Book Review- The Hobbit from J. R. R. Tolkien

For my first review, I will be giving my view on the classic book from J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit. Before reading this book, when I was young, I often watched The Lord of the Rings trilogy films on DVD. They were my favorite films growing up when I was little. As soon as I heard of The Hobbit being made into a film series, I couldn’t wait to see them.

            My Grandad knowing that I liked the series, decided to get me the book of The Hobbit. When starting the book, I was drawn into Tolkien’s world of Middle Earth. The story revolves around Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit of The Shire; undertaking an adventure with thirteen dwarves lead by Thorin Oakenshield, and guided by the wizard Gandalf. The adventure takes them on a journey to the Lonely Mountain, known for its vast treasure and wealth; all stolen and guarded by Smaug, the dragon who conquered the Lonely Mountain.

Throughout reading it, I couldn’t ever be bored with this book. I find myself greatly immersed into it; the plot ever progressing, with every vivid detail expressed by Tolkien to visualize the world of The Hobbit. Each chapter is ever eventful, full of excitement and peril. I can deeply connect with Bilbo on his journey outside of the Shire. Every situation is part of developing Bilbo as a character as he improvises in whatever way he can: to the encounter with the mountain trolls, the riddle game with Gollum, avoiding spiders and meeting Smaug with all his combined courage.

If there’s one thing I look for in anything I read or watch; is heart and atmosphere. The atmosphere in this is very light hearted for anyone to read of all ages. One moment you are reading a calming moment for the characters; then the next thing you know; they are thrust into a perilous situation for them. J. R. R. Tolkien’s writing for The Hobbit has the most heart and effort put into it, as any book should be given passion and hard work. It was all about the development of the story around The Hobbit and where everything takes place.

Overall, The Hobbit is worth reading from the beginning, through the middle to its end. It is a book in my collection that I will treasure as one of my favorites. Now for me to read The Lord of the Rings trilogy and see where the story goes.

By Aidan Stephenson