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The Hobbit, or There and Back Again

J.R.R. Tolkien

Start date: September 1, 2011

Finish date: October 31, 2011

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Feb 21, 2009 Cecily rated it really liked it

Shelves: classics, ya, childrens, fantasy-faeries-magic, series-and-sequels

2021 update re podcast - see section below image of two rings.

This is a book I cast aside, unfinished, as a child, and learned to love through the enraptured passion of my own child, nestled in my lap. It’s a much cosier introduction to Middle Earth than the Lord of the Rings.

“Good Morning!" said Bilbo, and he meant it. The sun was shining, and the grass was very green. But Gandalf looked at him from under long bushy eyebrows that stuck out further than the brim of his shady hat.
"What do you m

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Mar 25, 2009 Danielle The Book Huntress rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, plan-to-read-soon, owned-copy, classic, favorites, quest, 2011-reading, faerie, reluctant-or-unlikely-hero, dragon

Bilbo Baggins is a Hobbit who doesn't take much after his Took side of the family. Adventure might be in his blood, but it's not really his thing. He'd rather stay in his nice home under the Hill and have tea. But adventure comes knocking in the form of one wizard, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves. Gandalf has volunteered Mr. Baggins to be the burglar for these dwarves. To steal into their former home and get back their treasure from a nasty dragon by the name of Smaug. Bilbo would rather say no, b Bilbo Baggins is a Hobbit who doesn't take much after his Took side of the family. Adventure might be in his blood, but it's not really his thing. He'd rather stay in his nice home under the Hill and have tea. But adventure comes knocking in the form of one wizard, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves. Gandalf has volunteered Mr. Baggins to be the burglar for these dwarves. To steal into their former home and get back their treasure from a nasty dragon by the name of Smaug. Bilbo would rather say no, but he doesn't get the choice.

So off he goes on an amazing adventure that takes him across Middle Earth and to very dangerous places. Bilbo discovers just how much he is capable of (more than he imagines), and proves his worth again and again to the dwarves. Of course, Gandalf knew he was capable of that all the time.

This was a lovely story. I had never read any Tolkien prior to this, so it was fascinating getting to experience his work firsthand. He clearly has a love of song and poetry, and the epic works of bravery and adventure. It took some getting used to, but I decided I liked how he used lots of songs in this work. I would even read them aloud to myself.

I appreciated the time spent in crafting this world, replete with various types of folk, from Hobbits to Elves, Trolls, Goblins, Dwarves, a bear Shape-changer, Wargs (werewolves), talking ravens, great War Eagles, nasty giant Spiders, and even a grumpy Dragon. I liked that Mr. Tolkien told us a little of each, but primarily integrated this knowledge into the story so we could see for ourselves what they were made of.

This book was a great mix of humor and adventure. Tolkien doesn't seem to take himself too seriously, and his narrative shows a lively sense of humor and a good-spirited view of the world. It's clear that he has some things to say about what was going on in the world of his times, but he doesn't use his story to beat the reader over the head with his beliefs. Instead, one gets the clear impression that Tolkien questions the advance of industrialization and how it might cause the loss of things much more valuable in the world. And to think he uses a mythical world and mythical creatures, and tells a great story along the way, making that the clear focus. Personally, I think a writer can reveal a lot about himself without taking a reader out of the story and into editorial land, and that is clearly the case with Mr. Tolkien in this novel.

Bilbo is definitely an unlikely hero, which is one of my favorite kinds. He shows that being a hero is both a lot of work and sacrifice, yet comes naturally when one does what one feels is right, albeit not easy. I liked that as we got to know what he was capable of, so did he. His strengths felt realistic to who he was, and I liked that although people expected little of a Hobbit, Bilbo shows them just what he's made of. Bilbo gets frightened, and who can blame him? But he shows a cool head, and puts his thinking cap on, and always works through his fear. He's the kind of character that challenges the stereotype of what a hero is made of, and in a very good way. I found myself feeling very affectionate towards the guy and hoping that things worked out for him. I especially liked that although Gandalf is their companion part of the way, and a powerful wizard, he's not a deus ex machina figure in this book. His powers and sage knowledge do help, but his companions, particularly little Bilbo, mainly have to use their own strengths to extricate themselves from some nasty situations.

