The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien)

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The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien

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As this is probably the first fantasy book I've ever read, The Hobbit has a very special place among my books. Tolkien aimed this novel toward children, but like all good children's books, it can be appreciated by adults as well. The story, about a group of hobbits (if you don't know what a hobbit is by now, you're sorely missing out one of the best known fantasy cultures) who have to reclaim a horde of treasure from a massive dragon known as Smaug, shares similarities with The Lord of the Rings in terms of the journeying aspect, but otherwise is completely fresh. The Hobbit also has one of the highest reread values of any novel; it doesn't get tiresome fast.

Like LOTR, readers greatly benefit from Tolkien's dedication to story (see The Lord of the Rings review.) He weaves his settings as though he lived there himself and were simply relating his own experiences. This creates an atmosphere of fantastic realism (an oxymoron?). Tolkien's lush descriptions are enough to leave behind warm, fuzzy feelings long after reading the novel.

It is also recommended that people read this book first before tackling the much darker The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit is a lighter novel, but it's also much less epic in scope, and therefore less dramatic. Keep in mind, though, that there is violence (including a astonishingly fierce climax) indicating Tolkien's respect for realistic warfare despite the children's genre. Still, Tolkien's writing is surprisingly tender during these moments, focusing on the humanity of the characters rather than the brutality of their struggles. The aftermath of one of these battles remains one of most poignant scenes ever penned in fiction.

Oh yeah, and Bilbo Baggins is probably my all time favourite character...