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The Hobbit
(The Hobbit)
by
Whisked away from his comfortable, unambitious life in his hobbit-hole in Bag End by Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Although quite reluctant to take part in this quest, Bilbo surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and
...more
Mass Market Paperback, 306 pages
Published
July 12th 1986
by Del Rey Books
(first published September 21st 1937)
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Start your review of The Hobbit

Jun 02, 2008
Matt
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Children, parents, all those that stay children in their hearts
Some books are almost impossible to review. If a book is bad, how easily can we dwell on its flaws! But if the book is good, how do you give any recommendation that is equal the book? Unless you are an author of equal worth to the one whose work you review, what powers of prose and observation are you likely to have to fitly adorn the work?
'The Hobbit' is at one level simply a charming adventure story, perhaps one of the most charming and most adventurous ever told. There, see how simple that w ...more
'The Hobbit' is at one level simply a charming adventure story, perhaps one of the most charming and most adventurous ever told. There, see how simple that w ...more

The Written Review :![]()
If you've ever wondered which literary world would be the best to live in, wonder no longer, cause there's a BookTube Video to answer that!
Bilbo Baggins, living comfortably in his hobbit-hole in Bag End, finds himself on the wrong end of an adventure.![]()
In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.
Gandalf the Grey has come recruiting for a burglar willing to raid the home of Smaug (a dragon) whose taken over the ancestral home of the dwarves.
These dwarves, who ...more

Dear Tolkien fans: please don't leave a comment if you're going to spew hatred - I'll just delete it. I'm glad you enjoy Tolkien's work, but I am actually allowed to feel this way, no matter how scandalous you find that idea. Thank you.
To be fair, it really is a cool story. Mr Tolkien’s imagination is endless and I respect him immensely for that. To be able to conjure a whole new, magical world and all these creatures in it.. absolutely amazing. But it is also a very long-winded story and I ...more

To be fair, it really is a cool story. Mr Tolkien’s imagination is endless and I respect him immensely for that. To be able to conjure a whole new, magical world and all these creatures in it.. absolutely amazing. But it is also a very long-winded story and I ...more

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.Books exist in time and place and our experience of them is affected by the specific time and place in which we encounter them. Sometimes an uplifting or inspiring book can change the path of a life that has wandered onto a wrong course. Sometimes a book, discovered early on, can form part of the foundation of who we are. Or, discovered late, can offer insight into the journey we have taken to date. Sometimes a book is just a book. But not The Hob ...more

There are some days when I actually think that the humble Hobbit is superior to it's bohemoth brother,
The Lord of the Rings
. It's a much tighter story, and Bilbo is a much more appeal character than is Frodo. I also just love this poem, from The Hobbit
Far over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away ere break of day
To seek the pale enchanted gold.
The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,
While hammers fell like ringing bells
In places deep, where dark things sleep,
I ...more
Far over the misty mountains cold
To dungeons deep and caverns old
We must away ere break of day
To seek the pale enchanted gold.
The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,
While hammers fell like ringing bells
In places deep, where dark things sleep,
I ...more

The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien

It was an enjoyable tale of adventure, friendship, and courage which was set in a beautiful, massive, and lore-filled world named MIDDLE-EARTH. This book was originally meant for the pleasure of children and was created with that idea in mind. Even so, it can be enjoyed by all ages. Regardless of your age, or affinity for the fantasy genre, there has an experience of an adventure that everyone can take away from reading this. It's certainly wo ...more

It was an enjoyable tale of adventure, friendship, and courage which was set in a beautiful, massive, and lore-filled world named MIDDLE-EARTH. This book was originally meant for the pleasure of children and was created with that idea in mind. Even so, it can be enjoyed by all ages. Regardless of your age, or affinity for the fantasy genre, there has an experience of an adventure that everyone can take away from reading this. It's certainly wo ...more

What makes The Hobbit such a seminal work in the fantasy genre? Is it the nine hours of over-budget, sensorially explosive movies by Peter Jackson? Nope. Is it a complex tale of multiple human kingdoms slaughtering each other for an Iron Throne with buckets of blood and guts and plenty of sex? Nope. Is it simply wonderful writing. As simple and boring as that. Does that mean that I was incredibly disappointed in the movie adaptation (not to say abortion)? Yep. Does that mean I don't love Game of
...more

