The Hobbit

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Summary: One of our great literary works.
Review: What else can be said about the greatness of this book? I first discovered it 20 years ago by mistake, and it has never left me. It sparked my love of reading and led to my choice of college degree. (In fact, I might never have gone to college if it weren't for my research of Tolkien and his time at Oxford as both student and professor. To be close to saints, one must walk in their footsteps!) But all of this is purely consequence. What about the story? Why does it affect people so strongly? To be honest, some don't get it. But most others do for the reason that The Hobbit answers a very deeply held longing in most of us to be part of a simpler time and to be part of a Quest, which is both a physical and spiritual journey, a testing of the soul, and a chance for heroism and the overthrow of Evil. The ethics of The Hobbit are those we would have operate in our own world. Through the main character, Bilbo Baggins, we are allowed to experience this romantic world where the underdog overcomes great difficulty to smite down the bad, raise up the good, and make life better place for all. Tolkien's use of language is also superb, relying heavily on Anglo-Saxon derived words which provides and emotional link between the book and reader. This is the language we first heard in the cradle and we still respond to it. The setting is also hidden deep in our sub-conscious, reflecting a simler time in our own world before electricity, gasoline, smog, television, skyscapers, overpopulation, crime, etc. -- all the suffocating and demoralizing debris of modern living. This reverence for the past played a large role in Tolkien's life. Out of that longing came his choice of schooling and profession and this book. We cannot escape it ourselves. Middle-earth is our world made perfect. There is no one who loves The Hobbit who wouldn't trade places with Bilbo Baggins or even, for just one day, take a long walk through the sunlit fields of the Shire. What a beautiful place to live. Through this book, we can.

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Summary: This book is so good, you won't be able to put it down!
Review: READ THIS BOOK. It is one of the best books ive ever read. Its a mix of Fantasy and Adventure. But for people who are gonna read it, stick with it for the beginning, because the beginning is kinda boring. But keep reading and your in for a good book!

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Summary: Open up your minds
Review: I have just read the reviews of this book, and I want to say to everyone, past and future, to practice what Samuel Taylor Coleridge called "a willing suspension of disbelief." Forget about stylistic problems and tongue-twisting placenames, this is a story meant to be enjoyed at face value. Sheer delight!

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Summary: Five stars! Try TEN!!!
Review: The first time I read The Hobbit, I could not stop until I had read The Lord of the Rings. I kept going back to the library to get each book! I still cannot read one book without reading all of them, from start to finish. The beautiful, in-depth descriptions are so clear-cut it is almost like seeing a movie unfold in your mind. Tolkien obviously loved his Middle-earth and wrote of it with a piercing sweetness, a sweetness much like that of the High-elves of Lothlorien. Shelley describes it best: "Our sweetest songs often tell of saddest thought." Perhaps this book is not for everyone, but for those who want to read a classic, filled with chivalry, wizards, romance, and sheer fun, I hope you will give The Hobbit and The Lord of the Ring a try.

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Summary: This story defines what "fantasy" is all about. Fantastic !
Review: I've always had an interest in the "Days of Merlin" and the fantasy that went with it, at least that's the time of earth that I invisioned with this story. This book tells the tale of a ordinary Hobbit and his Dwarf companions on a trek to a very far off Lonely Mountain to reclaim a long lost treasure that has and still is guarded by the famous dragon, Smaug. The story describes the places, peoples, creatures and dangers that they encountered on their long journey. It's a terrific story and it gives one the opportunity to picture in ones mind these incredible places, peoples and creatures through your own immagination as you read the descriptions layed down by the author. I found myself constantly checking the maps in the book just to see where Bilbo and his commrades were at and going to next. I look forward to continuing the rest of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy as "The Hobbit" was a necessary prelude to the rest of the story. I was originally turned on to this tale by an interview I read with Robert Plant ( Singer for Led Zeppelin) who referenced some of his lyrics from these stories such as the Misty Mountains and Mordor ( Led Zeppelin 2,"Ramble On". I will enjoy my continuing trek of reading The Lord of the Rings. I recommend it to all.

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Summary: For those in their second childhood.
Review: This is one the classics, it was aimed at children but not to many today would have the patience or understanding to persist with it. It's the perfect book for those that are visiting their second childhood - a real book to truly "get lost" in, becoming one of the characters is a real pleasure that makes it a real joy to read.

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Summary: It was a great book.
Review: I thought this book was really good.I on the other hand like LOTR better.The hobbit really grabs your instrest after the first couple of chapters.

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Summary: Everything and a little bit more!
Review: The Hobbit is one of the only books I can sit down and read for hours. It is one of the best fantasy books ever written. It has action, magic, and unique characters. There's something in this book for almost everyone. It even has some humor in it which is rare for most fantasy books. It reminds me of the time of Merlin, with elves, trolls, Dragons, Goblins and dark wizards. The book was very well written and is an all around great story. To me, this book is "my precious."(Quoting gollum). I encourage you to read The Hobbit

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Summary: Simplt the finest epic fiction ever crafted.
Review: The Hobbit is the introduction to the brilliance of Tolkien and the wonderful world of Middle Earth. The development of Bilbo, and his supporting cast, draw the reader into their lives and adventures like no other fantasy ever written. With the addition of the Lord of the Rings, often mistakenly listed as a trilogy (it was originally written as one book with three parts), the world of Middle Earth continues to evolve and grow, and fall into greater turmoil. Tolkien creates characters and societies with real prejudices, fears, mistrust, and needs that the perceptive reader can readily identify with and understand. If I was to own but two works of fiction, the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings would comprise my collection.

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Summary: My Favorite Book!!
Review: This book is a timeless classic that is going to be read for years to come. I was read this book by my mother when I was young and came back to read it again and again. This story is a great fantasy that you can't put down and will keep you at the edge of your seat. This book sparked my interest in The Lord of the Rings trilogy which I also highly recommend. Trust me definitely a must read.