Have you ever read "The Silmarillion" for pleasure?

Why people ask this

This question works because the yes-or-no split always surprises the room — someone answers in a way nobody expected, and the conversation starts from there. Niche obsessions are usually masked in public; this question is one of the few permission slips to admit how deep the rabbit hole actually goes. The yes-or-no format is what makes it work — nobody has to volunteer a story, but once someone says yes the room always wants to hear it. That is why this question comes up again even in groups that have played before: the answer changes, the story changes, and the same question lands differently every time someone new is in the room.

What do players say?

14%

of players said Yes
7 responses

Based on 7 answers so far, 14% of players say yes — making this one of the rarer things players admit to.

Discussion starters

→ Who in the group is most likely to have read "The Silmarillion" for pleasure?
→ What's the full story — and who in the group is most surprised by your answer?
→ What fandom do you keep quiet about in public?
→ What is the most you have spent on something nobody else in your life understands?
→ What hobby has earned you the most "are you okay?" looks?

If you're passionate about epic fantasies and deep lore, this question uncovers just how much joy you find in exploring niche literary worlds like Geeky & Niche. It’s perfect for sparking conversations among fellow Tolkien fans or curious newcomers. Want to dive into more unique questions? Explore deeper topics here and see where your curiosity takes you.

What This Question Really Asks

This question delves into your personal reading habits and interests, especially related to specialized literature like fantasy classics. It’s not just about reading; it’s about your passion for uncovering complex mythologies and stories. When someone asks if you've read an influential book for pleasure, they want to know about your favorite worlds and your willingness to explore deep content.

Are you someone who enjoys diving into extensive lore?
Do you appreciate stories that expand beyond mainstream fiction?
Are you familiar with the source material of epic fantasies?
Have you read challenging and detailed novels for fun?
Are you open to sharing your personal reading experiences with others?

How to Use This Question

Setting	Tone	Best for	Tip
Friends game night	Casual, curious	Getting to know fellow Tolkien fans or fantasy enthusiasts	Ask this question to spark reminiscing about favorite fantasy worlds. Check out our group decider for organizing more fun activities.
First date	Thoughtful, engaging	Discovering shared interests in niche stories	Use this to reveal personality traits and taste in intricate stories—ideal for meaningful conversations.
Team meeting	Professional but friendly	Lightening the mood with personal interests	Invite colleagues to share their favorite niche hobbies, making small talk more engaging.
Family dinner	Warm, inclusive	Sharing passions and stories with loved ones	Encourage family members to discuss their hobbies, possibly creating new shared interests.
Party	Energetic, fun	Breaking the ice among diverse guests	Playfully ask this to see who secretly loves obscure worlds; it’s a great connector.

When You Say "Yes"

You have a deep appreciation for complex world-building and detailed mythologies.
You enjoy reading challenging and richly textured fantasy novels during your free time.
You're willing to explain why you love Tolkien's lore to friends or new fans.
You’ve explored similar niche works and seek out new obscure titles.
You take pride in your knowledge of epic fantasy stories and love sharing that passion with others.

Discover more about your literary tastes and connect with others who share your interests by exploring our categories or trying fun custom questions.

When You Say "No"

This might indicate that you prefer lighter or more mainstream entertainment, or perhaps you haven't yet had the chance to explore such niche stories deeply.

You usually stick to popular or less complex books for pleasure.
You haven't been interested in Tolkien’s works or similar lore.
The idea of reading such extensive texts doesn’t appeal to you.

Best Follow-Up Questions

What’s the most interesting thing you've learned from reading futuristic or mythic stories?
Have you ever watched an adaptation of a niche book that surprised you?
What other obscure books or authors do you enjoy?
Would you recommend starting with beginner-friendly fantasy works?
How do you feel about exploring more complex worlds in fiction?

Discover more ideas for intriguing questions by exploring our categories or utilizing the icebreaker generator to spice up your conversations.

Ready to get the most out of your game night? Start playing now and consider playing with friends to discover even more about each other’s niche interests!

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