Literature Geek Paradise
Word has it, and this may not be news to you since you are probably in tune to the world around you, whereas I'm so self-centered I'm practically circular, that Sir Ian McKellen and Peter Jackson have apparently just been waiting around to get the word to start working on The Hobbit with McKellan as Gandalf, of course.
The Hobbit, which is the prequel to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy is one of my all-time favorite books, partially because it's a work of genius and in part because of the fond memories I associate with it.
When I was in sixth grade, my school didn't have a reading group that matched my obviously advance flair for all things literary, and so our teacher stuck this girl, Jillybean, who incidenally went on to become a beauty queen, and me, who incidentally went on to become an advanced blogging weirdo, into this extra room, with no supervision, and told us to read The Hobbit, which we did ...
... sometimes.
Other times we just played mancala. It started out that we would reward ourselves for reading a chapter with a game of mancala. Then it became one chapter, two games, until finally it was just mancala-tourney-read-your-book-at-home every day.
But, I was telling my children about this earlier and realized how incredibly geeky I truly am. Many children placed in a spare unsupervised classroom, left to their own devices, might try to light the school on fire, snort crushed up smarties, or draw unflattering pictures of their teachers' asses, I thought I was getting away with something awfully naughty by playing mancala. Thirteen-O-Matic said, "at least you weren't smoking or drinking beer," and Fiver added, "Yes, playing mancala is a LOT better than those things mommy."
Ahhhh ... the memories.
I also, as an enrichment exercise, wrote a comparison essay about Bilbo Baggins and my grandpa. After Gramps died in 1998, Grams was going through his stuff, and found a little box of items that Gramps considered precious (not HIS PRECIOUS ... just precious). In that box was a copy of that essay. I have it now and if I have the patience to locate it, I'll post it right here -- my sixth grade essay about how Bilbo had a thick stomach and so did my Gramps. That part made him laugh out loud.
I read The Hobbit to Thirteen-O-Matic when she was just a wee six-year-old. She listened intently and whined, "One more chapter?! One more chapter?!" when I said, "That's where we'll leave off. We'll read it again tomorrow," because she knew she could always squeeze out one more chapter from goofy old lit geek mama. This summer I have plans to read it to Five-O-Matic, when she is six. So, my emotional connection to this book will only grow.
I have wondered aloud repeatedly, "Why don't they make The Hobbitinto a movie? After all, the cartoon version is already out there..." and now my dream is only closer to becoming a reality. They did such a fantabulous job on the LOTR Trilogy. I don't often say that about books made into movies, but I can honestly say that Sir Ian McKellen's version of Gandalf is the Gandalf I imagined as I read each of J.R.R. Tolkein's books as a child and as an adult.
When it comes out, Hubbetron will probably take me to the theater, buy me a large refillable box of popcorn, and know that it's his ticket to gettin' lucky, because he knows that the way to his wife's geek heart is through a book or a really really good movie version of that book ... oh and popcorn. Bring a mancala board and we're talkin' Any-ting-You-Like Hubbo.
Geek-out!
9 Sillies Said Something:
Ian McKellen does make a darn fine Gandalf!
I was a geek too, don't worry.
What do I mean I "was a geek?"
I am a geek.
And that's because geeks know how to party. Eff the dumb s**t, Mancala is where it's at baby.
I too am a great fan of the book and like you I can't wait for the film. I just hope I won't be disappointed
` Awww! I think that Ian "I am NOT Gandalf!!!" McKellan is sooooo cute for an old guy! And a Gandalf.
` I don't remember The Hobbit, but now I want to read it. I do have the Anniversary Edition of LOTR, though. I am constantly tempted to read it again. "READ ME!!" it screams, its long, red ribbon sticking out.
` The movies were amazing! I didn't used to think so because I was too ADD to watch movies or really pay enough attention to anything so that I could enjoy it. But now, I like movies and I especially like LOTR!
` It's really sucky that they have to make all their props and clothing again, though, because the new film production company doesn't own them.
` And since Peter Jackson can't be the director, do you know what he'll be doing?
Hey Kristen -- I wonder if there's a virtual mancala site some where out there ... Google here I come.
Keithy! I was not disappointed with the Trilogy. I have high hopes.
S E E -- Jackson is going to produce!
I am really looking forward to seeing this. I hope that Sir Ian reprises his Gandalf role, also. After LOTR, I just can't imagine anyone else in the role. I am curious about who they are thinking of for Bilbo. Mr. Jackson is going to have a hard time equaling the inspired casting of LOTR. It seemed that almost every character just belonged.
*whew!* Well, as my super-man Lou Ryan is a producer, I know that means that he is very involved with the work of the director.
I was already in the geek classes so I didn't get the empty room-- so I just read my Mercedes Lackey books during the boring parts of the lecture. It drove the teacher NUTS to realize I was reading, listening, and taking notes all at the same time.
S E E -- I want to meet you guys so bad and be in one of your movies.
BLC -- Ohhhh. You were one of *those* students.
:)
` Lou Ryan says: "Miss Morgetron, since you don't have any experience, you can get the part if you can pump that ass.
` "As long as you don't get big thighs.
` "Everything else is pretty damn good. How tall are you and how much do you weigh?
` "P.S. Most Casting Couches are made of cloth, not leather."
` Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaah.
` By the way, there is no Casting Couch, but that doesn't mean you can't have hot sex with him if you want. While you're being auditioned, of course. For some movie we haven't thought up yet.
` Did I mention that he's half asleep and ravenous for melted cheese at the moment? He's particularly nutty at times like these. (Would you have it any other way?)
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