Dreck isn't really fair. Tolkien definitely isn't a great prose writer. But you only have to look at his imitators to see how much worse LOTR could have been without Tolkien's uniquely scholarly take on the elves+dwarves+dragons formula. (A formula which he partly invented.)

edit: I suppose I should add a note indicating that I'm aware of the absence of dragons in LOTR.

The Lord of the Rings was written over the course of 12 years, and IMO Tolkien's writing greatly improved as he gained experience. I almost gave up reading The Fellowship of the Ring because it was so boring, but I'm glad I didn't, because by The Return of the King the writing has become fast paced and exciting.

I feel like I'm in the minority when I say that I actually enjoy the long passages of scenery descriptions. I really like soaking in the atmosphere.

Can you suggest some readings, stuff you found especially enjoyable?

(I ask because you're my favorite writer on HN, and am curious as to what things influenced you)