Kieran Devine’s Reviews > The Hobbit > Status Update

“Already he was a very different hobbit from the one that had run out without a pocket-handkerchief from Bag-End long ago.” 🥲

I’m a sucker for these “reflect on growth” callbacks. I think they’re slightly better in the Lord of the Rings because they’re more “show, don’t tell.”

“Somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of…anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins. He felt a different person, and much fiercer and bolder…” (52%)

I like this a lot. Simple line but so beautiful. I feel like it really depicts the feeling of doing something courageous— completely transformed and more equipped for future practice of the virtue.

“I am not going to allow you to back out now, Mr. Baggins. I am ashamed of you for thinking of it.”

I’m just like Bilbo except instead of Bag-End my hobbit hole is called Harts’ Cove.

About to have my first reread since my dad would read it to me and Aidan before bed when I was 10 years old— I still remember much of the awe it instilled in my as a little kid and excitedly anticipate experiencing it again now twice as old. :)