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)
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last updated Jan 31, 2022 11:38AM

Group Read January-March 2015: The Silmarillion
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last updated Apr 18, 2023 01:00PM

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What Members Thought

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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Mar 09, 2011 Paul rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, tolkien-related

The Hobbit has been a favourite novel since childhood. Knowing that Tolkien used elements from his history research, and what those elements were adds that extra amount of depth to the history of the story. Also having it include the original version of Gollum and the Ring (which was rewritten after Tolkien realised that he was going to have to change the story for the Lord of the Rings) is great.

The inclusion of various foreign language edition illustrations makes you appreciate how widespread ...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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