The 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag

Hello, everyone!

It’s been another long time since I’ve had a post, but here I am today on the 21st day of the 21st year of the 21st century. I’m way too excited about that.

Now that I finally have time to write, its a little lame of me to just put out answers to a tag instead of a review of some kind. But, this is what I’m in the mood for as it is so fun and Christmasy (wow, is that actually a word? My computer is not correcting me on that for once…). I hope that I’ll be more refreshed for movie and book reviews in the new year. You read that correctly, this is probably my last blog post for this year, 2021. I hope to have a nice stash of thoughts ready for you all in January! In the meanwhile, please tell me some highlights from your year and I will get around to answering comments.

Two years ago, Hamlette created a 12 Days of Christmas Movie Tag that I had a ton of fun filling out HERE, and last year she put a twist on it with books instead. I was not officially tagged, but I had fun with my stolen goods anyway. I hope you enjoy my answers!

The 12 Days of Christmas Book Tag:

Rules: 

#1 Use a different book for each prompt 

#2 Add photos and/or explanations of how your choices fit the prompts 

#3 Tag a few friends to play along 

(Hamlette calls these guidelines, so I might bend them a little...)

1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree -- book that involves agriculture 

Farmer Boy - by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Most of the Little House books involve farming of one kind or another, but this one stuck out to me for a few reasons, one of them the title. I distinctly remember a scene where it froze before people thought it was going to, so in the early morning the people on the farm were running around and trying to water the potatoes (or was it corn? Maybe I don't remember it so distinctly) to save them.

2. Turtledoves -- book about a long-lasting relationship 

David Copperfield - by Charles Dickens has a whole tidal wave of relationships. Some are short, but many span great lengths of the book. Whether it is a girl waiting for the love of her life, or a father doing everything to find his adopted daughter. I was not a huge fan when I read it, but now that it has sunk in a little, I think I should give it another go.

3. French Hens -- book that takes place in France 

Is it cheating to use two from the same author? Oh, well, I’m going with A Tale of Two Cities - by Charles Dickens. One of those cities is in England, and the other is in France… It’s about revolutions and sacrifice and revenge and one of my favorite books that Dickens wrote.

4. Calling Birds -- book where people talk on the phone 

Take your pick of any Nancy Drew book by Caroline Keene. Pretty much every book has a moment where Nancy gets a call telling her to drop the case. Sinister, eh? She never listens and the people behind the mystery end up where they deserve. And Nancy herself uses the phone a lot to call Bess, George, Hannah, Ned, and Mr. Drew.

5. Golden Rings -- book with multiple romances 

*grumbles* WHY is it so hard for me to always come up with answers to the romance question? I read enough books that have them. I’d been doing well on my own, but now I might have to resort to looking through Goodreads to remind me what I’ve read…

Ah, Winter - by Marissa Meyer is the last book in The Lunar Chronicles and has quite a few romances being wrapped up. It gets a little steamy for me two or three times, but in general I support the characters. I know I can think of five possibilities, but they don’t all get together.

6. Geese A-laying -- book with a birth or that features babies 

Mary Poppins - by P. L. Travers. Most are familiar with one of the movie versions, so a few years ago I decided to listen to an audiobook of the original. Michael and Jane are not the only Banks children, as they have two younger siblings, twins John and Barbara, who are infants. The whole book was a little strange, but everything involving those two babies broke my heart. 

7. Swans A-swimming -- book where someone goes swimming 

I hate that the only one I can think of is in the book The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - by Ann Brashares. The reason I don't like it is because the two swimming scenes are rather awkward.

8. Maids A-milking -- book with cows 

This one has stumped me above all others and is the last one I’m answering (I don’t know why I always feel the need to tell you guys that. I guess I’m just ensuring that I am honest?) Isn’t there something about Mr. Harrison’s cow in Anne of Avonlea - by L. M. Montgomery? I don’t remember the specific circumstances. Maybe I should be rereading that one instead of the third book. I know that in Patrick McManus’s any of collections of short stories there is bound to be one that mentions the evil cows that hate fishermen. I don’t get it, but then again, I’m not a fisherman.

9. Ladies Dancing -- book with a dance scene 

In Cloaked - by Rachel Kovaciny (the very creator of this tag, Hamlette herself!) (read my review HERE), characters enjoy dancing and have chances to do so. They happily reference this back to Pride & Prejudice - by Jane Austen, which says “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” I was able to get two in one!

