The Hobbit, or There and Back Again in Reading with Style

Jun 01, 2011 Mathew Smith rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Hobbit is the archetype for the quest-adventure storyline that is so common in fantasy books. I have to say, I have read many a quest-type fantasy books in my day, and this one ranks as number one. Which is funny, since the book is aimed at a younger reader and the plot is very simple (Hobbit leaves his hole in attempt to steal treasure from a Dragon in the mountains). It is just so well written, so many interesting things happen along the way, that you get caught up and taken away. I read t The Hobbit is the archetype for the quest-adventure storyline that is so common in fantasy books. I have to say, I have read many a quest-type fantasy books in my day, and this one ranks as number one. Which is funny, since the book is aimed at a younger reader and the plot is very simple (Hobbit leaves his hole in attempt to steal treasure from a Dragon in the mountains). It is just so well written, so many interesting things happen along the way, that you get caught up and taken away. I read this book for the first time back in 2003 (see unemployed on a Monday morning above) and find myself being surprised by every plot twist and turn as I read it again in 2013. The characters never vary far from the path they must take to get to the mountain (and the treasure), but, they are constantly waylaid by obstacles; dangerous creatures, natural barriers, ego filled Kings. Each challenge is beaten by skill (and a lot of luck), mostly by the Hobbit.

Maybe that is the best part? How the Hobbit's (Bilbo Baggins) character is built. At first he appears to be a lazy, overeating, unambitious Hobbit who has done nothing with his life. But, after each hurtle a small part of him is revealed, giving us a glimpse at how special he really is.

It helps that he is in a crowd of grumpy Dwarfs who have no confidence in him to begin with. You always cheer for the underdog right? Especially when the all knowing Wizard who started this adventure hints that this little Hobbit is destined for greatness.

As well as the Hobbit's character, the story grows substantially as well. By the end of the book we've gone from quest for some gold to an all out world war (middle-world war would be a better name I think). Tolkien does a great job of throwing together this middle-world war in such a way as to keep it from taking the Hobbit (and the simple essence of the book) too far off track, but, adds some epic drama to this somewhat simple story. It really does come as a surprise when the hordes of Goblins show up, both for me as a reader and Gandalf as a character...How could Gandalf be caught off guard?

Even though Bilbo is a very interesting character always full of surprises, I have to say I really like Gandalf. I think it is hilarious that he is the one who starts this whole adventure yet is constantly leaving them to go off on other business...usually just as things start getting rough - always shows up when most needed and least expected. He seems to have no desire for treasure or adventure, but, just likes to make lesser folk get themselves into near death experiences. I know he is doing this all for a greater cause, like all good and powerful Wizards would...but, I still laugh at it.

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Jul 26, 2013 Annemarie Donahue rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, classics, fiction, sci-fantasy, folklore, children-s-lit, classic-brit-lit, young-adult

I am biased. So anything I say here should be taken with a big dose of "she's a nerd." This book is wonderful. Not only is it the cutest little children's book ever, it serves as a fun introduction into fantasy. The reader gets to watch Bilbo (a very dynamic character) develop as a strong and responsible man. The dwarves grow to depend on him, and he learns that he can depend upon himself. The book teaches us resolve, fellowship and staying the course in troubled times... or rather that we shoul ...more

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