610. The Hobbit = There and Back Again, J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again is a fantasy novel by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. It was published on 21 September 1937 to wide critical acclaim, being nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize from the New York Herald Tribune for best juvenile fiction. The book remains popular and is recognized as a classic in children's literature.
Gandalf tricks Bilbo Baggins into hosting a party for Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dw ...more
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again is a fantasy novel by English author J. R. R. Tolkien. It was published on 21 September 1937 to wide critical acclaim, being nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize from the New York Herald Tribune for best juvenile fiction. The book remains popular and is recognized as a classic in children's literature.
Gandalf tricks Bilbo Baggins into hosting a party for Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dw ...more

Andy Serkis is doing a live reading of this RIGHT NOW for charity!
To call this the epitome in which all high fantasy should be judged does not quite suffice; this is simply one of the best books that has ever been written or will ever be written. The Hobbit defines the high fantasy genre along with its sequel, of course, and has been an inspiration to countless authors and readers alike. Tolkien, quite literally, kick started a genre that would eventually capture the hearts of thousands of peo ...more
To call this the epitome in which all high fantasy should be judged does not quite suffice; this is simply one of the best books that has ever been written or will ever be written. The Hobbit defines the high fantasy genre along with its sequel, of course, and has been an inspiration to countless authors and readers alike. Tolkien, quite literally, kick started a genre that would eventually capture the hearts of thousands of peo ...more

From a hole in the ground came one of my favorite characters of all time, the very reluctant and unassuming hero, Bilbo Baggins.
As a child, The Hobbit sparked my young imagination, causing wonderful daydreams and horrible nightmares. As a teen, the book made me want to become a writer of fantastical tales...or go shoeless, live in a hole and smoke a pipe. As an adult, Tolkien's novel maintains within me a link to my childhood, safekeeping cherished memories and evoking everlasting emotions.
The ...more
As a child, The Hobbit sparked my young imagination, causing wonderful daydreams and horrible nightmares. As a teen, the book made me want to become a writer of fantastical tales...or go shoeless, live in a hole and smoke a pipe. As an adult, Tolkien's novel maintains within me a link to my childhood, safekeeping cherished memories and evoking everlasting emotions.
The ...more

I probably won't write a full review here, as this is just a reread for me, but I found this just as enchanting as the first time I read it. While I still like this one only SLIGHTLY less than The Lord of the Rings, I'm glad I took the opportunity to read this first before diving into a reread of LOTR this year. When I first read Tolkien's books about 15 years ago I didn't experience The Hobbit until I finished LOTR, so it gave me the feeling of being able to read this one as an introduction to
...more

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.”
So begins J.R.R. Tolkien’s love letter to fantasy literature.
A reader to this timeless classic will first notice that this is a first person narration, the reader hears Tolkien’s voice as he narrates the tale of Bilbo Baggins, Belladonna Took’s odd so ...more
So begins J.R.R. Tolkien’s love letter to fantasy literature.
A reader to this timeless classic will first notice that this is a first person narration, the reader hears Tolkien’s voice as he narrates the tale of Bilbo Baggins, Belladonna Took’s odd so ...more

Click here to watch a video review of this book on my channel, From Beginning to Bookend.
Were it not for the irresistible allure of The Fellowship of the Ring, I'd start reading this book all over again right now. <3
...more

Were it not for the irresistible allure of The Fellowship of the Ring, I'd start reading this book all over again right now. <3
...more

Maybe one day soon I'll write a proper review of The Hobbit.
In the meantime, I want to say this:
If you are a child, you need to read this for Gollum's riddles.
If you are an adult, you need to read this book to children (if you don't have children,rent borrow some) for at least one opportunity to roleplay Gollum.
Becuz GOLLUM ROOOLZ!!!!!
See here, he even won an award!!
(PS. Since Gollum features so strongly in this review, here is an interesting video on the acting and CGI genius t ...more
In the meantime, I want to say this:
If you are a child, you need to read this for Gollum's riddles.
If you are an adult, you need to read this book to children (if you don't have children,
Becuz GOLLUM ROOOLZ!!!!!


See here, he even won an award!!
(PS. Since Gollum features so strongly in this review, here is an interesting video on the acting and CGI genius t ...more

In certain crowds, my rating and the words I'm about to write (well, type) would probably get me shot. But The Hobbit is still one of the most boring books I have ever read. Tolkien's writing seems so dry and impersonal, though I can't deny he had a lot of fascinating ideas.
...more