10. Lords A-leaping -- book about athletes 

You guys should see for now how I answer Harry Potter in almost every tag (and my Theology professor probably thinks I’m obsessed with it. I’m not, just all his essay questions work really well with it!). It works, okay? Quiddich is a hard game! I’ll be specific and say Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire because Harry and the Weasleys go to an official match between Ireland and Bulgaria. Plus, you have to be pretty athletic to survive the Triwizard Tournament.

11. Pipers Piping -- book with someone playing a musical instrument 

In Little Women - by Louisa May Alcott, Beth March plays the piano. I know I use this book a lot, but it is so sweet and nostalgic! I know many people who play the piano in real life but I’ve never picked it up besides a few scales. I keep trying to convince my sister to learn “Ophelia” - by The Lumineers because there is a lot of awesome piano in it.

12. Drummers Drumming -- book with characters in the military

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - by Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows. While none of the characters it revolves around are in the military, they hear stories about when Guernsey was occupied by Germany and there were lots of soldiers around then. Some were rather important.

I stole this, so I don't think I can tag anyone, but please let me know if you fill this out so I can look at your answers!

This was the perfect thing for me to do this afternoon. I was feeling a little dull when I started, but now I'm lively again. I'd forgotten how much I love blogging! It is so refreshing. No better way to vent your feelings than pounding them out on a keyboard, right? Thank you to Hamlette for making this!

I hope that you all have a happy, merry, jolly, and all around peaceful Christmas and end of the year. Joy to you all!

Chloe the MovieCritic

Rogues, Royals, and Raiding Roc - by Sarah Rodecker and Helena George: COVER REVEAL!!!

Yo ho ho, ye scallawags!

This is a monumental day as it is the cover reveal for the final book in the Pirate Hunter Chronicles series - by Sarah Rodecker and Helena George! Rogues, Royals, and Raiding Roc! These books have been the most recent that I've featured for cover reveals on my blog and it's so strange to think this is the last one?

Will it live up to how amazing the others have been?

Spoiler alert: it is.

You'll have to tell me your thoughts at the end of this scrolling

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This is me any time pirates are mentioned.

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This was me when I saw the cover. It's my favorite of all of them, and that's saying a lot.

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Will this be the last collaboration that Sarah and Helena do together? I hope not as they are a power team! Check out the interview I did with them from the last book release HERE!

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You should read the other books #1: Ships, Secrets, and Survivors, #2: Sins, Sons, and Siren Songs, & #3: Rumors, Reunions, and Revenge.

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*cannons boom*

Two queens fighting for a throne.

A king returns to his home.

And the master of the seas.

Three years, and Pirate Queen Bonnie Clearwater still sails the seas. She continues to evade the pirate hunters, and her army only grows stronger until it threatens the whole Alliance of Kingdoms. In a desperate move, Captain Adi sails to the east to look for allies before her cousin begins to march across the kingdoms, one by one.

Meanwhile, Ravin must do the impossible—return to his home country of Arrothray and gain the leadership of the del Mankayl assassin clan. After running from his past for years, the time has come to confront the truth behind his family name.

The Red Wind Legends were once fire-side stories, told by sailors, parents, and travellers. But they continue to grow, wild and free, like the seas themselves. As the Alliance makes a final desperate stand against the Pirate Nation, the legacy of the Master of the Seas holds the key to victory.

Release date:

December 14, 2021

Where to get it:

Preorder signed paperbacks

Preorder ebook

Find it on:

Goodreads

Follow the authors:

Helena's blog

Instagram:

@sarahrodecker 

@julian.daventry 

@theorderofthepenpress

That's not all! There are preorder goodies! If you order this before the release date then fill out THIS FORM HERE and you could win:

Physical (US only):

A bookmark

A crown sticker

Two character art cards

Tea

Virtual (open Internationally):

A PDF of Branded, a Pirate Hunter Novella

Access to an exclusive content page with fun downloads

Haven't read these books but desperately want to? Or you already have read them and you just want to enjoy them all over again? Well,  Helena and Sarah are hosting a readathon of the entire series during the month of December (December 5th-January 1st), where each week is focused on a specific book. There will be an exclusive chat group on Instagram where readers can interact with us, the authors, and chat with each other about the books.

Now that this is the end of the series, we have to look at the covers together, of course. What do you think? Of all of these, which is your favorite?

As I said, I don't think you can beat this one, but I really love the first one, too. What are you waiting for? The book is not just it's cover, so read these books and tell me what you think about them yourself! Congrats to Sarah and Helena for having made it through a whole series!

