Why Did I Listen To This Book?
Remember back when The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey came out in theaters and there was that awesome trailer with Richard Armitage singing Misty Mountains Cold and we all threw our hands in the air with excitement over the movie? Just me? Okay, so around that time Audible was promoting some audio release of The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien narrated by Rob Inglis. Y’all, I have already read this book but like way back in high school, I think. However with all the hype of the movie and that badass trailer and the constant LOOK AT THIS NEW AUDIOBOOK on Audible, I could not resist and so, picked The Hobbit up for an audio re-read. I began listening almost immediately because I wanted to be prepared for the movie. Unfortunately, I never did end up seeing the movie, but you guys this is one boss book. I tell you what.
What’s The Story Here?
Bilbo Baggins is basically happy as hell in his comfortable hobbit hole in Bag End, when ugh, he has a visitor. Fricken Gandalf shows up with twelve homeless dwarves and takes Bilbo out of his comfort zone and into adventure. You see, Bilbo is tasked with helping the dwarves and Gandalf raid the treasure of Smaug, a dragon who is totally pissed off and all about hoarding things. Along the way there are trolls who want to eat the dwarves, a visit to Rivendell, fucking Golem and some riddles, and giant spiders and you know an epic battle, so pretty much what you would expect for The Hobbit and really I don’t give a fuck about spoiling a book that’s been out since 1937, sorry bro.
Okay, Be Honest How Is The Writing?
I think people have a hard time with Tolkien because of all the scenery descriptions and the constant songs and what not. I actually read a great internet tip years and years and years ago when I read LoTR for the first time and that was to sing the songs out loud as your read them because it’ll set the mood. You guys, if I was read this via paper or ebook, I totally would. As it is, the narrator sings. As for all the description, I cut my teeth on Brian Jacques so I am used to it. I also have more patience than a 7 year old, so there is that. I loved it. I like that I am really able to picture Middle Earth. Plus, the world building is among the best I’ve read. Ever.
What About The Characters?
The older I get, the more I relate to Bilbo, but more Bilbo as he is in The Lord Of The Rings, grouchy and just wants to stay home. Dude that’s my life, leave me the hell alone youngsters. He’s cool in The Hobbit though as the main character. He’s very reasonable and sensible. Totally not annoying you guys. As for Gandalf, he’s just always saving the day it seems. I don’t have a lot of opinions on him in this book, except you know I wish he was around to vanquish internet trolls. As for Thorin Oakenshield, he’s kind of a dick. I did not realize that would be my opinion until after the book and I literally said to myself, that guy is a dick. Sigh. The other dwarves are good people though.
What Are My True Feelings About Golem?
I am going to admit right now, I can’t stand Golem. Like, I wish that Smaug had eaten him or something. He’s super annoying. He has an annoying voice. He goes around fucking shit up for everyone else and ugh, go die in a fire Golem. There, that’s off my chest. Hashtag no judgement.
How’s The Narration?
Rob Inglis can narrate books about hobbits and Middle Earth for me anytime you guys. He’s got such a perfect voice for it. His voice is all deep and serious and awesome. And he gets so into it. Plus he sings. SINGING GUYS SINGING. I love that enthusiasm, I cannot lie. As for the book information, it is produced by Recorded Books who are usually not that good, but this one is actually well done. The audiobook is 11 hours and 8 minutes long. If you’re looking to relive The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien definitely give the audiobook a shot, it’s superb. Also, makes you feel epic when you are driving, kind of like you are questing along with the gang.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
My thoughts exactly, GIF caption.
Disclosure: Purchased my audiobook copy.
Other reviews of The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien:
Dee’s Book Blog – “I was sucked into his narration”
Let’s Eat Grandpa – “Inglis did a fantastic job”
The AudioBookANeers – “And I could not stop listening to it”
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I want to be best friends with Bilbo now. 😀 Great review. I’ve never read anything by Tolkien, so that might be a perfect introduction into his work. 🙂
glad to see the Hobbit works as an audiobook. I’ve read the LoTR but not hobbit. I might give it a try as an audiobook. Thank you for your review!
First off you are so not alone the trailer, I was in ecstatic when i first saw it. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are some of my favorite books, and I should really try out the audio version. I’d love to hear the songs actually being sung!
I just spent a good chunk of my morning investigating The Hobbit and the LOTR books, because I have finally decided that I really want to read them! Unfortunately, the only audiobook either of my libraries have of the Hobbit is the BBC radio broadcast from the 1960s. Which is fun – I listened to the first few minutes – but I want to experience the whole book. Otherwise, I would just watch the movie(s).
Long story short, I basically just had to put a hold on everything, because apparently EVERYONE wants to read these. Thank you, movie hype, haha.
This review definitely has me more excited for The Hobbit, though! And I LOVE it when the narrators actually sing, instead of just reading the lyrics.
Sharon – its totally worth checking out audible for the audiobooks – I think my copies of the Hobbit and LoTR were about $15 each (I use the credit program, so I just pay a set fee each month) – but they also show up frequently in sales and stuff – if you do audiobooks frequently (like I do) – well worth it
I love, love, LOVE this book. I’ve always loved it since the first time I read it, so it makes me incredibly happy that this audiobook definitely hit the spot (again) with you. SO GOOD. And I am so, so excited for the movie!
Nope, can’t do it. I’m sorry, great review though!
I was (supposed to) do up a big report for it in the 9th grade, needless to say I had a choice of books, and I figured I’d choose The Hobbit because I had already seen the animated movie (which is awesome). Needless to say, I couldn’t get passed the first chapter and wound up not doing the report. Nobody penalized me for it for other reasons, but it was the first book report I refused flatly to complete.
– Krys