Review: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again

Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Series: Prequel to the Lord of the Rings

Summary: Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo - alone and unaided - who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside...

This stirring adventure fantasy begins the tale of the hobbits that was continued by J.R.R. Tolkien in his bestselling epic The Lord of the Rings.

Review

Ever since I first began watching The Lord of the Rings movies, I have been fascinated by Middle Earth and all its creatures. Especially the hobbits. I had never read any of the books before so I decided it was time to do so, especially with the new Hobbit movie coming out in theaters. I walked into this with an open mind and a little bit nervous because I've heard that these books are very difficult to read, but what I discovered throughout the book was that it wasn't difficult in the least. I found within the pages a magnificent journey by a hobbit who loved comfort and normality. He didn't like to do things out of the ordinary so when the wizard Gandalf showed up at his door and told him about the journey he would be going on, Bilbo Baggins quickly refused. But then dwarves started showing up. Thirteen of them and Bilbo was whisked away, not entirely against his will, and headed towards the Lonely Mountain to kill the dragon Smaug and return the treasures he stole back to the dwarves they belong to.

It was a very dangerous and adventurous journey, one with trolls, elves, a dragon, Gollum, and many worse dangers unknown to them. There is a lot fighting and action where it would seem that Bilbo and his friends may not make it back to the Shire alive. It is during this journey that Bilbo finds the infamous Ring, which turns the wearer invisible as long at it is on their finger. It is because of this ring that Bilbo gets out of his many deadly situations. Though he didn't know about the rings power, he did know that he had to keep it a secret as to how he got it. It was only Gandalf who guessed the truth about how he came to be the owner.

This book is mystical and magical and terrifying and wonderful. It truly lives up to its reputation. You can see clearly throughout the book just how much Bilbo Baggins changed from beginning to end, and I must say that I like the new adventurous Bilbo much better than the old, stuffy one.

I rate this book: