Saturday Spotlight #5

Saturday Spotlight is a weekly feature in which I honor a book, character, or author that has consumed my mind and may be the cause of future therapy sessions.

I’m ashamed to admit that before this week, I’d never allowed myself to delve into the
wondrous world of J. R. R. Tolkien. Now, after finishing The Hobbit and re-reading it within the space of a week, I can’t believe how stupid it was of me to delay the greatest reading journey I’ve ever experienced.

The Hobbit is one of those books I want to read over and over again until the day I die. It made me reevaluate my entire outlook on life, but in a good way. I’m filled with this intense renewed desire for adventure, a bubbling excitement to experience the world and all its wonders, both beautiful and terrifying. I can count on one hand the books that have made me feel this way, and none of them come close to Tolkien’s masterpiece.

I know I sound like a total nerd right now, but hear me out. This book will change your life. You might think that it’s overhyped, or that it’s not really “your thing”, or that it looks a little too long and too complex for your liking. I’m here to tell you that you are so, so wrong.

This is a book that will resonate with everyone, especially those of you that, like me, enjoy staying inside a designated comfort zone for long periods of time. It’s about a hobbit (obviously) that goes on an adventure. And he hates it. The whole time he’s wondering through the mountains with a group of loud, grumpy dwarves, he’s fantasizing about his bed and a hot breakfast and a nice cup of tea. But he realizes that this adventure is the best experience he’ll ever have, because along the way he finds a part of himself he’d never bothered to explore. The friends and memories he makes will last him a lifetime.

Not to mention the writing. Because even if you hate the storyline (but like, why???) you’re going to appreciate Tolkien’s magnificent prose. It’s like sitting down for story time with one of the greatest writers the earth has ever known – he simplifies his style so that it flows like a bedtime story, but without sacrificing the stunning descriptions so typical of his genre. I’ll admit, the pace is a little slow, but give it a chance and you won’t be sorry.

I fell in love with Tolkien through The Hobbit. I can honestly say it’s one of my favourite books of all time. It’s inspired me to stretch myself and tackle The Lord of the Rings this year, so wish me luck.

If you haven’t read this book yet, I suggest you do so right now. Especially if you love fantasy. You can thank me later.

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About the author

Tolkien is the master of fantasy. That’s all you need to know.