Rating: 
Summary: Enthralling surprise
Review: This book was a gift from a family friend who knew of my passion for reading (as a 9yr old kid). But my taste favored more romantic and classical novels and so this book sat neglected on my bookshelf for 10 yrs! Finally, one day I decided to give it a chance and to my surprise I couldn't put it down! I finished the book in a day and in the following 3 weeks devoured the entire Lord of the Rings series which had also been sitting on my bookshelf for years. I have never been a fantasy fan, and still don't consider myself one... which just goes to show how excellent an author J.R.R. Tolkien is to have captured my imagination. The Hobbit is altogether a most charming read, filled with endless moments of adventure, humour and suspense. It is hard not to fall in love with the characters and the fantasy. I recommend this book to any book-lover who would like to sample a master-piece of unsurpassed creativity and imagination. Take it from a convert! *grin*
Rating:
Summary: Middle-Earth, the first story told...
Review: "The Hobbit or There and Back Again" is the first story of Middle-Earth that was ever read by the masses, and it remains a beloved favorite due to Tolkien's exceptional writing, lovable characters, and the fantastic, complicated world with its unlikely hero, a tiny fuzzy-footed hobbit.Bilbo Baggins lives a pleasantly stodgy and dull life in the Shire, in a luxurious hole under a hill. ("It was a hobbit hole, and that means comfort") His life is completely turned upside-down by the arrival of the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves. The dwarves, led by the exiled king-in-waiting Thorin Oakenshield, want to regain the Lonely Mountain (and a lot of treasure) from the dragon Smaug, who drove out the dwarves long ago. Why do they want Bilbo? Because Gandalf has told them that he'd make a good burglar. So before Bilbo is entirely sure what is going on, he is being swept off on a very unrespectable adventure. Bilbo and the Dwarves battle goblins and spiders, are nearly eaten twice, are captured and Bilbo is forced to riddle with the treacherous, withered Gollum. But even after these obstacles, the dragon Smaug is still in the Lonely Mountain, and Bilbo is not entirely sure what to do... Author J.R.R. Tolkien had been crafting his mythos of Elves, Dwarves, Wizards and Men for years before writing "The Hobbit," but "The Hobbit" is the first story that people had the opportunity to read. It began as a line scrawled on a sheet of blank paper, and then into a bedtime story for his children. And even though it's overshadowed by "Lord of the Rings" and "Silmarillion," this book is an essential link. It's definitely sillier and lighter, but it provides the springboard for a lot of the stuff in "Lord of the Rings" -- especially the magical Ring that Bilbo finds in Gollum's cavern. The concept of hobbits started in this book -- the quintessential peaceful "wee" people, based on British countryfolk, with simple pleasures and unexpected depths of strength and resourcefulness. And, of course, fuzz on their large feet. Tolkien's Elves are a little more ethereal and less dignified, and his dwarves are a bit more comical and less grim. But Elrond hints at the full majesty of the Elves, and Thorin Oakenshield is still the most dignified, proud and impressively flawed dwarf there is. The last chapters of the book hint at the epic majesty of "Lord of the Rings," and some of the same victory/loss themes. And of course, the idea that even little people -- like a hobbit or a bird -- can change the world. Tolkien's writing is quick and light, while providing sufficient detail to let you picture what's going on. The dialogue is less influenced by Old English, and the pace is a lot faster (not surprising, since it was originally read to his kids before bedtime). Bilbo is a likable little guy -- he seems to be the last person whom you'd expect to be a courageous hero, but he shows incredibly strength and smarts when he's under pressure. Supporting characters like Thorin, Bard the Guardsman-turned-King, the king of the wood-elves, and even Smaug himself are never cookie-cutter, but multidimensional and immensely interesting to read about. "The Hobbit" was written for children, but adults can appreciate and enjoy it just as much. So read this book, then scoop up "The Fellowship of the Ring" and continue reading. A timeless treasure and classic.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyed It More Than I Expected
Review: The style is very different from what I'm used to, but it worked! Tolkien writes somewhat light-hearted, almost like he's sitting down with you telling a story. And the story is excellent. He goes into more detail about hobbits and elves and their societies than you get in the LOTR movies. Bilbo Baggins is so hesitent to go on this adventure with Gandolf and the dwarves (Hobbits aren't supposed to have adventures), but the more situations he gets into, the more inner strength and creativity he finds. The adventures through the Mirkwood and the escape from the Wood Elves were thrilling. The description of the Mirkwood was done well and you get a good feel how dark and forboding the place is. Tolkien really brought the characters alive. The Battle of the Five Armies was more an overview than a detailed fight. Still it was really good and if they ever make a movie out of The Hobbit it will be one of the greatest movie battle scenes ever. Now I can't wait to check out the LOTR novels.
