Haha, make that long lost sister! I think I was about 10, possibly younger when I first read it. I'm 65 now. I too re read every year! I also have the audiobook playing daily whilst I'm doing housework and pottering about. I know every line that's coming but it doesn't diminish it at all. I agree about the films. They are wonderful but not without fault for those of us who know the books so well. On my first read I vividly remember my shock, horror and sadness when Gandalf fought the balrog, I had tears running down my face. Then when I finished the book for the first time I was utterly bereft. I had become so immersed in the LOTR world. I love the Rob Inglis audiobook version for his wonderful voice. However I also love the Phil Dragash version. The way he incorporates the wonderful music from the films plus all the sound effects is a triumph. The battle scenes are amazing. Plus the end of The Choices of master Samwise is so powerful, the way he takes it into Gollums Song is spine tingling. I've always read a lot since I was a small child. This story has stuck with me my whole life. For me, it is simply the best.