Just read the hobbit this past week, and i must say its lived up to the "classic" hype. Quite frankly its been a while since I've enjoyed a fictional book so much. I'm always a lover of journeys and runescapish tales. (Fun fact, Mithril actually was a metal that originated from the Lord of the Rings)

So, who doesnt enjoy reading a story about a midget with hairy feet?

Lord knows I do

From what I understand a major motion picture is coming out for this book, though I do not believe it will be able to do this great book justice. There is far too much to cover in that short 2 hours, so much lore and history to work in that I feel it will fall short of offering everything Tolkien's novel has to offer.

The book starts out slow, with Bilbo hanging around his little hobbit home, smoking his pipe (if you've read the book, you've become familiar with Tolkien's obsession with smoke rings) When suddenly, Gandalf the wizard approaches Bilbo (the main character/hobbit). Within a chapter, Bilbo finds himself smack in the middle of an adventure.

Before you know it, they're on their merry way, and you're taken on a beautifully descriptive journey through the mountains, swamps, and dark woods of this new world. If theres one thing I enjoyed most, its that Tolkien slips in mythology and history of these lands without preaching it. Confrontations with trolls and goblins become gateways to understanding why dwarves dont trust goblins, or why elves trade only with men. Im kind of a history buff as it is, so learning about a history completely new to me kinda excites me.

Bilbo's magnificent journey is kind of a a coming of age tale, except its not. Thats stupid, why would you even suggest that? Its a tale of how he becomes confident in himself and his skills, and discovers in himself a newfound love for adventure. And the reader slowly discovers that gandalf is one bad ass MF.

Gandalf is a badass

The battle scenes are epic. The journey is entertaining, exciting, and does not drag on like other books. The constantly changing perils present fresh problems which constantly challenge bilbo's shortcomings. The ending was great, and very satisfying. I fully recommend this book to anyone who enjoys runescapish lore or journey books.