Chloe the MovieCritic

The Give Thanks for Books Tag!

Hello, friends!

I'm here to talk quickly about books, because books are the best. I have spent a good chunk of my life reading, and I miss reading with my current busy schedule. I'm going to feel better even thinking about them, though, which is why I'm here! The terrific Olivia tagged me with the Give Thanks for Books Tag! I'm grateful for her, and Hamlette who created this tag! Thanks Olivia!

The Rules

1. Thank the person who tagged you. 

2. Fill out the tag.

3. Share the tag graphic in your post.

4. Tag four friends.

5. Provide a clean copy of the tag for easy copying.

The Questions:

G -- A book you're Grateful to a friend for recommending

You guys are probably tired of me mentioning North & South - by Elisabeth Gaskell, but it's my third favorite book of all time so I'm not going to stop talking about it any time soon. The friend who recommended it knew I love Jane Austen and Charles Dickens so this would be perfect for me. She also recommended Wives & Daughters - by Elisabeth Gaskell which was exactly what I needed at the time.

I -- A book that fires your Imagination

The Girl Who Drank the Moon - by Kelly Barnhill. I want to read a million more stories set in this world! It made me realize that dragons can come in all shapes and sizes, and it only matters about the fire within inside. Just all of this book makes me want to sit down and write into the sunset (see what I did there?).

V -- A book with a Vivid setting

Shadow Spinner - by Susan Fletcher. It is about a girl who provides Scheherazade with stories, and I felt like I was in the 1001 Nights myself. It's been a long time since I read it, but scenes describing the hustle and bustle of the markets still stick with me. It is probably responsible for inspiring my current WIP...

E -- An Encouraging book

Wild Bird - by Wendelin Van Draanen. Whatever you've come through you can still take flight. Wren goes through dark moments and she has to find the light. It encouraged me a lot!

T -- A book that Taught you something

The Magician's Elephant - by Kate DiCamillo. It taught me the importance of asking, "What if? Why not? Could it be?" A mind open to possibilities is open to everything else, like forgiveness and humility.

H -- A Happy book

I pondered this for a long time, as I was trying to come up with a book that was 100% happy from start to finish. Finally I had to tell myself that this question is for a book that MAKES ME happy. 

Howl's Moving Castle - by Diana Wynn Jones. I've already read it at least twice, but I want to read it again because it is so fun! Lots of hijinks and things to keep anyone happy.

A -- An Amusing book

All of the books of The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place that I've read so far (which is 1-5, so I'm only missing the last one) have made me laugh so much. I cackle while washing the dishes listening to the audiobook and make my family nervous. Though it is against Miss Penelope Lumley's best efforts, the Alexander, Beowulf, and Cassiopeia get into lots of trouble, and it is hilarious.

N -- A New-to-you book or author you discovered this year

The Truth About Twinkie Pie - by Kat Yeh. I loved Leia (GiGi) and this book highlighted her struggles. One time, it wasn't even a sad part but I was just sitting and crying while reading this book because I FELT that much for her!

K -- A fictional character you feel a Kinship with

Louisiana Elefante from Lousiana's Way Home - by Kate DiCamillo. We first see her in Raymie Nightingale and I thought she and I were somewhat similar. When she got her own book to shine in I really saw all of the similarities come into place. A difference is that she is an amazing singer which is an activity I never partake in. 

S -- A book you want to Share with others

The Ickabog - by J. K. Rowling. It was one of my favorite books that I read last year, and it was such a rollicking good time. In addition to that it cut me deeply, so of course, misery loves company. It is so fun, deep, and poignant. I am the only person I know who has read it so I want others to read it, too!

I tag:

Sam @ Bookshire

ThunderbirdQueen @ The Winchester North Star

Emily Grant @ Words Really Matter

Katherine & Grace @ The Maidens of Green Gables

Clean Question List

G -- A book you're Grateful to a friend for recommending

I -- A book that fires your Imagination

V -- A book with a Vivid setting

E -- An Encouraging book

T -- A book that Taught you something

H -- A Happy book

A -- An Amusing book

N -- A New-to-you book or author you discovered this year

K -- A fictional character you feel a Kinship with

S -- A book you want to Share with others

There you go! See, I feel much better now. Sometimes being grateful does that to someone, right?

What's better than talking about books with yourself? Talking about books with others! Have any of you read these? I feel like I always say the same things when answering tags so I was really trying to switch it up (taking a long time...). Was I successful? What are some books you are grateful for?

Oh, and happy November!