Rating:
Summary: Simply put, a marvellous story!
Review: The Hobbit is a masterpiece of Fantasy literature. It combines elements of drama, comedy, suspense and adventure to bring your emotions to the surface. The book appeals to fans of the Fantasy genre of almost all ages. The grandfather-telling prose in which The Hobbit is written will appeal to adolescents while the sheer language, storyline and myths that Tolkien has created will surely entice the adult readers. In the opinion of this reviewer, no Fantasy fiction author gives as vivid depictions of all aspects of environments, characters and story as well as Tolkien. So much, in fact, that many popular authors since have tried to parallel Tolkien's writing style. The Hobbit (and The Lord of the Rings) is the echelon of every Fantasy book written since and should belong in every Fantasy liturature reader's library. This reviewer strongly recommends the 1997 edition of The Hobbit which marks the 60th anniversary of the first edition. The book is in beautiful hardcover format filled with lavishly painted illustrations by noted Norse myth artist Alan Lee. The illustrations serve as a wonderful supplement to an already well depicted story. The paper and typeface used in this particular edition is of the highest quality and will last for generations to come. It is wrapped nicely in a glossy paper sleeve, edged with gold foil on the top and bottom in which ancient runes of old are scribed. The sleeve is also adorned with one of the many beautiful paintings of Lee. In conclusion, please be sure to make it a point to read The Hobbit if you have not already done so. If you have had a chance to read it, you will have been rewarded with an incredible journey of the mind and will most likely want to read it again and again during the course of your lifetime, with each reading giving you a greater appreciation for Tolkien's talent.
Rating:
Summary: The best book ever written published in a beautiful format
Review: Tolkien's Hobbit takes the imagination on a wonderful flight
of fantasy. I read this book on a yearly basis and each year I am delighted and captivated by the world of Bilbo
Baggins.
Bilbo is a reluctant member of an adventure that will forever change his life and the lives of those around him.
He accompanies 13 dwarves on a mission to reclaim the gold
and mountain kingdom of their ancestors from the dragon, Smaug. They have many adventures and mishaps on their journey to the lonely mountain including the climactic battle of five armies. Bilbo finds a magic ring along the way which
leads, not only to a rise in his stature, but also to a new
adventure for his friends in "The Lord of the Rings."
Tolkien is a master storyteller and the depth of his skill
is best seen in this tale. In the following trilogy, "The
Lord of the Rings" the story is continued, but the sheer
delight of "The Hobbit" is never fully recaptured.
This collector's edition is beautifully bound. Even more
enjoyable are the illustrations and paintings by the author
himself.
Rating:
Summary: A good review
Review: The Hobbit, By J.R.R. Tolkein, is a book for everyone. It has comedy, jokes and riddles along with suspense and adventure for those who seek a good page turner. Tolkein tells you how the hobbit, Bilbo, came of the ring and had thirteen other companions to help find what the ring could do. It tells of their adventures against the giant spiders, evil wolves, orcs and much, much more. Even though he first wishes that he was home by his warm fire and on his soft bed, this adventure changes his life and the lives of his companions. I myself have never read a book like THE HOBBIT, and hope to have the pleasure of talking to more of the fans of this book because in my opinion it is one of the worlds' finest.
