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The Hobbit

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Title: The Hobbit
by J.R.R. Tolkien, Martin Shaw
ISBN: 0-618-08785-0
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co
Pub. Date: December, 2000
Format: Audio Cassette
Volumes: 4
List Price(USD): $25.00
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Average Customer Rating: 4.59 (1295 reviews)

Customer Reviews

Rating: 5
Summary: The best book ever written published in a beautiful format
Comment: Tolkien's Hobbit takes the imagination on a wonderful flight of fantasy. I read this book on a yearly basis and each year I am delighted and captivated by the world of Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo is a reluctant member of an adventure that will forever change his life and the lives of those around him. He accompanies 13 dwarves on a mission to reclaim the gold and mountain kingdom of their ancestors from the dragon, Smaug. They have many adventures and mishaps on their journey to the lonely mountain including the climactic battle of five armies. Bilbo finds a magic ring along the way which leads, not only to a rise in his stature, but also to a new adventure for his friends in "The Lord of the Rings." Tolkien is a master storyteller and the depth of his skill is best seen in this tale. In the following trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings" the story is continued, but the sheer delight of "The Hobbit" is never fully recaptured. This collector's edition is beautifully bound. Even more enjoyable are the illustrations and paintings by the author himself.

Rating: 4
Summary: A fine tale for readers of all ages
Comment: I recently re-read The Hobbit, a story I first read in High School. My children are of an age to read it, so this time I read it with a critical eye, rather than for the sheer joy of immersing myself in a story of adventure and fantasy.

It is unfortunate that the Hobbit has apparently become required reading in some schools. Forcing young adults the read a fairy tale in these literal and cynical times may only dampen their enthusiasm for literature. This book was written to be read for enjoyment, not a grade.

So read it and enjoy a tale that will take you far from the fast paced industrial world we live in, into the land of imagination and adventure. Read it aloud to your children, and you will find them very attentive.

Now, on to the review.

A significant obstacle to enjoying this story is Tolkein's British English, which carries a startling variety of idomatic phrases and terms not currently in use here in America. I have had to translate a lot of words and terms for my children when they have had trouble with understanding.

The style is light hearted and conversational. You feel as though the story teller is speaking to you in a friendly voice. The frequent asides and blatant foreshadowing add a personal touch to the story that enhances, rather than detracts, from its accessability.

The themes are fairly easy to discern, and particularly good for young audiences. Far from beng a whimsical fairy tale, there are simple messages here, even for the un-alerted reader. Such as:

Heroes arise from unlikely sources. (This is certainly true in real life.)

The sedentary life has little flavor-- get out and have an adventure.

Self interest and greed are dangerous motivators.

Trying your best can produce results for unexpected reasons.

Ones actions can have unintended consequences for others. The devastation of Lake Town is a poignant illustration of this concept, often overlooked in today's self oriented culture. At a time where the lawsuit and strict liability grossly punish unintended outcomes, the conscience driven resolution in the Hobbit is a refreshing concept.

Is this the best story ever written? Hardly. Is it an engaging and enjoyable adventure story? Absolutely!

Rating: 4
Summary: Alright
Comment: This was alright. I read it after i read LOTR which probably wasnt a good idea. But this book overall ok. Its pretty short, but u should check it out.

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Comparison N/A, buy it from Amazon for $25.99
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