Chloe the MovieCritic

Help Wanted: What Are These Movies?

Hello, friends!

I am returning briefly to make sure that this blog stays alive against all odds, as it will probably be awhile before I do something again. The previous two years in November I did NaNoWriMo and was very satisfied that at the same time I was able to keep this blog running, with nine posts both times. Well, this year I want to try NaNo again, but with my higher work load this blog might be neglected (more than it already is? I don't know if that's possible).

You probably came here looking at the post title and wondering what I want. I was inspired a few months ago by Elizabeth at Autumn Ink with her post Does Anyone Know This Movie or Did I Make It Up?. In that post she talked about a movie she had seen part of once and was curious about seeing the rest. Problem: she had no idea what it was.

My mind and memory has been wiped.

This reminded me of all the movies I have seen in my life that I really enjoyed yet have no idea what they were. The curse of cable TV. Now I'm spoiled it being able to look at what it is called, or watch things because I want to, not hope to find something good by chance. Why not do what Elizabeth did and take this to a bigger audience? That's what I'm here to do today!

Prepare yourselves: This is a very long list. VERY long.

First, you should know that I'm bad at explaining things. In the past I have had times where I've had success at finding these movies, and other times where I've just made the situation more confusing.

1st example: (Where I show how bad I am at explaining things)

I'd gotten up early once because I couldn't sleep, so my dad and I started watching a movie, and I really loved it. The next day I eagerly explained it to my mom.

Me: "There was this priest and this other guy who were in prison, and the other guy got out and found a lot of money. He then went to this new house and I was there! He had parties and was trying to find people. Then there was this kid who almost got his finger cut off. Then fighting and how people weren't saints and...*trails off into spoilers*"

My dad walks in.

My mom: "What movie were you watching with MC last night?"

......

...any guesses?...

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......

My dad: "The Count of Monte Cristo."

My mom: "Oh! That makes more sense. But what do you mean, MC, that "you were there"?"

Me: "Dad said so."

My mom looks inquisitively at my dad.

My dad: "The filmed part of it at Powerscourt in Ireland and I told MC how I carried her all over there."

See it in the background there?

I know, I sound like Donald in National Velvet (1944) arguing about how the story goes with Mi Taylor as "I was there!" 

Everyone else: "No you weren't. You were a star." 

Donald: "I was not a star! I was there!"

At least I'm not always insisting that "I was sick all night."

2nd example:

Long, long, long ago in a galaxy far far away I had seen this movie and I really loved it (surprise surprise, you will see that this is a common factor. That's why I still remember them.)

It was about a woman and her daughter who lived a luxurious life on top of a rock. The daughter had never seen any of the world. One day two things happened, the first was where an old guy got up there by falling from the sky. Later, a young guy climbed up the rock based on a challenge and then fell in love with the girl. Happily ever after?

In 2018, on January 4th (oddly specific, but I know because I wrote it down) I was doing things in the same room that my dad was watching a movie. It had W. C. Fields and I thought it was ridiculous. I wasn't paying attention, but when I stood up to go I saw people from the movie I had always known! I screamed and made my dad tell me what this was.

Never Give A Sucker an Even Break (1941).

Weird title, I know. The part that I had remembered was a very small section. The premise was even stranger than I thought it was. Nevertheless, my dad and I quote other parts of the movie all the time now:

'"Don't you want to grow up and be smart?"

"I don't want to be smart. I want to be like you."'

3rd example:

I had been asleep in our living room and woke up to my dad watching a movie. I was listening to it for awhile without opening my eyes and because a character was Juli thought it was an American Girl movie. I was very confused. Finally I opened my eyes and was watching, too. I absolutely loved it.

It was about a girl and a tree. It switched perspectives and was also about a boy who hated eggs. Yet Juli kept giving him eggs. Juli liked this boy and he was always trying to run away from her, but then things started to change...

Then my dad realized that I was watching, too, and was embarrassed that I had caught him. And switched to a different channel. Then feigned having no idea what I was talking about when I tried to convince him to turn back. I thought I would add it to the movies I would never see. Woe is me. 

I'm not sure how it happened EXACTLY, but here's one version. At that exact time I had been reading Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief - by Wendelin Van Draanen. I had looked her up (as you do when books are awesome) and found that she had written many. About a week later I read Olivia's post about Top Ten Book Couples and began screaming (another common factor of these reveals). There was a picture of Bryce and Juli!!! And she said it was from something called Flipped?? I looked it up and was greeted by one of Wendelin Van Draanen's books. So, I would've found it eventually, but I'm gratified that it was only a week of agony.

