1/3
3 Years of Service
If I read them, it will be in my native language. I've read books in english and had no problem, but Tolkien is both british and old, so I think it would be pretty difficult for me.Not quite that descriptive, but it will take a couple of lines to describe a type of tree found only in the Elven Kingdom of Lothlorien, and similar types of things.
The books are a medium level read for a decently educated English speaker, so you can get through all three in a week or so if you read a couple hours a night. It helps to know a few of the differences between "British" English (Tolkien's English) and American English, if American English is what you know.
One amusing part of my reread: after having seen the movies so many times, I was able to put the voices of the actors to the various characters and use the actors when envisioning the characters in the book. If you would like to be able to do that, watch first, then read. The books have more story to them than the movies, and have additional characters playing important roles that aren't in the movies; likewise, some of the characters in the movies play a greater role than in the books.
While I think that everyone that is a fan of Tolkien from one direction or the other should both read the books and watch the LotR movies, I'm torn on what direction one should go. I normally suggest books first, but, in this case, movies first wouldn't be a bad way to go, especially since you already have them.
And the downloaded movies are long gone, it was on the same time as I read Hobbit. But some clicks and it's on my HD again. Hahaha