Although this tends to be a light-hearted book, there are some scary moments, and foes that I certainly wouldn't want to face. Poor Bilbo and his companions continually get out of one bad scrape, only to end up in a worse one. Lives are at risk, and heroes have to make their stands. But good wins out in the end, and that's what I want to see in a Goodread.

I can certainly see why The Hobbit is considered a classic. This is a rich story that can be taken on several levels. It's not only fun to read, but it has some good messages. I also found the writing to be high quality and showcasing that its author had the benefits of a classical education in folklore, myth, and legend. He combined all that to make a very delightful story that I had the pleasure to read for the first time (although not the last, I'm sure). If you have enjoyed the Lord of the Rings movies but haven't read the books, I highly recommend reading Tolkien. And The Hobbit is the best place to start. ...more

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Jul 23, 2009 Miss Amelia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: point-of-view-guy, worldview, classics, all-kinds-of-fantasy, favorites, 2012, memorable-characters, 2013, 2014, british-lit

The best version of THE HOBBIT in print!

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Jun 30, 2010 Juergen John Roscher rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read_2010, favorites

Date Read: 14-Jul-2010

I listened to CD version of the book, “The Hobbit” as I commuted to work. I have read this book twice in the last few years before listening to it on CD. It has become one of my favorite science fiction books. I gave it a five-star rating because it is a classic that introduces some great characters such as Bilbo, Gollum (Smeagle), and Gandalf. Furthermore, the book is a fine example of an epic journey where the final ending is more about the growth of a character (Bilbo) t Date Read: 14-Jul-2010

I listened to CD version of the book, “The Hobbit” as I commuted to work. I have read this book twice in the last few years before listening to it on CD. It has become one of my favorite science fiction books. I gave it a five-star rating because it is a classic that introduces some great characters such as Bilbo, Gollum (Smeagle), and Gandalf. Furthermore, the book is a fine example of an epic journey where the final ending is more about the growth of a character (Bilbo) than what was really the initial intent or was accomplished in the expedition.

Many of the great characters in this book are famous to the most casual reader such as the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, the dark and evil creature, Gollum, and the mighty wizard, Gandalf. Tolkien created several memorable characters that the reader loves and can relate to even though most are not human. He was masterful in creating the different races (types) of creatures and giving them each unique characteristics and desires such as all globins were evil and destructive and elves were good, magical, but mysterious. Bilbo seems to be the only character that progresses above his race’s stereotype.

The main theme in this tale is Bilbo’s development from common, content and unadventurous hobbit to a courageous hero due to the challenges he and the others faced and overcame during the adventure. He progressed from being terrified and fainting when the dwarves and Gandalf first discussed the adventure; to out smarting, the creature, Gollum in the tunnels under the Misty Mountain; to developing a plan and putting it into action to help the dwarves escape from the dungeons of the wood elves; to verbally sparring with Smaug the dragon, and setting the conditions for the men and dwarves to become allies in the terrible war at the end of the tale..

Tolkien was detailed in his description of middle earth. He paints a picture of the landscape so as to put the reader in the scene. As you read the tale you feel as though you are walking the dusty and desolate trail and climbing the steep and treacherous mountains, or crawling through the dark tunnels described by Tolkien. There are points in the book when I believe he goes into such great detail that it distracts from the pace of the story. Some insignificant places and background information could have been left out to the betterment of the story.

One of the biggest detractions in this book was the sudden unsolicited help of previous unknown creatures that aid the expedition in times of critical need. An example of this is when the great eagles save the dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf from the top of the trees while they were being attacked by wolves and goblins. It is disappointing to the reader to have a situation resolved in such a manner.

Even with the book’s detractions, I still recommend it to those who love good science fiction. Also, I recommend it to those who might have read “The Lord of the Rings” books or seen the movies. Many key elements (creatures and their characteristics, locations, and story line in “The Lord of the Rings” books and movies are introduced in “The Hobbit”.

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Apr 19, 2009 Samantha wickedshizuku Tolleson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: male-lead, reviewed, high-fantasy, 5-stars, seen-the-anime-movie, books-i-own, not-manga, thrice-read, when-i-was-a-child, elves

When you hear the phrase classic literature; I'm sure that this or The Lord of the Rings is included in the listings.
This is an absolutely wonderful adventure that has given generations of children an introduction to the world of literature. I tend to read this and LotR every few years, and it seems to be getting about that time for me again. I hope that when you read that you fall in love with the world of Middle Earth like I did.
Cheers and Happy Reading! ...more

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