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[alyson]

Plot synopsis: reluctant hobbit goes on an adventure with a bunch of dwarves and a wizard. In spite of his reluctance, he soon proves valuable and courageous, and wise in a homespun way.

I didn't put much effort into that because I just can't imagine anyone not having read this, if it were within the genre they tended to read. Honestly I can't. Has anyone not read this?

Anyway, on this reading I find myself noting how much less serious this book is compared to the trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. Not only is the action quick and black-and-white, the language is much less flowery and it's not very philosophical.

This is for two reasons: first of all, it's kind of a kid's book. It's an intro to the fantasy world for precocious elementary schoolers (if my experience is any measure). It sets up its fantasy world quickly and with little effort, and doesn't worry about much except its own immediate action. It's a fine book, but not deep.

The second reason is that Tolkien intended it to have been written by the hobbit himself, and he was a very straightforward character himself. It was in the book that he learned to see the wide world around him, so it makes sense that the book doesn't deal with the wide world except what the hobbit saw. I'm guessing this, but I think it's probably true.

These things are worthwhile to remember if you actually haven't read this or The Lord of the Rings. However, you may also want to know that it's not necessary to read this to understand the trilogy, nor does reading The Hobbit leave you with an unbearable cliffhanger.

Ok. Now, really. If you like fantasy, and you haven't read this, why in the world not?
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