Young Adult Book Reading Challenges discussion
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The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
Hobbit Discussion
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Do you think that this book is dated?
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Catamorandi
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Mar 01, 2009 04:19PM
Or is it a book that could have been written today?
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Well, I guess it was already an older book when I first read it when I was 12 in 1965-1966. But to me it didn't feel dated then or now.
I agree that it is a timeless classic fantasy.
No, I didn't know there was one.
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I read this about 5 years ago and... (don't hate me!) wasn't totally engrossed! I KNOW! bad bad bad.... I must clarify though and say that I AM an LOTR fan, so hopefully you all won't hate me *too* much. I think, for me, there wasn't enough distinction between the characters, and the many dwarves started to blend together... :\ That's why I liked LOTR, because it was this epic story but also very personal and I felt like each character had their own story.That said, I think the story is still relevant - I'm not sure how many younger readers will want to pick it up as it does lack some of the more epic elements of, say, LOTR, but I think there are many who will still like the style and story just as much now as they would have when it was initially published.
...I wonder... would I enjoy Hobbit more now that I've read the LOTR books....???? hm....
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That's a good point, Angie - they do feel very different in style. Hm... does anyone know how long a time span there was between when he wrote Hobbit and LOTR?
The Hobbit was published in about 1936 but most importantly it was published as a children's story for his own kids. There was no ya back then at all. LOTR was published as adult books in 1954-55. The Hobbit can be enjoyed by adults though, and LOTR can be enjoyed by kids. My opinion but also many others' opinions too. I don't think it's when they were published as the market to whom they were published. The Hobbit does have a different feel, and it is old fashioned but it's also geared to younger children than ya.
Wow, I didn't know all that, Lisa. Thanks for the great information! :D
Angie - I am shocked that anything could be greater than The Hobbit. If LOTR really is better, I will definitely read the trilogy. Lisa - Thanks for you information.
Lisa wrote: "The Hobbit was published in about 1936 but most importantly it was published as a children's story for his own kids. There was no ya back then at all. LOTR was published as adult books in 1954-55. ..."Lisa - that's really interesting because if you've read both, most people start out with the Hobbit because it's easier to understand and get into. Once you understand the world, it's easier to delve into the mythology of LOTR.
Another piece of trivia, LOTR was written as one whole novel. But the publishers didn't think it would sell, so they forced him to break it up.
I think one of the "attractiveness" about fantasy is that it rarely feels "dated" (whereas sci-fi can be dated if dealing with technology that's come to pass).I find it amazing that anyone can come up with such a complete world--language, cultures, etc. Although a pronunciation guide would have been helpful.
I think one of the "attractiveness" about fantasy is that it rarely feels "dated" (whereas sci-fi can be dated if dealing with technology that's come to pass).I agree. It was already a "fairy tale."
I read The Hobbit when I was 12 and LOTR when I was 13. I'm really glad that I read The Hobbit first, and that I read them all. I've reread them several times also but not for years.
me too! One of my favorite memories is my dad and I reading this book together. He bought me a copy that Tolkien did the illustrations for. He later bought me LOTR, but nothing compares to reading The Hobbitt with him.
Meghan, I didn't know that about LOTR being one novel! That's really amazing! ...I wonder how he'd formatted it (TT with split books).And that's a great point about fantasy never (or seldom) being dated. That's a really good point!!!!
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I haven't, but my good friend has - she's also read many of the Histories of Middle Earth. She likes them, but says that they are hard reading sometimes.What about Children of Hurin - has anyone read that yet?
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http://www.hobbit.ca/Library.html
Wow! Love that collection of covers, Angie! Neat-o!I have the 1976 Ballantine Books edition.
Check out the Moscow edition! :-D :-D :-D
The book doesn't seem dated, more like it defies time. I read it in fifth grade and thought it was terribly boring and old, but I like it more now.
