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A review by mformato
The Hobbit: or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Keeping the 5 start rating from my first read through, the written review is from my second read through just this week.
Reading the story a second time around, even though it's been over a decade, helped to clear up points that confused me the first time or got muddled in my memory over the years. I can see why this is considered a children's book to some as it definitely seems like it would be a fun bedtime read to a kid. I also think this is just a great introduction to fantasy/reading in general as it is not as dense as LOTR or other big name fantasy stories.
I enjoyed the fast paced adventure and quick wit from Bilbo. I also enjoyed the light-hearted nature of it all. It was interesting to compare the book to my memory of the movies (which I only saw once each) as those had a much more grim tone and made characters like Thorin less fun.
I do wish some of the dwarves had more relevance other than meeting the quota of 13. Ori, Oin, Gloin, Nori, Bifur, and Bofur had basically no memorable parts in the story.
All in all it is a fantastic story and a classic that deserves to be read by all.
Reading the story a second time around, even though it's been over a decade, helped to clear up points that confused me the first time or got muddled in my memory over the years. I can see why this is considered a children's book to some as it definitely seems like it would be a fun bedtime read to a kid. I also think this is just a great introduction to fantasy/reading in general as it is not as dense as LOTR or other big name fantasy stories.
I enjoyed the fast paced adventure and quick wit from Bilbo. I also enjoyed the light-hearted nature of it all. It was interesting to compare the book to my memory of the movies (which I only saw once each) as those had a much more grim tone and made characters like Thorin less fun.
I do wish some of the dwarves had more relevance other than meeting the quota of 13. Ori, Oin, Gloin, Nori, Bifur, and Bofur had basically no memorable parts in the story.
All in all it is a fantastic story and a classic that deserves to be read by all.