Now I don't remember all the names of those 13 dwarfs, but still I can legitimately say I enjoyed the book. The Hobbit (the version rewritten by Tolkien) is sophisticated enough to please adults and children alike.
Initially, nobody knew how Gollum looked like. Seriously, just take a look at the various covers of the book and you'll see diverse bodies as Gollum. The Ring acquired by Bilbo is so quaint, so practical.
Tolkien weaved his magic here and delivered a timeless classic. The adventures of ...more
Initially, nobody knew how Gollum looked like. Seriously, just take a look at the various covers of the book and you'll see diverse bodies as Gollum. The Ring acquired by Bilbo is so quaint, so practical.
Tolkien weaved his magic here and delivered a timeless classic. The adventures of ...more

I love the feeling of connectedness you get when you've wondered about something for a long time, and finally discover the answer. I had a great example of that yesterday. As I said in my review of The Lord of the Rings, for me Tolkien is all about language. I must have read The Hobbit when I was about 8, and even at that age I was fascinated by his made-up names. They sort of made sense, but not quite.
Then, when I was 21, I learned Swedish, and suddenly there were many things in Middle Earth th ...more
Then, when I was 21, I learned Swedish, and suddenly there were many things in Middle Earth th ...more

Now the route Mr. Bilbo Baggins transverses to seek adventure and a pot of gold...several in fact, may not be as glamorous as the yellow brick road nonetheless thoroughly lucrative...he will never complain....after he is safely back home.... As our story begins the Hobbit is having a quiet, delightful time drinking his tea and a nice breakfast, steps out the door (from his hole in the ground the unkind would say) blows a wonderful smoke ring...And is the last one for many moons... a peaceful sit
...more

Gosh, that last chapter. Sigh.
And you can start celebrating the updates are over. Now let's start LotR :)
Buddy read with Jen the unexpected party
Get it? the unexpected party, as in chapter one's title. Oh I'm hilarious.
----------------------------------------------------
OK let’s do this.
But first let’s talk about something totally unrelated but totally is.
So I don’t know about you guys but when I watch a sporting event, no matter what it is, and I see these world class athletes doing their thing ...more
And you can start celebrating the updates are over. Now let's start LotR :)
Buddy read with Jen the unexpected party
Get it? the unexpected party, as in chapter one's title. Oh I'm hilarious.
----------------------------------------------------
OK let’s do this.
But first let’s talk about something totally unrelated but totally is.
So I don’t know about you guys but when I watch a sporting event, no matter what it is, and I see these world class athletes doing their thing ...more

2.5/5 stars
The Hobbit probably would’ve been more enjoyable if I were reading it at least 15 years ago.
I have an odd relationship with The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings due to my feelings of the movie adaptations. For Lord of the Rings, I haven’t been able to finish Fellowship of the Ring because I loved the movies so much and I ended up finding the book incredibly boring; I will try again next year. As for The Hobbit, I was reluctant to read the book because I disliked the movie adaptation. Afte ...more
The Hobbit probably would’ve been more enjoyable if I were reading it at least 15 years ago.
I have an odd relationship with The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings due to my feelings of the movie adaptations. For Lord of the Rings, I haven’t been able to finish Fellowship of the Ring because I loved the movies so much and I ended up finding the book incredibly boring; I will try again next year. As for The Hobbit, I was reluctant to read the book because I disliked the movie adaptation. Afte ...more

Buddy read with Fares and I could not be more excited!
Edit after finishing: So I'm bawling right now. Every time I have to say goodbye, I just can't bear it. Full review to come.



Since this is a buddy read with the awesome Fares , my review will be chapter by chapter, accompanied by appropriate gifs and quotes every two days.
Chapter 1: An Unexpected Party. This is giving me such nostalgia!
Underrated quote: The hobbit was a very well-to-do hobbit, and his name was Baggins. The Bagginses have live ...more
Edit after finishing: So I'm bawling right now. Every time I have to say goodbye, I just can't bear it. Full review to come.



Since this is a buddy read with the awesome Fares , my review will be chapter by chapter, accompanied by appropriate gifs and quotes every two days.
Chapter 1: An Unexpected Party. This is giving me such nostalgia!
Underrated quote: The hobbit was a very well-to-do hobbit, and his name was Baggins. The Bagginses have live ...more

Where there's life there's hope.
I've been thinking a lot of how many stars giving to the book, since there were parts that I loved a lot, but there were others that I found tedious and even anti-climatic, but in respect to this great writer, J.R.R. Tolkien, I think that the book deserves at least 4-stars rating with which I feel easy since I am not giving it a full rating but also I am not punishing it for things that maybe a future re-reading will solve.
In a hole in the ground there live ...more
I've been thinking a lot of how many stars giving to the book, since there were parts that I loved a lot, but there were others that I found tedious and even anti-climatic, but in respect to this great writer, J.R.R. Tolkien, I think that the book deserves at least 4-stars rating with which I feel easy since I am not giving it a full rating but also I am not punishing it for things that maybe a future re-reading will solve.
In a hole in the ground there live ...more

I find it hard to believe there are people who have no clue what the book is about. Still the possibility exists so I will give the high points of the plot. See there once was a hobbit (a race entirely created by Tolkien and endlessly recycled since under name halflings - for copyright reasons) named Bilbo Baggins. Think a humanoid creature of about half of a grown-up adult human height with furry legs who goes barefoot - it is a hobbit.