Oh, and I remember the day that I figured out Ocean's 11 (1960) was the awesome robbery movie. I had more of a clue there because I knew Frank Sinatra was in it.

Wow, that could be a post on it's own. Sorry. There's more.

Tl;dr: I am bad at explaining things, but extremely lucky. Maybe you guys can help me figure out what these movies are? I'm going to be saying everything I remember about it, so there might be spoilers. But if you don't know what it is then doesn't it really count, right?

1st movie I need help on:

This movie had something I love: outlaws. It was black and white. For awhile I thought it was The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), but that, of course, is in brilliant technicolor. It was about outlaws who were against an evil reign, and the key to all of this was some jewels. The jewelry had been placed the care of a noble lady who was traveling. The leader of the outlaws was able to meet her and convince her to join their side (twue wove) and give them the jewels. She did and they all escaped together after there had been resistance and the shooting of arrows. Once safe, the outlaws had a bonfire in the forest, all rejoicing. Everything was going well until the leader collapsed. He had been hurt but hadn't let anyone know! The ending maybe ends with a castle burning? I remember the striking visual effects.

2nd movie I need help on:

I am pretty sure that this had Robin Williams in it. It was about these bad guys who kidnapped a guy and and his daughter. I think the guy was an inventor, or had a job that was worth ransoming. Earlier in the movie we had seen these boys who were either the girl's friends or bullies. They had made fun of her for her lipgloss that was either 1. a particular color, like orange or 2. scented? Anyway, these kidnappers are taking the man and his daughter somewhere so they are on the road. They take a break at a rest stop quickly, and the girl draws with her lipstick on the mirror. Later, those same friends/bullies find it and recognize that she was there and know where to find her?

3rd movie I need help on:

This one I think had a title with something to do with a club? It was a mystery of some kind? Maybe, the Boathouse Club? It was about kids who got together to help others or solve mysteries. A little girl was in a bad situation with her stepmother and her stepmother's boyfriend? I think she was locked in the house and not allowed to go out. She started writing a note to the club, but misspelled something so she started again. This time she finished it up, and taking a balloon (it had been her birthday?) she tied it to the balloon and sent it out the window. The stepmother noticed the balloon was missing and the little girl claimed she had flushed it down the toilet. The stepmother finds the first abandoned note...

Now you have had a peak inside my mind. I have others, but I think this is enough for now. I'll see how well this works out before I get my hopes up.

Maybe it's too late. I really want to know what these stories are.

So, tell me: does anyone know what in the world these movies are? Are my explanations confusing? Do you need more information? Does anyone know the movies I talked about in my examples?

Please! Tell me all your theories no matter how far off they seem!

I also want to thank you all for your comments! Right now I only have time to write new posts or reply, so I'm writing new posts, but I will get around to replying! The comments always make my day! I'm working on a special project for all of you that I am really excited about. I hope you like it, too!

Until then, my friends!

Chloe the MovieCritic

2021 Tolkien Blog Party: 9 Fellowship Members Tag

Hello, all you Tolkien fans!

"A very merry unbirthday" to both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins! Yesterday was "Hobbit Day" as it was both of their birthdays. What nicely lines up with that is that Hamlette is well into the swing of her 9th Tolkien Blog Party! Check out all of the goodies of the giveaway HERE and all of the precious party entries HERE.

Nine years, folks. That is unbelievable. And I love that I can claim to have been a part of five of them, as this is my sixth year! Each year I have so many plans on how to participate fully...and every year I end up just answering the tag. Which is very cool and very different every year.

Any guesses of what I'm doing this year?

You got it, solely the tag answers. I had another fantastic post idea, but I highly doubt I will get it out before the week ends, so you'll have to wait for another whole year. Maybe not. Who knows? I guess as I had so much fun last year reviewing the movie Tolkien (2019) that this is a good break.

(If you're curious, here are what I said in all the other tags: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, & 2020.)

As this is Hamlette's 9th year doing this, the tag questions are around the Nine members of the Fellowship. (I totally made up the title "9 Fellowship Members Tag" for the title of this post but I thought it was cute)  Nine is a big number in the Lord of the Rings! 

"Nine rings for the elven kings..."

For those of you who are not familiar with Tolkien (don't worry, I was like that for many years), you don't have to worry about spoilers from this post of mine. It's your decision if you want to read this anyway if you have no idea what I'm talking about.

I'm answering these question through the lens of having read:

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King)

And having seen:

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (2014), The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), The Return of the King (2003)), and Tolkien (2019).

