Yesterday, Grey Havens YA met to discuss “Inside Information” from The Hobbit, and we had a fascinating conversation about dragons, myth, pride, and courage. However, that’s not all, because we also met to rehearse our skit for Tolkien Reading Day. What is Tolkien Reading Day, you ask? Check out this lovely flyer made by our founder with art by Donna Clement:

The primary purpose of Reading Day is to read the works of J.R.R. Tolkien,  so this is one celebration that you can start without us and continue at home throughout the weekend, all the way up to the official date of Reading Day, March 25th. (Brownie points to anyone who can guess the significance of this date without clicking the link above!) This is the fourth annual Reading Day celebration for the Grey Havens Group and, this year, we are very excited to be celebrating with our YA members.

When you arrive on Saturday the 22nd, there will be an open mic sign-up sheets so that everyone can get their name in to read a passage from Tolkien, share a short original work about Tolkien, sing a Tolkien-themed song or just say what Tolkien means to them. Guests can come with a passage or piece already in mind, but there will also be lots of copies of the Professor’s w Horks available so that guests can decide on the right reading in the moment. Don’t worry if someone is already reading what you want to share. Some of our most moving moments in the past have been as the result of two similar but ultimately very different readings. These readings always surprise and delight us so I hope that you, your friends, and family will consider sharing. Readings and performances should be limited to about five minutes each.

We will also have a special treat for you this year! The members of Grey Havens YA will be performing their very own skit inspired by Tolkien and the other fandoms we love so much. We’ve been rehearsing a lot, and we all agree it’s pretty hilarious. (It’s also quite unexpected! You’ll get this joke after you see the performance.) You won’t want to miss it! Here’s a preview…

See you on the 22nd!