Originally Posted by Charlatan

it all depends on what kind of reader you are.

the hobbit is really written for kids. the story is simple and not all that challenging.

lotr take some work. the books are long and the beginning of fellowship can drag a bit (takes years and year to leave the shire).

the silmarillion is not an easy read at all. i would recommend you definately read it last. it gets very dry in places as the narrative strays into the history of middle earth, sometimes in very boring ways.

personally, i would read lotr first, then the hobbit and then the Silmarillion. but only read the Silmarillion if you are a completionist.