1. Aragorn: Favorite Tolkien hero/heroine

Hands down, Bilbo Baggins. He is what kept The Hobbit as my fifth favorite book of all time for so long (I recently bumped it down to number 10 just because it has been a really long time since I read it. Once I read it again, though, it will probably go higher). He is so relatable in his fear of leaving his home and security, but having that desire kindled within him to go somewhere new. I really have felt that so much this last year. And am still feeling it.

Or Faramir. Faramir deserves all the love.

Source

2. Boromir: Favorite Tolkien character arc

I have to say Boromir, because he arguably has the best arc. I hated it in the books but absolutely loved it in the movies. I have no idea why. Frodo also has a great character arc, one that is well worth following, but there is so much pain. And I don't really want to go through that.

Maybe Pippin? He makes me want to pull my hair out and lock him in a dark room in the beginning, but by the end he has mellowed out.

3. Frodo: Favorite song or poem by Tolkien

"Far over the misty mountains cold,

To dungeons deep and caverns old,

We must away, ere break of day,

To find our long-forgotten gold.” 

I have to go back to my Dwarven roots. I think of that almost every single time that someone mentions Tolkien. It's easy to memorize, which is another reason I have it here. Some things that Sam says are hauntingly gorgeous in their simplicity, but I don't have a good (i. e. Accurate) example to think of at the moment.

Source

4. Gandalf: Favorite wise Tolkien quotation

I feel it is cliche to answer this question with the one I'm going to use, but well, I'm going to use it. It has helped me a lot in the last few years.

'“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. 

“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”'

-The Fellowship of the Ring

It has been a long time since I read the books, but I don't think it is exactly the same phrasing? Or is it not the same phrasing in the movie? If I had my book copies I would check, but we're stuck with not knowing for now. Can anyone help me out here?

5. Gimli: A Middle-earth location you'd like to visit

Right now I'm not in the mood for any specific place. If I were to visit a Middle-earth location I would want to wander everywhere. In the forests of Mirkwood (trying to stay away from spiders), in the glades of Lothlorien, in Hobbiton, and even on the Barrow downs. I'd be fine with anywhere in the fresh air, so just not the mines of Moria. I don't usually consider Gondor or Rohan as I think of them as windy plains that seem too flat and dry, but they could be nice. Anywhere I can see the stars.

Source

6. Legolas: Favorite Middle-earth Weapon

This is often a question, and it is another thing that I never ponder. There are only two answers to this question: Legolas's bow and arrows or Sting. I guess The Ring could be considered a weapon, so if it is my favorite as in the one I am most impressed about its destructive abilities but wouldn't it used or to be anywhere near it, then that one. It is darker and deeper than terrifying.

Sorry, that's very confusing and I don't even know what I'm talking about at this time.

Yes. And you should be, too.

7. Merry: Favorite way to celebrate Tolkien's stories

With friends! To be completely honest, I don't usually think about Tolkien when I'm on my own. What I love is how there is so much fellowship surrounding these works. They are well known and well loved for so many around the world. I've had so many great conversations started because of The Lord of the Rings and I'm so grateful for that. That's why I love this party!

8. Pippin: Favorite funny Tolkien quotation

Books:

"Bilbo Baggins, a bur--a hobbit," said poor Bilbo, shaking all over, and wondering how to make owl-noises before they throttled him.

   "A burrahobbit?" said they a bit startled. Trolls are slow in the uptake, and mighty suspicious about anything new to them.

   "What's a burrahobbit got to do in my pocket anyway?" said William.

-The Hobbit

(I say it every year and never get tired of it.)

Movies:

-The Two Towers (2002)

9. Samwise: A Middle-earth food you'd like to try

I know people are always talking about the food, but I actually didn't notice them from reading the books at all. I'll say the only things I remember at the moment, which is Ent Draught and Lembas bread.

There you have it! Of the nine listed there, my favorite is definitely Sam, followed by Legolas. If you ask me about Frodo I'll pretend I'm not looking into a mirror.

A ginormous thank you to Hamlette for keeping this up for NINE WHOLE YEARS! It was one of the first blog parties I participated in, so I always look forward to it, especially when I have read more of Tolkien's works each year. Make sure to check out what everyone else says about Tolkien, HERE!

Thanks to all of you for reading, friends! How would you answer these questions? Does anyone else have a hard time paying attention to the food and weapons used? Can you rank these nine characters for your favorites?

Chloe the MovieCritic