The Hobbit
Ratings3,190
Average rating4.3
Read as an audiobook by Andy Serkis (highly recommend)
A fantastic start to Tolkien's vast fantasy world. It very much reads like a bedtime story filled with excitement and wonders. The only reason it isn't a 5 star book for me is because I want more depth and more explanation, but I understand that this is not where Tolkien dives into more complicated matters.
Great book and looking forward to his other works!
Summary:
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit of high regard, lives comfortably in his hobbit-hole when he is introduced to the old wizard Gandalf. Gandalf approaches him with the prospect of adventure, which he refuses, and then is subsequently almost forced into the services of a troupe of dwarves that aim to reclaim their kingdom under The Lonely Mountain. They embark on a journey, which takes them through Rivendell; through the home of a shape-changer, Beorn; through the goblin infested caves, where Bilbo Mets Gollum and finds a ring of power; through the dark forest called Mirkwood and then ultimately to the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo enters the mountain as a bugler and meets the treasure guardian and current resident of the great hall, Smaug. Smaug is defeated by Bard. Bilbo is adventurous and becomes a voice of warning and wit and is trusted as a leader with the dwarves. He finds the treasured Heart of the Mountain and pockets it. When Thorin Oakenshield begins to develop a jealousy for all gold and treasure, Bilbo appeals to the king's enemies. The mountain and it's riches are desired by many, and different enemies come to war to lay claim. Goblins appear to get vengeance for their fallen king. The armies of the Elfking, the humans of Laketown, and the dwarves attack together. Many are killed including Thorin, Fili, and Kili. Thorin's cousin becomes King Under the Mountain.
Bilbo is rewarded a share of the treasure and journeys back home with Sting, his riches, his mithril shirt, and his precious ring of power.
I thought this book was okay. The story line was pretty good, but I thought it was slow in some parts of the book. It also was hard to understand in some parts in the book because it was written 75 years ago. I did like the book though because the storyline was good and it was a wholesome adventure. It also had a nice theme and was a very good story when looking at the lesson of the book.
I read this book being 20-something of age. But still I really liked it. Easy to read, sometimes funny, sometimes serious,it is a tale of an advanture and friendship, past and future. A tale in the beautifull world with Gandalf still being Grey, with light mystery and lightness of storytelling talent.
Did a audio book by NPR it was abridged for radio. This audiobook Thorin sounded like squidward and it was a riot imagining this.
Plan to find re-read full version, hopefully audiobook
Ah, good old Hobbit! One those not simply review this novel without mentioning the movies that were fashioned after it. Love them or hate them, the movies are still (mostly) based on this story, and the characters really come to life in this prologue to The Lord Of The Rings. I was extremely long overdue for a reread + review of this classic tale, so behold my (elf-related) ramblings as follows.
Far over the misty mountains coldTo dungeons deep and caverns oldWe must away ere break of dayTo seek the pale enchanted gold.
-Thorin & Company
Movie/book comparative review below!
I never thought much of Bilbo Baggins in the LOTR movies, but Bilbo in the book is really marvellous and wonderful. The little hobbit proved himself brave and useful beyond what anyone expected (Gandalf excluded), and his courage protected his friends so many times!
My favourite ‘fight' scene was when Bilbo faced the spiders all on his own in Mirkwood and saved his friends from death by being clever and swift. It's funny how the One Ring has no evil intent nor will in The Hobbit, whereas it is clearly a central character in The Lord of the Rings. Instead, Bilbo often makes use of the Ring without there being any consequences to it. Also, the ‘Easter eggs' so to speak throughout the novel were so much fun to find/read about, like how the 3 trolls are later found in LOTR, or Gollum's role in both tales. It really shows Tolkien's genius at world building.
As always, the elves are my absolute favourite in this book too. It's too bad that Tolkien didn't include Legolas in his book (unlike in the movie which is sacrilegious to mention, I know), but at least Thranduil was present in the novel and was a major player (although he was never named once! He was only ever refered to as the Elvenking). I love the movie version of Thranduil, so it was a bit disappointing to see his role in The Hobbit novel much more diminished, but I loved the chapters that took place in Mirkwood the most.
Thorin, Fili, and Kili's deaths were very anticlimactic in the novel compared to in the movies, which again was a bit underwhelming and disappointing (I guess that shows Peter Jackson's genius instead), but the Battle of the Five Armies was still really cool and full of action.
Finally, Tolkien's narrative voice was very strong in this book, which I guess is because it's technically a middle-grade book. The narration style was very cute and fairytale-like. I expect that this is why the deaths of some of the major characters were toned down which, again, diminished the impact of the story and its moral teachings. Nevertheless, The Hobbit is uncontestedly a literary masterpiece if only for its width and breadth in the world of high fantasy writing.
