The Hobbit

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 to this day it remains a beloved favorite due to Tolkien's exceptional writing, realistic and lovable characters, and the fantastic, complicated world with its unlikely hero: a 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") But 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 (even though Bilbo has never burgled in his life).

So before Bilbo is entirely sure what is going on, he is being swept off on a very unrespectable -- and dangerous -- 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, and ends up escaping with a magical Ring. But even after these obstacles, the dragon Smaug is still in the Lonely Mountain, and Bilbo is not entirely sure what to do to deal with this enemy.

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 -- each is given his own quirks and strengths.

With the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy solidly entrenched in pop culture, J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is now receiving a well-deserved boost of attention. Rarely has a bedtime story for children become such a beloved story.

Rating:
Summary: THERE & BACK AGAIN
Review: AWESOME book!! Originally Tolkien wrote it for his children, now everyone of every age loves it. I don't want to spoil the story, other than it is a really good treasure hunt. If you're stuck on which edition to get, I'd suggest getting the 'classic' one with Tolkien's full-color paintings included. (It's nice and cool, and may be worth something down the road.) On the cover it shows his drawings of the mountains, forest, etc... Enough of that, I just hope they'll adapt this as a movie... (crosses fingers)

Rating:
Summary: The Hobbit
Review: The Hobbit is a great book if you have read some of Tolkien's other boks or not. After getting through the first few pages, I couldn't put the book down. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who never goes on adventures. But when the wizard Gandalf tells 13 dwarves that Bilbo is a theif who would be willing to help them on their quest to slay a dragon Bilbo is dragged into the adventure of his life. Just getting to the Lonely Mountain is an adventure. Bilbo and the dwarves fight trolls, goblins, wolves and more, and when they finally get to the Mountain they still have to find a way to get rid of the dragon. This book is filled with almost non-stop action and adventure, and if you like either of those you will like The Hobbit. Just make sure you can make yourself stop reading it when you need to!

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Summary: A hobbit's Tale
Review: The Hobbit was easily one of the best books I have ever read in my lifetime. This book has inspired me to continue reading the trilogy of the Lord of the rings. The size of the books look intimidating, but if they are as good as The Hobbit, then it should be worth it.
The Hobbit was everything i looked for in a book. It was packed full of action, packed fool of fantasy, and packed full of dialogue that never bored you. Every chapter set the stage for the one that was to follow. It always left you reading and never being able to find a spot to stop because you want to see what occurs next in the plotline.
Gandalf definitely stood out as a peculiar character to follow. In this story, it is very hard to tell what his real agenda is. It APPEARS that he wants Bilbo to go on his adventure for danger and excitement, but maybe what he really wants is what's best for him (Bilbo).
Bilbo never intended on leaving The Shire to begin with, and ever since he took that first step out of the door, he continuously wishes he was back home sitting in front of a fire reading a nice book smoking some pipe weed. He faces some very hard trials on his journey to the Lonely Mountain. From almost being eaten by trolls, to being captured by the woodland elves. Still, Bilbo and his gang of friendly dwarves manage to continue onward.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who has a fetish for fantasy books and action books. Take it from me; this book never leaves you bored at any point at all. Once you start reading and getting into the events of the story, you will find it very hard to find a place to leave off for another day.


Rating:
Summary: A phenominal story!
Review: This is the prequil to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The character development is apropriate, and the story is great! There's a nice balance of horrorific and suspenseful, as well as light and humorous events. A must have for any fantasy buff and a must read if you plan on reading LOTR.