Rave Reviews for Author's blog

From Nicole H., commenting on my blog that is based on my book:

Oh wow... I went to your blog, just meaning to look a little, see how it's going, and come back and really read later when I have no schoolwork still to do. But I got drawn in and have been reading for quite a while. My first thought is just pure amazement. I know you're insightful and, as Galadriel says of Frodo, "begin to see with a keen eye," but still it just plain blows my mind what you pick up and how practically you get it all down and relate it to life!

A few things have stood out to me. "The role of standing by Frodo in the growing dark will fall to Sam, as God always intended. It may not seem like much, but it is actually a very great thing and a tremendous comfort to the one receiving such aid. Let us never underestimate the power of simply standing by the side of one we love during a time of terrible trial." Do you know how easy this is to forget, terrible trial or small? It's so easy to forget. Even harder to believe sometimes, especially when one doesn't do such a hot job actually staying on one's feet, if you know what I mean. *hugs* :')

But I've been so encouraged reading this, and just want to say thanks. Not just the particulars, but in a general way, encouraged to keep on with the path I've been set for now, striving but finding contentment even so. *more hugs*

From Amanda D., as posted on her blog, A Rose in Bloom:

I've been reading and following the blog "Moments of Grace" (formerly "The Road Through Middle-Earth") since Anne Marie started writing it and her writings have caused me to start looking at the works of Tolkien in a different, more spiritual way. (By the way, if you haven't visited her blog at all, you've been missing out on some wonderful meditations!)

This is a blog...written by a beautiful young Catholic lady on the blog "The Road Through Middle-earth". Her blog is devoted to the works of Tolkien, which she is reading through and then commenting on the chapters and events from the books on her blog. I have been following it ardently, and enjoy reading her wonderful meditations. Her writing have made me look at the Hobbit and the Fellowship (the only ones she has been writing about so far) in a entirely new and wonderful way [through] her moving, thought provoking and wonderfully Catholic posts. I encourage you all to follow her blog and read her posts - which really are meditations - whether or not you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings.

From Amanda (Lady Merilwen, Rose) as posted on my blog:

Anne, all I can say is... wow. I have never read anything that so beautifully captured the Catholicism of the Quest and the story as beautifully and as clearly as your post. Thank you for being so inspired!

Another comment from Amanda:

Thanks for this post! It was very encouraging, as I am in a 'decision' point in my life right now, wondering what is the right path for me to take. I love reading those wonderful words of Galadriel's, though it is hard sometimes not to be troubled. But I shall know in time, and so must be patient for now.

From Clare D., on her blog, A Maiden's Wreath:

I recently came across a wonderful blog called The Road Through Middle-Earth. The authoress, Anne Marie, shares some of the most beautiful and profound thoughts on Tolkien's tales that I have ever encountered. Every post is a revelation to me, and it's truly making my re-reading of the trilogy a new and wondrous experience.

I think this post is especially timely in our Advent season, when we often think of the Blessed Virgin's Fiat, and strive to be more open to accepting God's will in our own lives.

Knowing that many of you are devoted Tolkien fans, I encourage you to visit her blog and enjoy her reflections on all aspects of Middle-earth and its characters and events.

From Clare, on my blog:

Anna Marie, I found your blog through the Lady Rose's, and all I can say is... wow. You have really deep stuff here! I've been re-reading LotR, and your blog here is such a treasure trove of thought!
...your posts have given the stories new depth for me, and I'm seeing everything in new and beautiful ways. You truly have a richness of thought, and a great gift of words to express them.

God bless!

From Krista Jean on my blog:

Hi. I stumbled across your site through Stories of Arda, and I just wanted to say thank you for such wonderful insights about the world of Lord of the Rings. I've been a fan for years now; but sometimes I forget exactly how it relates into my spiritual life. I've been playing "The Gray Havens" over and over for the last few weeks, and although I love the song as it is at the end of the Lord of the Rings, I feel like it is more signifigant than just the end of a movie. I feel like I have been going through a very tough time lately, because I'm starting to realize everything that is being asked of me by God. Although I still have a ways to go, I am starting to accept my ultimate purpose more and more. Reading over your last few entries has really given me pause; and a lot of hope, as well. There is lots of postive affirmation in these posts. Thanks so much for writing these.

In Christ,
Krista Jean

From Jef Murray, speaking to Nancy Martsch, editor of Beyond Bree:

Haven't even finished the latest BB, but I had to write you to applaud your inclusion of Anne Marie Gazzolo's article "Did Frodo Fail?" It is superbly written, meticulously footnoted, and a marvelous exposition, despite its brevity, of the Catholicity of the Quest itself and its ultimate resolution. Brava, Miss Gazzolo!

From Ashley Harrison

While I can definitely see the "moments of grace" in Tolkien's works, to see them written out in such a beautiful manner and in such an encompassing way where members of all faiths can recognize them, well, it was a marvelous experience that truly stirred my soul.