There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
-Lord Elrond
Introduction
When I first picked up The Hobbit, I wasn't entirely prepared for its whimsical and lighthearted tone. I've heard that Tolkien's later works, like The Lord of the Rings, are more epic in scope and serious in style, so it was interesting—and occasionally challenging—to settle into the fairy-tale vibe of this story. Still, I quickly found myself drawn in by the cozy world of hobbits and the promise of adventure beyond the Shire.
Pacing
One aspect that stood out to me was the uneven pacing. Certain conflicts, such as the trolls turning to stone, are resolved almost in the blink of an eye. Meanwhile, other parts—like the journey through Mirkwood—feel deliberately slow. Though it sometimes frustrated me, I grew to appreciate that these slower stretches encourage readers to really live in Tolkien's world. They give time to savor each place, even if it might momentarily stall the forward momentum.
World-Building
Middle-earth as described in The Hobbit is rich and detailed—something Tolkien is famous for. Mirkwood, in particular, left a vivid impression on me. The dense forest, lurking spiders, and general sense of foreboding created a tension that made me eager to turn the pages. It felt like a pivotal moment in the story, heightening both the stakes of the journey and my investment in Bilbo's success.
Characters and Arcs
Bilbo Baggins: At first, I adored Bilbo for his love of comfort and good food (who can't relate?). Over time, I was impressed by his growth—he transforms from a reluctant homebody into a clever, resourceful adventurer.
The Dwarves: They provide wonderful comedic relief and contrast to Bilbo's initial meekness. While I didn't pick up on all the nuances of Thorin Oakenshield's arc during this read, I was surprised by how intensely he fixates on the treasure near the end. On a second pass, I'd like to delve deeper into his pride and the way it affects the rest of the group.
Resolution
The final sections of the book—particularly the Battle of the Five Armies—are packed with action, yet I found them a bit overwhelming. So much unfolds so quickly that it's easy to lose track of the players and motives. When Bilbo returns home, I felt a touch of sadness at how the Shire carried on without him; it underlined just how much Bilbo changed through his journey. It's not a triumphant hero's welcome, but it fits the bittersweet nature of the story's conclusion.
Prose and Style
The whimsical narration, sprinkled with gentle humor and occasional asides, definitely sets The Hobbit apart from what I've heard of Tolkien's later works. While it took some getting used to, that playful tone eventually grew on me. It's part of the charm of experiencing this adventure through Bilbo's eyes—a simple hobbit thrown into extraordinary circumstances.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Hobbit is a delightful read that blends fairy-tale warmth with moments of genuine peril. Although the pacing can be uneven, Tolkien's world-building and knack for immersive detail ensure that slow passages remain engaging. Bilbo's personal growth is truly the heart of the story, and it provides a compelling contrast to the more grandiose, sometimes greedy ambitions of those around him. For anyone new to Tolkien, this is a great place to start—just be prepared for the enchanting (and occasionally meandering) tone that sets it apart from more conventional fantasy epics.
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now.
Well this took me less than a week to read and I goto say it's a lot better than the film. Onto the rest of them now.
This is absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. It is one of the few books that I go back to constantly and will eventually read to my children.
Tolkien has such a great way of writing, and while it is dated by today's standards, it holds up quite well.
Simply amazing. If you love Tolkiens writing or even just enjoy the movie, you owe it to yourself to listen to Andy Serkis read the audiobook. He takes an already great story and elevates it with his performance. This is the best audiobook experience I've ever had.
I have been avoiding these books for some time but found an excellent audiobook narration and decided to give it a shot.
I listened to the audiobook version by Bluefax and it was wonderfully done. I was completely hooked from start to end in this epic classic. It was narrated so well that I finished listening to the book in 3 days!
LOTR here I come!
Still a great, classic book on reread. However, it just didn't feel the same on another read. There are just other books that I feel are better.
Bilbo is very smart and crafty. I appreciate that. A lot of dwarfs to remember but you get the gist of who is important. I feel like the trilogy is more of an epic but this is still a wonderful tale that sets it up.
Andy Serkis is insane for this, how does he do that? It feels like I'm listening to a full-cast production but it is simply one man who must have made a deal with the devil cause no ones vocal cords should be able to do all that
Reading log:
Bilbo just like me fr
Diagnosing him with a lethal case of FOMO
The Mirkwood sequence is about to make me do something drastic I need them out of this fucking forest
This is simply classic and you shouldn't miss it to understand the whole picture of Middle Earth and work of JRR Tolkien. Hobbit is not a book I would love rereading every month, but I am glad I read it and also mostly listened to its audiobook version. As it was for quite a long time on my TBR list.