THE GREAT AMERICAN READ | George R. R. Martin Discusses 'The Lord of the Rings' | PBS

George R. R. Martin discusses his admiration for “The Lord of the Rings” and how it impacted his own writing.

THE GREAT AMERICAN READ, a new eight-part television competition and nationwide campaign, explores the power of books and the joy of reading through the lens of America’s 100 best-loved novels, as voted on by the public.

[doomnationalist]

He could have easily promoted his books, but he went ahead and told everyone to read LoTR. What a guy!

[iamtheoverlordofu]

The fact that Tolkien write it like history is what makes it so special

[saikatgoswami]

Such a humble person! Expression on his face when he was talking about LOTR is just priceless.

[carsonnesbit]

“A band of humans and elves”

Don’t you dare forget about Gimli

[sjhewitt]

The Lord Of The Rings is untouchable in a league of its own.

[vitaemins]

My sister lost it when he said “AND THEN GANDALF DIES!!!!” She could not stop laughing. The genuine feeling in it, its so sweet and you can tell how much he loves it and how much it means to him. And it was just so unexpected from someone that we both admire so much as grr martin. It really does show that in a way he is as big of a dork and a nerd as all of us, albeit a much better writer than most lol

[ccchhhrrriiisss]

George Martin is an amazing guy. He is enormously famous and (now) wealthy. However, he never forgot where he came from. He has a blog for years where people could ask him questions or make comments. He has corresponded with me on a few occasions about football and paintings. We may not always agree on everything under the sun (including politics), but he is a good man who has enough respect and empathy for his fellow human beings to see them as worthwhile.

[Nancywti]

I admire George RR Martin so much! He is so humble and honest, and his love for books is notorious.

[jonasfadi]

George R R Martin, Andrzej sapkowski, tokien, kentaro Miura.
My all time favorite dark fantasy writers.
Rip Miura 😔💔

[brovold]

I was also 13 when I first read ‘The Lord of the Rings’. It was a little over my head at the time. But I circle back every couple years and discover something new each plunge.

[dlteodorian]

2:30 when his voice breaks i think he remembers how he felt when he first read about gandalfs death

[warlockofwordschannel]

Fond memories of reading The Hobbit when I was eight and Lord of the Rings when I was ten. Truly mind-expanding and mind-blowing.

[davidlape]

Respect and love for George, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis.❤️

[theunknown]

My friend told me to read the book when I was in middle school and high school. But I wasn't into fantasy stuff. Years later as an adult when the first movie came out. He had to drag me to go see it. I was completely amazed. And I was amazed at each of the following films as well. I still have not read the book. But I will indeed one day. In fact no greater time to start than tomorrow. I'll order the books

[dhLord]

Dude is nerding out big time. I love him.

[Mitchmeow]

Funny, what Gandalf did for him, Ned Stark did for me.

[lionstigersbearsohmyanimal]

I listen to this then I realize oh yeah this guy is the American Tolkien. Absolute legend.

[mathieumarlaire]

What am I waiting for? To finish a dance with dragons. Lotr is waiting for me on my shelf mate

[thesenate]

LOTR will forever be my favorite fantasy series but Game of Thrones is a close second!

[juun]

I love how george still acknowledges lord of the rings as one of the greats and is so happy when he talks about the series. ima definitley gonna give lord of the rings a try in the future rn i’m invested in the story of ice and fire.