Have you seen all the movies? Because if the LOTR story is new to you - man… that’s the answer to your question - LOTR is more hobbit but better in every way. :). Especially if you don’t know what happens. I would kill someone to be able to experience those books again for the first time.
Tolkien is pretty unique though - I can’t think of anything similar.
Ease of reading and fun though?
- Harry Potter
- Hunger games
- I haven’t read them, but my daughter loves the 4th wing stuff
- Enders game





It takes a little bit to get going - you’re right. I tell people to read the fellowship. If you’re not 100% OMG gimme the next book after that, then stop, it’s not your cup of tea.
I would NOT recommend the silmarilion, that’s a different league of a slog.