I just finished reading J R R Tolkien's "Children of Hurin".  I loved it.  But it's a sad, dark story.  There's so many really cool, interesting characters that Tolkien created.  I wish there was more extensive writing on a lot more of the characters he created.  Also, I curious more than ever about the whole history of Middle Earth.  I want to know more about the dwarves but I don't think Tolkien enlarged much on their history.  And I want to know about the hobbits..where they came from.. and I want to know more indepth about the elves..  What a great story.  It's timeless.  And the more I read the more I gain an appreciation for the parallel to life Tolkien's writing is.  That's what makes these stories of his so great.  I have to say...in my opinion, Tolkien's writing is among the top writing of all time.  But, I understand that opinion comes from a very uneducated mind.  :)  I haven't begun to read all there is to read "out there".

Looks like I'll have to buy the "History of Middle Earth" all volumes.