For those who resolved to read more this new year but don’t yet know where to start, January provides ample opportunities to spark one’s literary imagination. The first month of the year brings several anniversaries of beloved authors. The traditional celebrations of these dates can provide motivation to visit (or revisit) these well-known works as we resolve to strengthen our minds in 2025.
‘Lord of The Rings’
Jan. 3 is the birthday of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. According to the Tolkien Society, Tolkien fans worldwide celebrate the his birthday by raising a glass in his honor and toasting “the professor.”This year marked Tolkien’s 133rd birthday. The custom of the toast arises from Frodo having celebrated his uncle Bilbo’s birthday each year following his departure from the Shire on his eleventy-first birthday by raising a glass to him:
