure." Aw! Poor hobbits. I'm so behind on the readalong it's not even funny. Sigh.
I am not drinking, but writing about tea this week. Including Darjeeling, actually.
It's been years since I read the trilogy. You make me want to read it again now. However, my time is being taken up with my nobel literature class readings. I've been enjoying organic rooibos red tea with vanilla in it the past couple days. Yummy.
Never really thought of tea-drinking hobbits, but hey, why not? Tea is wonderful!
I love your paperback cover. I never read beyond The Hobbit - but I loved this installment of the movie trilogy. I agree with Whitney that the middle piece here was not a let down. In fact, I think this was my favorite of the three.
Yes, they do love their tea, but it will be many days before any of them will have that pleasure. Since I'm still reading THE HOBBIT, that sentence reminded me of Bilbo who goes on that adventure and thinking the same thing. :D
nice post. thanks.
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