J. R. R. Tolkien’s: The Hobbit

J. R. R. Tolkien’s: The Hobbit

With the first movie of the story having just been released, it seems only fitting that I review J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. The Hobbit follows the exploits of Mr. Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is very much…a hobbit. As a general rule, the little people do not like anything unexpected, especially if these unexpected happenings promise danger. When well-known Gandalf the Grey, a traveling wizard, pays a visit to Bilbo, the hobbit’s life is turned upside down. A company of dwarves soon pays a visit to Mr. Baggins, and he learns of their quest to take back their wealth and land for Smaug, a dragon that razed the dwarves capitol to the ground in a search for treasure (for the dwarves are hoarders of treasure, among other things). Soon, Bilbo finds himself accompanying these dwarves and Gandalf on perhaps the most un-hobbit-like activity possible: an adventure.

I have mentioned The Lord of the Rings many times before, and I even gave a quick little review of it (among many other series for gift-giving) around this time last year. The Hobbit is just different enough to deserve its own review. This book was written for children, which can be seen at times. That being said, many parts of the Hobbit are noticeably darker than the material found in books most kids are reading today. Regardless, anybody can enjoy The Hobbit. In terms of technical writing, Tolkien is masterful, and there are never any points in which the writing feels either dumbed down or “cumbersome.’ Thematically, you can’t ask for much more in a book. This is the story of the little guy: the average man who just wants to be left alone to enjoy his peaceful lifestyle, yet he hears a call to help those in need and answers. Mr. Baggins finds himself on an emotional journey as well, wrestling with his hobbit nature and his desire to see the world and help people. Ultimately, Tolkien manages to drive the moral lessons home more strongly than just about any other writer I have ever experienced: there are moments that make you sit back and say, “I need to be more like that. I need to help people more.” No technical writing skills (of which Tolkien has many and more) can instill that quality of writing into a story. I honestly have to recommend J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit for everyone. Even if you are not a fan of fantasy, there is much to love in this book. The Lord of the Rings may continue the epic saga of the Ring, and The Silmarillion may provide the history of Middle Earth in detail, but The Hobbit is a story that needs to be read. It is the story of courage, adventure, and, above all else, having sympathy and providing assistance for your fellow man (or dwarf, or elf, or…). If you have not read The Hobbit, what are you waiting for? You owe it to yourself to go on this adventure.