4.21 AVERAGE

adventurous challenging dark hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I feel like I’ve got such opposing views on this than other people… yikes. But like I just didn’t love it? I felt so MEH about this entire book. I didn’t find it horrible just super meh.

The audiobook narrated by Andy Serkis was 100% the way to go with this because without it who knows if I ever would’ve picked this up. I’ve had a copy of this book on my shelves for like EONS at this point and I’ve never had the drive to pick it up and I’m not sure this time why I was like why the hell not and read it. But it’s a lot.

Andy Serkis saved this book for me because I would’ve DNFed this probably if I physically read it. I found Bilbo cool and all the dwarfs and Gandalf and all. But I just wasn’t very interested or excited about it. It just felt super meh for me in the end.

Oh well. Not all will be winners.
adventurous lighthearted
adventurous fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character

Just can't get into it much... The middle was good but the beginning and end were tougher for me to get through. There's something I dislike about Tolkien's style (even if I like the story itself) it's too narrative, maybe...
adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous hopeful inspiring relaxing slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous relaxing medium-paced
adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

What a joy it was to read this! For over a decade, I have wanted to dive into "The Hobbit," but I always hesitated, believing it would be a complicated book laden with intricate themes that would be difficult to digest. How wrong I was! From the very first chapter, it became clear why this classic novel holds such a cherished place in the hearts of readers around the world. As I turned each page, I found myself wonderfully immersed in the world J.R.R. Tolkien has meticulously crafted. The vivid descriptions of Middle-earth painted such a lively picture in my mind that I could nearly hear the rustle of leaves in the Shire and taste the smoke wafting from a cozy fireplace. It was as if I had been transported into another realm, where the mundane worries of everyday life faded into oblivion.

Reading "The Hobbit" was akin to reliving the giddy excitement of childhood adventures; the exhilarating encounters with trolls, goblins, and dragons had me on the edge of my seat. Each character, from the clever and unassuming Bilbo Baggins to the wise and enigmatic Gandalf, was beautifully fleshed out, making them not just part of the story but rather companions on this epic journey. 

The pacing was skillfully managed, blending moments of tension and excitement with quieter, reflective parts that added depth to the story. Experiencing this charming tale felt like enjoying a sweet treat after a long day. I was drawn in by the humor and warmth sprinkled throughout, making it easy to relate to the characters and their struggles. I found myself laughing aloud at Bilbo’s clever wit and feeling a surge of courage as he faced each daunting challenge. Now, with the echoes of this enchanting adventure still lingering in my heart, I can hardly contain my excitement to embark on the next leg of the journey with "The Lord of the Rings." Despite its denser themes and more complex characters, I feel more than prepared to explore the larger story ahead. "The Hobbit" has proven to be not just an accessible read but also an entry into a vast, incredible world I'm eager to explore further. I highly recommend this book. I believe it’s well-suited for younger readers ready for an adventurous tale.