The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is one of my favorite books of all time. It follows the story of Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant and loveable hero who is a Hobbit. As many know, Hobbits are small human-ish folk who, even when full grown, don't stand taller than perhaps the elbow of an average man (when his arms are at his sides). Bilbo, the only son of Bungo Baggins and Beladonna Took Baggins, is recruited by Gandalf (largely because of Gandalf's association with Bilbo's mother, whom, the story strongly implies, went on adventures of her own) to help some dwarves reclaim their home from an invading dragon. He doesn't want to go at first, but due to Gandalf's strong influence, finally sets out on an adventure with his new companions. After quite a lot of run-ins with some unsavory characters and a restful stop at Elrond's Homely House, the dwarves and Bilbo finally reach their destination. But how will their confrontation with the dragon go? Read the book and find out!