The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
I read this for my local independent bookstore's monthly book group. I was a little afraid going into it. My stepmother (a HUGE Tolkien fan) had tried to get me to read this book so many times in my childhood and adolescence. And I just could never get into it. Hell, I couldn't even bring myself to watch The Lord of the Rings movies (the filters bother me... everything is so... blue). And besides Harry Potter (actually another series my stepmom introduced me to), I'm not a huge dragons and wizards person. And seeing as The Hobbit is a children's book, I figured that 34 year old Elizabeth wouldn't like this any more than 12 year old Elizabeth.
And I was wrong.
I'm not sure if it was because I now read more than The Babysitter's Club and Stephen King, but I absolutely fell in love with the story of Bilbo Baggins' adventure away from The Shire.
As a part of the zeitgeist, it's nearly impossible to think of something interesting or unique to say about The Hobbit. But I can absolutely understand why this book, published in the 30s, has stood the test of time and is still such an integral part of geek culture in 2015.
Now just to decide if I'm woman enough to continue on to Fellowship of the Ring.
Synopsis:
Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit who wanted to be left alone in quiet comfort. But the wizard Gandalf came along with a band of homeless dwarves. Soon Bilbo was drawn into their quest, facing evil orcs, savage wolves, giant spiders, and worse unknown dangers. Finally, it was Bilbo alone and unaided who had to confront the great dragon Smaug, the terror of an entire countryside . . .
This stirring adventure fantasy begins the tale of the hobbits that was continued by J.R.R. Tolkien in his bestselling epic "The Lord of the Rings."