Well worth the read. You wont be able to put it down (The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien)

Member Name: ming_mercyless

Product:	The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien
Date:	13/06/01 (82 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Story well told, Easier for younger readers to read

Disadvantages: none

The Hobbit is the story of a creature named Bilbo Baggins. Hobbits are similar to humans but they are about half the size, and much more nimble because of the leathery soles on their feet. The story is set in Middle Earth, a place of magic, heroic deeds and mythical creatures. The story follows Bilbo as he gets caught up in fantastic adventures much greater than his own hobbit-life affairs when, at the recommendation of a mysterious old wizard named Gandalf, he is hired as a "burglar" by a group of dwarves.

These dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, son of Thor, son of Thrain plan to go to the Lonely Mountain in the East to reclaim their family's massive treasure from the great dragon Smaug who lives deep in the bowls of the Lonely Mountain. Along the way, the company gets into trouble with goblins that live in the misty mountains, spiders that live in Mirkwood forest, and other destructive and evil creatures. On many occasions they only escape because of the assistance of Gandalf and other good creatures they meet on their adventure. Bilbo proves himself essential to the quest, saving the dwarves on many occasions with his valour and skill. His success is partly due to a magic ring that he won after a game of riddles from a strange, dark creature named Gollum, who lives in the dark, dank caves below the Misty Mountains.

Tolkien also wrote the Lord Of The Rings, which is set not too long after the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and continues where it left off. This story reveals the importance of Bilbo’s ring and the trouble it causes in Middle Earth.

The hobbit is an excellent book for all ages and in my opinion it is one of the finest examples of fairytale stories from the past one hundred years. I really enjoyed this book, because it is so different to books written now. Tolkien borrows a wide range of concepts from many different cultures and stories to make Middle Earth as real as our own world (but a lo
t more exciting). The Hobbit was aimed predominately at children, and so doesn’t really go into the history of Middle Earth that much. However, to his credit Tolkien has given the story enough weight and depth to make it enjoyable for adults as well. Like Harry Potter, this novel is able to cross the generation gap, and I find it just as good now as I did was when I was a child. I would recommend anyone who enjoys a good story to read The Hobbit.

If you are thinking of reading The Lord Of The Rings then be warned, it is very long (three volumes some 500 pages each) and so is not as suited to younger readers as the Hobbit. However, Tolkien’s attention to detail and natural ability to write a cracking story makes this a great read. If you feel you are up to the challenge then I thoroughly recommend anyone to read this book also.

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