November Book Club Selection: The Hobbit

Somehow it's November which means it's time to read a new book! Going with the theme of "Classic Literature that Literally Everyone Else In the World has Read Besides Riley", I've decided to read The Hobbit this month! I've seen the final movie with Brett when it released in theaters last winter, but other than that one film, I don't know anything about this story - not even the more famous Lord of the Rings franchise! I figure that winding down the year with a classic like this.

If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of this humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) -- if you do not already know all about these things -- much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred comfort to excitement. But this account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare. They do not like noise.

I'm excited to finally read this book! I've had a copy of The Hobbit sitting on my shelf since I was in about 6th grade (the cover is actually really cool! It's not the one shown above and I couldn't find it with a Google image search, but perhaps for the review I'll take a picture to show you all!) but I've never picked it up for some reason. I'm sure I'll really enjoy it and I'm definitely looking forward to reading this story!

How many of you love The Hobbit?