The Hobbit

Tolkien, J. (1937).  The Hobbit.  London:  George Allen & Unwin

I am a HUGE Tolkien fan. It all started when I watched The Fellowship of the Ring in a theater many years ago. I thought it was just going to be another movie. I was hooked from the start. And of course I had to read the books. I began with the trilogy then made my way through The Hobbit. I decided in honor of the new film (which is awesome), I would reread The Hobbit.



I had forgotten how good this fantasy novel actually is. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit as a children's story to prepare young readers for Dickens and Shakespeare.  While The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is a very difficult read, The Hobbit has much simpler language and plot elements.  Be advised though, The Hobbit is not just a book that you can had to an six-year-old and say "Here.  Read this."  This needs to be either read aloud or given to a more advanced reader.

I just love the tone throughout. Very early on, the narrator addresses the audience and speaks directly to the reader. It reminds me of a grandparent telling a bedtime story.  Tolkien's sense of humor is very evident through the characters of Bilbo and Gandalf.  The dwarves also provide a lot of laughs.

The book can be considered a coming of age/adventure story. Bilbo may be older than the average reader, but he is able to take some risks and see the world--with a little help. The protagonist, Bilbo Baggins, is definitely complex with many facets of good and not-so good.  There is a nice balance of lightheartedness and suspense.  The Hobbit is a wonderful book for readers of any age and any gender.  I can't wait to share it with my son one day.