From the Bookshelf of J.R.R. Tolkien…

The Hobbit

J.R.R. Tolkien

Start date: October 1, 2014

Finish date: December 31, 2014

Discussion: Group Reads

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Group Reads

* Group Read September 2021-January 2022 (No Spoilers)
By Michael · 21 posts · 118 views

last updated Jan 31, 2022 11:38AM

Group Read January-March 2015: The Silmarillion
By deleted member · 5 posts · 127 views

last updated Apr 18, 2023 01:00PM

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What Members Thought

Dec 06, 2008 Manny rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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

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Jan 24, 2009 Ebster Davis rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I consider myself fortunate in that I was exposed to the Middle Earth universe in literature before I saw it in cinema. Technically I listened to a radio adaption of this story before I read any of the books, and it really ignited my imagination and I had to consume all I could get of this fantastic place. It was just so rich and marvelous; it articulated so well the beauty in the natural world, and the perspective of what it means to live a fulfilled life really resonated with me (and still doe I consider myself fortunate in that I was exposed to the Middle Earth universe in literature before I saw it in cinema. Technically I listened to a radio adaption of this story before I read any of the books, and it really ignited my imagination and I had to consume all I could get of this fantastic place. It was just so rich and marvelous; it articulated so well the beauty in the natural world, and the perspective of what it means to live a fulfilled life really resonated with me (and still does).

For me, though, the magic for "The Hobbit" is rooted in the character of Bilbo and how he interfaces with the world. I think this is one of those stories that came to me at just the right time in my life, because although I'm sure I would have enjoyed it immensely at any age, it only particularly resonated with me because I felt I could identify with Bilbo and how he was continuously (and humorously) challenged to step outside of his comfort zone.

The characters in this story tend to make judgments based on personal values rather than a stoic sense of right and wrong, and Bilbo is no exception. Throughout the story, Bilbo is continually challenged to prioritize his values in decision making.

We see that wondrous things can happen when you step outside of your comfort zone, but the story also acknowledges that it is never without risk.
(view spoiler)

Although we do get to see Bilbo's values kind of validated at the end (view spoiler) Bilbo's perspective-values are never presented as the ultimate solution to what's wrong with the world. We even see times where a fixation on these exact same perspective-values is presented as cowardly, and selfish, and on the whole un-admirable (albeit relatable). To me, this makes Bilbo one of Tolkien's most dynamic protagonists (and, truthfully, makes “The Hobbit” one of his more intriguing stories.)

If I had to pick one theme from this book that has resonated with me most over the years it is that challenging yourself on any level is important, even when (and especially when) you fail. ...more

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Feb 21, 2009 Sarah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, fantasy, author-j-r-r-tolkien, 80-in-2017, 80-in-2018

I will forever love this book. I read it for the first time in the 6th grade and have never looked back!

An epic story of Bilbo and his travels to defeat a dragon with a band of wandering dwarves. The story is obviously more complex than that, but that is the backbone story. I consider this an excellent tale of finding self-esteem and learning that you definitely have something to contribute to others.

I re-read it at least once a year, and will recommend it to everyone I know. I hope that my own ...more

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Jan 05, 2009 Michelle Berges rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Fantastic. A masterpiece.

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Dec 02, 2008 Mary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

While not as in depth as it sequel, The Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages. Like all Tolkein, some of the passages can be a little difficult, but it is wort hanging in there for the ride.
The road goes ever on... ...more

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