By Justin Kirk - Justin’s View
While many people may be familiar with the recently released movie The Hobbit, many may not be familiar with the book behind it.
The book, published in 1937 by J.R.R Tolkien, follows the story of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins.
Hobbits, in case you are not familiar with them, are mythical creatures appearing in many fantasy works, including The Lord of The Rings, also by J.R.R Tolkien.
Hobbits are of short stature, with wide bellies, and large, hairy feet with leathery soles. Most hobbits live a quiet life, and many enjoy pipe weed and ale.
Bilbo Baggins is just like those hobbits, until one day when his comfortable life is rudely interrupted by a wizard, Gandalf the Grey. Gandalf invites Bilbo to accompany him on an adventure with 12 other dwarves to The Lonely Mountain, to defeat the great dragon, Smaug, who had long ago stolen the dwarves ancestors gold.
After a humorous chapter involving the dwarves barging into Bilbo’s house and eating all of his food, Bilbo agrees to accompany them on their quest. The next morning, Bilbo begins to make breakfast, unaware that the dwarves had already left to begin their adventure. Gandalf however, informs Bilbo of his mistake, and tells him to hurry and catch the dwarves. After leaving the home of the hobbits, the Shire, Bilbo soon grows out of his conservative ways, and becomes a hearty adventurer.
This Hobbit is excellent for all ages. It is a wonderful book about learning to adapt to new things and ideas, and to come out of our routines and do new things.
This book is often shadowed by its younger brother, The Lord of The Rings, although hopefully with the release of the movie trilogy based upon the book (albeit not as good as the book), The Hobbit can become as widely celebrated as its brother.
I would also recommend this book to people who are still in the developing stages of reading, as this is a very easy read. The Hobbit is an excellent book, and I would rate it a 9.5/10.
Justin Kirk is a Grade 8 student at St. Augustine School.