Memory Monday: The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving (for you U.S. folk). We stuffed ourselves with pie and turkey and gravy and...oh man was it good!
Today we have a fabulous Memory Monday for you - a classic no matter what kind of books you like to read:




















The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien
Adult, 1937

Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy preludes with a book that can stand on its own two feet - a feat that is incredibly rare for an author. The journey of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures, particularly the finding of the "one ring" is a tale for everyone, and a rereadable one to boot.

Bilbo Baggins is a quiet hobbit who spends his days eating, smoking and doing nice normal things like hobbits do. Until one day Gandalf the Grey Wizard changes everything with a mark on his door, and before he knows it he's whisked off to adventure. With giant spiders, hungry trolls, angry dragons, and plenty of treasure, it's a tale you won't be able to put down.

I must confess this was my favorite of Tolkien's books to read as a teenager, and I read it over and over justifying that reading The Lord of the Rings trilogy once or twice was enough. Years later I find that while I still love the Hobbit, I've grown into the rest of the trilogy and find myself wanting to read that over and over instead! For those that have read or watched the movies, go back and read The Hobbit! You'll find yourself completely delighted with Bilbo's adventure.

Graded an A-.