A review by heavino
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

5.0

The Hobbit is such a wonderful journey that I’m glad I experienced.
(Middle-Earth is the first fantasy world that I’ve ever committed to so this following quote is important to me considering I was discouraged to get into all the geeky shit)

“Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and trust that the net will appear. In doing so, you may discover a world that changes your life forever.”

- John Burroughs


After watching Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Fellowship of the Ring I was blown away by its richly imagined world and its intricate elements and ideas. I had known the praise of Tolkien’s novels and after realizing what’s in store for me I decided to go to my local library and pick out a copy of The Hobbit.

Quick summary

With much anticipation I was sucked into a strange but surprisingly welcoming universe as soon as I turned the first page of The Hobbit. The Shire appeared a world away from the majestic scenes I had seen on TV, with its peaceful lifestyle and charming countryside. However, as the tale of Bilbo Baggins developed, it became evident that this bucolic environment was only the preface to an incredible journey. It was truly captivating to watch Bilbo's journey from a reticent hobbit to a valiant hero. The idea of the story—an unexpected invitation to go on a quest with Gandalf and a group of dwarves—set the tone for an adventure that would be full of development, discovery, and risk. When Bilbo encountered challenges that tried his resolve and bravery, his initial hesitancy transformed into a great courage.
Essentially, I learned a lot from Bilbo and his journey. His transformation from a hesitant hobbit into a hero embodies the idea that stepping out of one’s comfort zone can lead to profound personal growth. Each encounter and challenge Bilbo faces, from the trolls to Gollum, shapes him in ways he could never have imagined. This journey of self-discovery and bravery resonated with me deeply, reinforcing the message of the quote I mentioned earlier.

The world-building in The Hobbit by Tolkien is impressive. The colorful tapestry of Middle-Earth, featuring a variety of races, terrains, and societies, provides a vibrant setting for Bilbo's journey. The complexity of the story is enriched by the detailed mythology and the well-developed characters, enhancing its depth and enjoyment. The conversation and visuals effectively convey the feeling of a world that is both eternal and engaging.
Reading The Hobbit not only deepened my love for fantasy literature but also confirmed my faith in the transformative impact of starting on fresh adventures. Bilbo's tale showcases how embarking on an adventure and exploring new things can result in self-improvement and unforeseen happiness. This book has solidified my love for Tolkien's universe and has motivated me to delve deeper into his writings and the immense realms of fantasy literature.

After that I read the rest. **Fellowship**, **The Two Towers**, **Return of the King**, **Silmarillion** and more.
To this day I still crave for more lore. I love Tolkien’s work so much but The Hobbit just has this special place in my heart, I mean it did start it all for me and most likely for many.