YESH, indeed I have read the books! I'm assuming you have, as well. :P
omg who's your favorite characters out of the entire legendarium?
Mine, for instance (in no particular order) are: Sauron, Ecthelion, Elrond, Faramir, Melian, Thranduil, Bilbo, Melkor, and many, MANY more.
I invest too much of my time and emotions into Middle Earth/Arda. ;-; :P