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Hobbit Wrap-Up

Wow, this was posted late but I got around to answering it even later! I’m in the middle of a move, we are settled more or less but planning to move again very soon, and so I’ve only now had a chance to do some blogging. I finished The Hobbit nearly a month ago now but I think it’s still fresh enough I can do this wrap-up post.

Did you find the book’s second half consistent to the first, in tone, plotting, etc.?

I thought that in the second half things started to really pick up. The first part was more about being chosen for the quest and the journey itself, the second part was more about arriving at the end goal and all of the events and surprises that took off from there. There was also some drastic changes in the dwarves and in Bilbo himself in the second half of the novel that I almost found hard to believe. Especially with the dwarves.

What did you think of the ending?

I thought it was predictable but very satisfying. I thought the war was a little unexpected and the mysterious business of Gandalf’s was frustratingly left unexplained, but Bilbo’s return to the Shire was hilarious and well done. I enjoyed reading about Smaug and his ending as well. That is going to be wonderful to see in a movie!

Did your view of any character change since our last check-in?

Definitely had a turn around in how I thought of Thorin, but I think that’s to be expected.

Gandalf is such a cranky old man! But, I’m coming to understand that’s how he’s portrayed throughout the series.

Bilbo still rocks the house though.

What surprised you most in this half of the book?

I guess the reaction of the dwarves to everything and also the whole stand off period. I thought it was stupid on all sides and the greed of everyone, even Bilbo for a moment there drove me crazy. Turns out the common sense of a hobbit prevailed though.

What delighted you most?

The character of Bilbo and his influence in the affairs of the world. It was amazing to read about, even if I did think the war was stupid, just how much one little hobbit could do.

Can you see yourself rereading The Hobbit some day?

Definitely, especially when I have kids! They will be hearing the story of Bilbo as well some day.

Are you planning on continuing on to The Fellowship of the Ring?

Absolutely. In fact, I’ve already started! I’m really looking forward to hearing more about hobbits and their adventures, though I am already expecting a very different vibe with the trilogy than what I have read in The Hobbit.

Would you say that doing a group read enriched your reading? Anything in particular written by a fellow participant that stands out?

I enjoyed reading quite a few other responses but I haven’t posted too much as I’ve been very busy! While nothing particularly stands out about The Hobbit a lot has been standing out about the Fellowship of the Ring and it’s definitely got me thinking about the book differently already. But, let’s save that for another post.

I loved reading The Hobbit and I am so excited about the movie coming out in December 2011 and December 2012! Filming starts in just a few days too! For more fan news on that check out the blog at TheOneRing.Net.

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