The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien
Fantasy | Fiction | Classic
366 Pages
Released September 1937
Rating: ★★★★★
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Content Warnings
When September arrives and the temperatures start to dip, one of my favorite times of the year rolls around. I like to call it Hobbit Season. It’s a time for baking, hot stews, and comforting pots of soup. And, for me, re-reading Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
This book follows a hobbit called Bilbo Baggins, who would gladly tell you he lives a perfectly quiet life, thank you very much. But when Gandalf, a roaming Wizard, decides that Bilbo will make the perfect final addition to a Company of Dwarves - Bilbo’s life is about to be turned upside-down. Thrust into an adventure, Bilbo joins the company of Dwarves on their quest - to seek their long lost treasure under a mountain, where a dragon now resides.
There is a reason, of course, that Tolkien is often hailed as the father of Modern Fantasy and this book is the perfect example. Intended as a children’s story (making it the perfect book to read before bedtime), The Hobbit is a prequel, so to speak, of the much beloved Lord of the Rings. So if you find that particular set of books intimidating, this one is a great place to start as it’s a stand-alone and rather short. It is a quintessential fantasy novel that has inspired a lot of modern fantasy.
The story itself is delightfully fun and entertaining, as the company often finds themselves in various states of danger (but with no shortage of humor). It’s also fantastic introduction into the large world of Middle Earth, including its many races of Wizards, Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves, and Goblins (and more!).
If you’ve never read Lord of the Rings, (or even if you’ve already watched the movies!), I highly encourage starting with this book. It’s an added bonus to be able to read them to your children too. I recommend this book to absolutely everyone.