Rating:
Summary: The Hobbit
Review: Those who did not like "The Hobbit"--and I was surprised how many didn't like it--seem to have missed the point. Either they did not really read it or read it very superficially. The author was a professor of Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse, and he took many of the elements of the story--including, for example, the dwarves' names, the the theft of the dragon's cup, and trolls that cannot stand daylight--from the legends and myths of those cultures. Basically, the story is one of a well-to-do middle-aged bachelor (50--which isn't as old for a hobbit as it is for a human, as they live on the average about half again as long as we do) who lives a comfortable, snug, smug existance in the beautiful home his parents--he was an only child--had built. Then, along come thirteen dwarves and a wizard who take him out of that narrow existance and show him a great, big world out there; some of it is beautiful, some of it is horrible, but all of it is exciting; along the way he finds that he's a lot braver and a lot cleverer than he thought he was. He comes home, to his old life, but not the same. The book is all about growing up, maturing, pushing your limits. It is also about the futility of lust for material gain and the horror of war. You don't have to like it; nobody said that you HAVE TO like anyting. But don't say that it is 'pointless' or 'without substance'; to do so will tell more about your intellectual vacuity than about anything else.
Rating:
Summary: There and back again
Review: To start off with, THIS BOOK IS AWSOME!!!!! Anyone who knows how to read should read this book. It is so cool. It's about this hobbit named Bilbo, and he loves peace and quiet. Until one day he gets a visit from an old friend Gandalf, the wise wizard. Then everything changes. Eventually one thing leads to another, and he, seven dwarves, and Gandalf are on a wondrous adventure. They battle orcs and wargs, and many other exciting things.
Well in conclusion I must say that this is not your typical adventure/fantasy book. Every boy and girl should read it. I hope you enjoyed my review.
Rating:
Summary: The Hobbit Book Review
Review: The Hobbit Book Review
By Peter
The Hobbit is a story about Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo is a hobbit from Bag-end, a place in the Middle Ages. Hobbits are smaller that you and I. They don't wear shoes because they have hairy feet. Their houses are called hobbit holes. They are holes in the ground (hill). One nice day in May Bilbo gets an unusual visitor. The guest is unusual because it just so happens that he is a very powerful wizard named Gandalf. The hobbit knew the wizard because when he was young the wizard came to Bag-end to meet old friends and make fireworks. Gandalf was an old friend of the Took family and Bilbo's mother. He and the Took family used to go on all sorts of adventures. Obviously the Took's weren't hobbits because generally most hobbits enjoy peace and tranquility. Little did Bilbo know he was about to embark on an amazing quest along with thirteen dwarves and of course Gandolf. Soon he will be battling with goblins, Gullem, orcs, giant spiders, and Smaug the dragon. All he has to help him along are his friends, Spike the sword, and his very unusual ring.
The Hobbit is a great book to me because it is full of magic, battle, legends, and many unusual creatures. I would absolutely recommend this tale to anybody that wants adventure and fantasy.
Rating:
Summary: A Fantasy Masterpiece
Review: J.R.R Tolkien has written a masterpiece enjoyed by both children and adults. The Hobbit is a classic fantasy adventure of an ordinary, well-respected hobbit going on a dangerous adventure. The Hobbit shows what a just one tiny little hobbit can do. In the beginning Bilbo Baggins is unaccepted by his companions and is considered to be useless, but the discovery of a magic ring changes this all. Now Bilbo has the power of invisibility, making him an excellent thief. He helps the dwarfs escape from trouble at the time they need him most. The Hobbit explains how Bilbo got the one ring and introduces a few characters from The Lord of the Rings series. The Hobbit is an exciting story about thirteen dwarfs, a hobbit, and a wizard going to reclaim their fortune from an evil foe.
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