The Hobbit: Book Review (kinda of spoilery if you live under a rock)

 

Let me start this review by saying I tend to lean towards cheesy YA romance novels. I gravitate towards books out of my comfort zone from time to time. My Mom and Bonus-Dad started reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings when the Hobbit movies came out. He is a super fan. I wanted to read them then. I may have even tried. But truth be told, I was overcoming a toxic part of my life. I was defeating my inner Smaug if you will. 

So, what prompted me to pick up The Hobbit again? Well, I’m so glad you asked. I am going back to school at age 31 and taking a Tolkien/Lewis class & want to familiarize myself with the content before we start. Just call me Hermione Granger.

Now, I was in a strange position where I’d seen all three Hobbit movies multiple times, so I had a pretty clear idea of what to expect. But boy oh boy was there enough differences to keep me guessing.

Most know the story of The Hobbit: half extrovert and half introvert goes on a year long trip with some dwarves to take back their home years after it’s overtaken by the dragon Smaug. As far as adventure books go, I absolutely recommend. 

There are so many positives to this book. It’s a great example of comradery as well as overcoming adversity when you don’t quite fit in. It exemplifies working as a team to overcome hardships and fight together to the very end.

I believe it also teaches a money lesson, but if you haven’t read the book, you’ll have to do so to find out. 

It did take me longer to get through than I thought it would. Tolkien has a unique writing style that is both simple and complex. Sentence structure has changed since The Hobbit was published in 1937. It’s easy enough. It just take a bit longer to comprehend. But, what’s the best way to get used to a reading style? Why, read more of it of course! Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring is next. 

Additionally, be prepared to pay attention. Tolkien seems to change directions without transition pretty often. I definitely had to backtrack a few times. 

As I end this review, I will say I completely adored the relationship between Bilbo and Thorin. These are two characters from two very different walks of life and while they may not necessarily like one another at the start, seeing that change back and forth was a treat and teaches it’s readers about life. The same old lesson, never judge a book by it’s cover. 

I’d recommend this to anyone over a 5th grade reading levee that loves adventure books or liked the movies. They are very similar in so many ways, while so different in others. 

I give The Hobbit 4 stars. Tolkien is an excellent story teller, and as long as you have half an attention span, you’ll find joy in the story. 

Plus, who doesn’t need an excuse for a Hobbit marathon?

Happy Reading!