I have first read this book when I was about 17 years old, which is now more than 20 years ago. Back then, I became interested primarily because of the movies, which were released around that time, and I had a friend who was a big fan. 

Back then I was absolutely not mature or educated enough to appreciate these books for what they are. I thought they were rather tedious and boring to read, and I found the language that they use very, very odd. However, I'm fairly sure that I read the books in German back then, which probably is partially why I thought the language in the books was super weird. 

Fast forward 20 years. I have watched the movies at least 15 times and they remain absolute masterpieces of modern cinema. After my last re-watch, I felt it's about time to read the books again, because I always had so many questions about the lore, and how things happen, etc. 

And what can I say, now that I'm 20 years wiser with a degree in English literature and linguistics, I have not a single doubt left in me that these books are absolute masterpieces. This is THE most fascinating and in-depth worldbuilding I have encountered anywhere in fiction. Every single main character has a backstory and a purpose. The language is absolutely superb. The elaborate explanations that I found tedious as a teenager I now found super interesting. 

Sometimes you just need to live life for a few decades to truly understand and appreciate something.