The Hobbit

by J.R.R. Tolkien

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In a word: warm

In a sentence: Bilbo, an unassuming hobbit, is roped into an adventure to liberate a dwarfish mine from Smaug the dragon.

Synopsis: Gandalf the wizard volunteers Bilbo as the burglar in a party of 13 dwarfs on a pilgrimage across Middle Earth to their ancestral home in the Lonely Mountain. Befriending elves, facing the dragon, and picking up some treasure along the way, Bilbo embarks on an adventure altogether uncharacteristic of hobbits.

Reactions: Reading The Hobbit is like falling backwards into childhood. It is a magical journey full of song, color, anticipation, and nostalgia. It combines the comfort of home singular to hobbits with the complete magic of a proper Tolkien quest. This is one of the most read books in the world and not without reason. It's a comfortable, joyous read.

The important thing to remember about The Hobbit is that it is the only of Tolkien's Middle Earthly creations that is written as a children's book. Therefore, I view The Hobbit as an introduction to the world to get your feet wet before you decide to dive in.

If you seek in-depth character analysis, broader historical context, or mythological nuggets, it is likely that you should simply keep going. There is plenty of time for all of that and more in the Lord of the Rings.

Read if: you desire a lighthearted adventure or an introduction to Middle Earth.