I just finished reading the books for the 7th or 8th time. And I had to rewatch the ending Return of the King, since the last 100 pages are my favorite of all.
Eowyn is definitely one of my favorite characters, and yet everyone that I know that didn't read the books, hates her because she "tries to get" Aragorn. She is very fascinating in the books. I like her much more than Arwen.
I don't know enough about the copy that came out recently to know if it's the same thing. But the Children of Hurin is in the Silmarillion, and if it is the same, I have read it! :p Great story.
I was a big fan for a while. I loved the books and movies. I'm excited about the Hobbit. but the Silmarillion? Wow. That will be impossible. Seriously, it jumps all over the place and there really aren't any major main characters. Ah well. In the article's comments, someone said it would be cool...