The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Re-Read 4/20/23:

Read with my daughter!

Her review:

Before I read this book, I watched the movies. I thought there was a lot of details. But after reading the book, there's a lot more details in the book, and less. (Too much that isn't in the book and too little that was.)

I really liked the time at the end of the book where Gandalf said Bilbo had changed and I really loved all the songs, especially of the elves.

The Desolation of the Dragon was my favorite section.

Overall, I loved the entire story. I totally recommend this for anyone who loves adventures.


My addendum review:

Ditto. :)



Original Review:

Fourth time reading? I think so. Or maybe fifth. But any way you look at it, I'm a fanboy of the whole world, the author, and the writing.

From a pure enjoyment view, it's a pure delight. From Bilbo's annoyance with the dwarves to Bilbo's annoyance with the dwarves and all his hobbit relations, I can't get enough.

But what about the obvious correlations with Beowulf?

Meh, this is better. :)

Did I love Gollum, the wargs, Beorn, the spiders, the grey elves, the men of Dale, the jewel under the mountain, or SMAUG? Oh, yes. And the pointy-hat guy, too. :) And the wonderful songs. And the delightful pacing. And countless details that only enrich the history of this realm. :)

Is it better than just about any fantasy out there?

Possibly. There's more depth here than just about anywhere. And that's including massive tomes with dozens of volumes in the more modern varieties. This one is simply rich and well-written. :) And, of course, it has been copied and plumbed for all its depth in so many imitators.

Let's hear it for the king of all YA fantasy!

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