The Reading Corner

By Tad

What’s up readers! Today we’re reviewing The Hobbit. I know that some of you are screaming, “You already did a review on that!” HOWEVER, there is a reason I am doing this again, I am eating my words. 

I should probably recap what The Hobbit is. It is a book written by J.R.R Tolkien set in his Lord of the Rings universe. It is one of many books set in this universe, but the three collections that get the most attention are The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. There are quite a few films based off of this series, and I unfortunately stated that the corresponding ones for The Hobbit were better than the book. However…

I took to re-reading The Hobbit, because I felt I didn’t give it a good enough chance the first time around. Originally, I read the unabridged version that was originally written by J.R.R Tolkien. It… is a little slow to get through, mostly due to the extremely dated language. However, this second time around I read the 4’rth edition, and it was a lot easier to get through! I found that it was still a little slower, but the older language lended a positive feel to the writing, and I actively wanted to continue reading it. It is an investment of time to read, but I now feel that it is a worthwhile one. 

I originally said that the book was good for context for the movies, and not much else. However, I now must say that they complement one another. They are not subservient to each other, but individual works that together create a beautiful vision of a richly imagined world. The books provide context, and a deep sense of the world; while the movies give it a sense of action, of movement. Together, they are far better than they would be if only one or the other existed. 

In conclusion, I have eaten a large slice of humble pie, and I give Tolkien his much deserved due! I also must say that I want to read, or listen to, The Lord of the Rings; and continue experiencing this beautiful world. 

I hope you have enjoyed this review. We at The Stacks are working on a new project: creating an online blog to post on! You can find details below at the bottom of this newsletter; or if this issue has already been ported over, then you’re already there!

If you enjoy reading fantasy books, then go check in the Oregon City Public Library, and take a look. You can find this same book in there, as well as many books written in The Lord of the Rings universe. If you are interested in D&D (A roleplaying game that The Lord of the Rings is credited to have inspired) then you can find various rulebooks in the upper floors. 

I thank you for your time, and I wish you a great rest of your day!