These guys live underground in holes similar to rabbit's, b ...more

These guys live underground in holes similar to rabbit's, b ...more

Unpopular opinion time: I don't like The Hobbit.
Before all of you start hating me forever, please, hear me out. I truly respect J. R.R Tolkien. If I'm not mistaken, this was one of the first really popular fantasy books ever written. And fantasy just happens to be my favourite genre. So you can see why I really wanted to like this book. I wanted to like it so much, in fact, that I have tried to read it three times now. But each time, I have had to DNF it.

I love The Lord of the Rings movies. I ...more

Before all of you start hating me forever, please, hear me out. I truly respect J. R.R Tolkien. If I'm not mistaken, this was one of the first really popular fantasy books ever written. And fantasy just happens to be my favourite genre. So you can see why I really wanted to like this book. I wanted to like it so much, in fact, that I have tried to read it three times now. But each time, I have had to DNF it.

I love The Lord of the Rings movies. I ...more

I discussed this novel with my book club, Austentatious, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vvG4...
...more

Not much more needs to be said about The Hobbit than that it is excellent! Great storytelling, fun characters, humor, action – it has it all. Tolkien is rightfully one of the (if not THE) founding fathers of modern Fantasy. If you are already into the Fantasy genre and you haven’t read him, you need to. If you are looking to get into Fantasy, The Hobbit is a great place to start.
One of the great things about The Hobbit is that I think it is easily accessible to a wide audience. The Lord of the R ...more
One of the great things about The Hobbit is that I think it is easily accessible to a wide audience. The Lord of the R ...more

this is not a review.
this is smack-talk.
me and a buddy saw the first two films in the peter jackson trilogy (for a second time) this weekend. he says he loves actor lee pace just like i do, but that his character, thranduil, was campy as fuck and also what the hell were they even thinking?
to which i reply:

y'all know i like 'em long, lean, and unavailable.
aint nobody gon' talk shyt 'bout muh boo.
ACTIVATE MEME BATTURR ...more
this is smack-talk.
me and a buddy saw the first two films in the peter jackson trilogy (for a second time) this weekend. he says he loves actor lee pace just like i do, but that his character, thranduil, was campy as fuck and also what the hell were they even thinking?
to which i reply:

y'all know i like 'em long, lean, and unavailable.
aint nobody gon' talk shyt 'bout muh boo.
ACTIVATE MEME BATTURR ...more

May 08, 2019
Spencer Orey
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mg-fantasy,
antediluvian-fantasy
Always excellent!
Some quick scattered thoughts on re-reading this classic:
It's strange how generic this story can feel, since so much that's followed in its wake has adapted and used little parts for its own. LotR is more influential yet, but reading this, I could feel the Hobbit's influence everywhere. Even subtle details and throwaway lines turned into major Dungeons and Dragons tropes.
The dwarves are terrible adventurers, always getting into trouble. They lose their food and adventuring equi ...more
Some quick scattered thoughts on re-reading this classic:
It's strange how generic this story can feel, since so much that's followed in its wake has adapted and used little parts for its own. LotR is more influential yet, but reading this, I could feel the Hobbit's influence everywhere. Even subtle details and throwaway lines turned into major Dungeons and Dragons tropes.
The dwarves are terrible adventurers, always getting into trouble. They lose their food and adventuring equi ...more

"If more of us valued food, cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world..."Thorin Oakenshield sums it up when he says these last words to Bilbo Baggins.
The Hobbit is the ultimate and an amazing adventure ("nasty disturbing uncomfortable things" in Bilbo`s words) story. This book is a real delight, a must-read!.
These below lines recited by Bilbo are just beautiful::
Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that ne ...more
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John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, CBE was an English writer, poet, WWI veteran (a First Lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers, British Army), philologist, and university professor, best known as the author of the high fantasy classic works
The Hobbit
and
The Lord of the Rings
.
Tolkien was Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford from 1925 to 1945, and Merton Professor of English ...more
Tolkien was Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford from 1925 to 1945, and Merton Professor of English ...more
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