Rating: 
Summary: Not completely worthless
Review: Definitely better than her Falling Woman, but not even close to the Hobbit (And I understand that is not the intent). Worth a read, but could have been shorter.
Rating:
Summary: Not completely worthless
Review: Definitely better than her Falling Woman, but not even close to the Hobbit (And I understand that is not the intent). Worth a read, but could have been shorter.
Rating: 
Summary: Delightful
Review: I actually picked this book up in the library based completely on the blurb and the cover. Only until I was five pages in or so did I realize I was reading the *space hobbit*. Wow, this was such a wonderful surprise and the book is overwhelmingly fun. Charming and intelligient, Murphy captures the wit and beauty of Tolkien's work without being drug down in the melancholy. She truly made this work her own and has added to the original. Wonderful.....
Rating:
Summary: Delightful
Review: I actually picked this book up in the library based completely on the blurb and the cover. Only until I was five pages in or so did I realize I was reading the *space hobbit*. Wow, this was such a wonderful surprise and the book is overwhelmingly fun. Charming and intelligient, Murphy captures the wit and beauty of Tolkien's work without being drug down in the melancholy. She truly made this work her own and has added to the original. Wonderful.....
Rating:
Summary: Unique take on an old classic.
Review: I am a fan of Tolkien's work, the Hobbit and the Rings trilogy. When I initially became aware of this book, I was a little skeptical that the author might be using Tolkiens great story as a crutch for a mediocre writing style. Despite my reservations, I picked it up.And I was glad I did. This author definitely has her own style, which is solid and distinguishable from Tolkien's. The story does not run parallel to the Hobbit in all ways, which is good. All in all, this is a good, fun read for sci-fi and fantasy enthusiasts alike.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is a must-read for any Hobbit fan
Review: I first heard about There And Back Again last year and as soon as possible I bought a copy of the book. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading it. Although the Hobbit connections are there, they are not usually obvious until you get right up on them or have just passed them. A well-tutored Tolkien reader can still find himself wondering, "Is this in The Hobbit?" But DON'T DO THAT! Pat Murphy is an excellent writer. What she shares in common with Tolkien is the love of telling a good tale and keeping the reader captivated and wanting to turn the page. The style is pure Murphy, through and through, but the story is as timeless as Tolkien's own vision of a carefree little man who gets drawn into a greater adventure without losing himself in it completely. Faerie has indeed moved into outer space. This book is a great gift for anyone who loves Tolkien and is a good introduction to quality space opera for young adults.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I loved Pat Murphy's 'There and Back Again'. It held my interest throughout. Murphy has once again shown the form that's written classic books like 'The Falling Woman'. I initially picked up this book because of it's connection to Tolkien. I was thrilled with it. Murphy inserts enough original material to fascinate even those who have read Tolkien several times. For those like myself, who haven't read Tolkien in years, the classic material she refers to is a breath of fresh air. I found myself oohing as I remembered bits of Tolkien's world that I'd forgotten. Murphy stays true to the feel of Tolkien's classic. I don't have the words to do this book justice. If you enjoyed Tolkien, you'll love this one. It's magical.
Rating:
Summary: Hobbit + Snark + Space Opera = a grand romp
Review: If you hate hobbits or sneer at snarks, this book is *not* for you. For the rest of us, lovers of fun and nonsense, it's a must-read. The numerous parallels with The Hobbit creep into the story *just* before you realize they're there, providing repeated doses of glee. Science-fiction elements keep the story distinct and fresh. And if it inspires you to re-read "The Hunting of the Snark", all the better!
Rating:
Summary: A Warm and Cuddly Adventure
Review: Maybe I am getting cynical in my old age, but it seems to me that when dealing with cut throats, some throats should be cut and gore splashed on the walls and ceilings. The concept that would go on a quest and all the disagreeable people you meet and the monsters you fight are just misunderstood victims of an oppressive universe, just sets my mouth in edge. Don't get me wrong this is a pretty good book. The plot is first rate. The problem is that the characterization is just not too good. The central hero goes through massive travails and comes back almost unchanged.
Rating:
Summary: A quick, delightful read not only for Tolkien fans
Review: My 12 year old son received this book as a Christmas gift. I picked it up on Dec. 26 and finished it two days later. My son then stayed up all night and read it in one sitting! The busy, page-turning plot pays homage to The Hobbit in all the essential details, but adds new charm and new adventures. We liked both the retelling of the classic adventure and the confidently presented details of what humans might be like as they move beyond the solar system. There was just enough biology and physics to make the plot details plausible, but the writing never bogged down, and Bailey won our hearts not just as a Bilbo-clone, but on his own merits. Readers of all ages who love The Hobbit will enjoy this book, but my son feels that reading this book first and then The Hobbit would also be a great way to approach this tale.
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