The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien -> Starting January 15th, 2025

[Melanie]

A great modern classic and the prelude to The Lord of the Rings.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.

Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.

[megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up))]

I'm still going to be picking this up soon -- I just have some library books due back Monday that I am trying to get to first!

[megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up))]

To Ch. 3 -- I couldn't remember if I had actually read this or not, but after reading the first two chapters, I definitely believe that I have, most likely back as a Tween. I have a distinct memory of reading the LOTR trilogy, because I read it once the first movie had been released, I got the whole movie tie-in edition paperbacks. LOL

I love going back to this time when (view spoiler)[Bilbo was just a young hobbit, before he'd had any grand adventures. I love how it starts with all the dwarves arriving, but must there be so much song? LOL -- I am listening to the audio and it's so off key. It's actually hilarious, but there's a lot of it. (hide spoiler)]

[megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up))]

Ch 3: Nothing exciting in (view spoiler)[Rivendell (hide spoiler)] 😆😂

[megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up))]

To Ch 18: Holy smokes. I had a long road trip today, about 5-hours, and lostened to this the whole time.

It's funny, every time something calls this a Children's book, I think, is it? But listening to it now, I can definitely see that. It's a little choppy, like this adventure, then we do this, and all the riddles and songs. Plus, I think children probably had longer attention spans back in the day. I have about 40-mins left, so going to lusten to it now while I wait for my ferry.

[megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up))]

Finished! I did end up finishing the audio while waiting for my ferry home last night. I like this book, but it's honestly not as engaging as the LOTR trilogy. I think because it is blockier and quicker with the storytelling. Like in the trilogy, you really have time to get invested in all the characters and different aspects of the world. Like in this one, (view spoiler)[even when they were in Rivendell, you don't really get to know too much about anyone there, or their lives, but it is a nice introduction to the world at large. You learn the background of some of the wars, etc., and of course meet Gollem and Smaug and the dwarves and I loved watching Gandalf's and Bilbo's relationship. Gandalf has such a naunced with relationship with Frodo and it's interesting to think all that connected him to that family, and what he got up to with Bilbo before Frodo was even in the picture. So funny that when Bilbo returned they were selling off all his items. I like that set-up for when we meet him in The Fellowship. (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

A little late but I started this tonight and it actually ended up being a DNF for me after a few chapters.

I was already iffy on whether I would like this or not and ultimately it's not for me. I don't like the writing style at all which is severely hindering my desire to read the book. Also I found the characters more annoying than charming so I'm just going to put this one down.

Maybe I'll try the audiobook at some point but for now this is a DNF.