The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien

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⭐10/10

I had been meaning to get to a reread, and with the popularity of the new Andy Serkis audiobook, why not now? I also haven't actually reviewed this book before, so here we are. 

First off, what an incredible performance as far as Serkis is concerned. He does some amazing voices, including matching those of the movie cast, and his voice in general is perfect for this. Deep, growly, full of energy. Some sequences, especially the ones involving Smaug, are terrific readings. Obviously Riddles in the Dark is his best piece, helping to enhance what was already one of the best chapters of anything. Despite being a Rob Inglis lifer, I could feel my loyalties shift a bit as I went along. 

Anyways, on to the actual book. I think this is one I enjoy more as an adult than I did as a kid. I loved it as a kid, but frankly there is too little blood and seriousness for 12-year-old me. Bilbo was not the hero I wanted then. But now? Well, I identify with Bilbo more than ever, and find myself laughing far more often every time i read this book. I love the moment he shouts at the spiders and gets them to chase him. "Quite apart from the stones no spider has ever liked being called Attercop, and Tomnoddy of course is insulting to anybody." I really enjoy how the narrator inserts himself into the story, always adding a bit of witty commentary. 

In general, I find this story to be super compelling. A Hobbit is the perfect character to be going on this type of journey, taking the audience along with him. There are lots of funny run-ins like Beorn or the trolls or fricken Thranduil. I also love the amount of world building Tolkien hints at without drowning us in exposition. Just a mention of the necromancer here or the history of elves there. I'm not sure what was all included in newer editions, but it's cool to see a deep world in which we are just skimming a little story off the top. 

Anyways, this book is perfect. It's hilarious, it's fun, it's smart, it's got some nice epic moments. I think it holds up wonderfully today. Tolkien is not just a genius creative with a sense of scale; he also just a wonderful writer who writes terrific characters and engaging conflict. An all- timer for me, and a classic for a reason.

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