Finished The Hobbit & Thoughts

I very strongly considered calling this post "Reading The Hobbit every few years - there and back again" but then I'd lose my lovely consistent naming scheme.

Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said? The Hobbit was my introduction to one of the well-known and greatest fictional universe of all time. Having only read Fellowship once and none of the following books or supplemental material, I have to say that it's my second favorite fantasy book ever - if Watership Down can truly be called "fantasy."

It's cozy and comforting, even throughout all the danger, because I know (and knew) just from the experience and atmosphere it creates that everything is going to turn out fine. Good triumphs over evil; good exists and can be found everywhere. That's just refreshing after a lifetime of stories that are edgy and dark and "realistic" - sometimes specifically in contrast to Tolkien. That's not to say that they don't have value - I like those kinds of stories in moderation - but when it seems like 99% of western fantasy is a subversion of or response to The Lord of the Rings, it's nice to go back to what started it all.

( Spoilers for an 80-year-old book within... )

Anyways, I'm slowly running out of books to read at home but I have a few more up my sleeve before my stash runs dry. See you next time!