Jan. 26th, 2021 02:56 pm
Finished The Hobbit & Thoughts
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bunnybooI 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.
Fun fact - I completely forgot everything after Smaug's death. I do this every time so it's not surprising. I remember watching the movie and thinking they'd made it up! (It's probably because it's the climax of the "original" adventure, though the emotional climax is definitely Thorin's death by way of an excellent lead up of Bilbo's trick with the Arkenstone.) I do, however, always remember the auction - which is an odd detail to remember as a kid.
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!
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.
Fun fact - I completely forgot everything after Smaug's death. I do this every time so it's not surprising. I remember watching the movie and thinking they'd made it up! (It's probably because it's the climax of the "original" adventure, though the emotional climax is definitely Thorin's death by way of an excellent lead up of Bilbo's trick with the Arkenstone.) I do, however, always remember the auction - which is an odd detail to remember as a kid.
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!
