Not reading the books isn't a sin. I was young enough when I started them that the 'boringness' didn't seem that obvious. And my parents actually read LotR to me when I was young, so...

But I hear you on the sporadic reading thing. Even the books I love, I'll put down for ages.

But you know, fandom is your personal thing. Shouldn't matter to anyone else if you've read the books. Half of the fandoms I've been in have been of television shows I've never even seen.

I hope the chocolate helps, but in case...*gives internets love*