Today marks the birthday of both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, of Hobbit and Lord of the Rings fame. If you have never read The Lord of the Rings, this is the perfect day to start. The first book in the trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring, opens on September 22, at the party in honor of Bilbo's 111th birthday, and Frodo's 33rd. The epic then follows Frodo on his quest to dispose of a very powerful, very dangerous magic ring which has come into his possession. A band of individuals-hobbits, elves, dwarves, and men-join him on his mission. If possible, have all three books available before you start, since the first and second end in cliffhangers.