LOTR...Yes or no?

So I'm thinking of reading the 3 over the next month or so...

Good idea? I've never seen the movies or anything and the references to LOTR are getting annoying. ONE DOES NOT SIMPLY WALK INTO MORDOR HURR and I have no idea what that shit is about.

Do I read them? Is it worth it? Also going to college next month, any books I MUST read before I leave?

Also, I'm gonna read Flowers for Algernon because I remember a loonnnng time ago (like at least 8-10 years ago)I read an excerpt/short story and I was really interested in it. I want to read the whole thing.

I've read it 6 times now, over the course of maybe 7 or 8 years? (First read when I was like 9 or 10, I can't remember); i still love it.

I don't think there is another book on the planet which so vividly and convincingly describes a completely fictional world. The story-line is of course outstanding. So I say, what's not to like?

Everyone should read it at least once, if only to be able to judge it properly