Federico DN's Reviews > The Hobbit

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
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really liked it
bookshelves: classics, fantasy, almost-fav, adapted

Gandalf Stormcrow.

Bilbo Baggins is a Middle-Earth halfling merrily living his peaceful and uneventful days in the joyous lands of Hobbiton. As any well self-respected hobbit, Bilbo loves cooking his tasty meals, enjoy the blissful sun, and dutifully drink his midday tea; ever so good-natured and hospitable with his neighbors, always undisturbed, and never bothering anyone else. This has been the way his whole pleasant life, until one fine day an unexpected troublesome visitor knocks heavily at his door; a wizard of all things, with a map, and an extraordinary treasure quest. The outrage!

What started it all. The timeless masterpiece and foundational basis of what later became the amazing Lord of the Rings trilogy that forever changed fantasy. How to ever forget poor pushover Bilbo, the formidable Gandalf, mighty Thorin Oakenshield, his band of lively dwarves, and their audacious adventure to reclaim Lonely Mountains from the terrifying dragon Smaug. So many fantastical moments to remember by (view spoiler) and a bittersweet ending that pierces the soul. An unforgettable fantasy journey like few others out there, considerably short, with a very simple and direct delivery for such an intricately complex world, with exquisite lovable characters, boundless lore, and an otherworldly universe that you just can never get enough of. Masterful, every single page of it. Highly Recommendable.

*** I’m not even sure how to rate the movies (2012-13-14), since they have way more stuff made up than the actual book. I mean really, one movie for each LOTR, and three for this third of a book? –cough- money grab! –cough-. I didn’t time myself but this may be one of few examples where reading the book may actually be faster than watching the films. Visually astounding, that’s for sure. Flawless scenography and special effects, granted. But faithful to the book? 20% yes, 80% NO. The glaring lack of Oscars and accolades pretty much says it all too. How many times have I watched it? Once, and it was more than enough.



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PERSONAL NOTE :
[1937] [366p] [Fantasy] [Highly Recommendable]
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★★★★☆ A. The Silmarillion
★★★★☆ 0. The Hobbit
★★★★☆ 1. The Fellowship of the Ring
★★★★☆ 2. The Two Towers
★★★★★ 3. The Return of the King
★★★★★ 1-3. The Lord of the Rings

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Gandalf Cuervo de la Tempestad.

Bilbo Baggins es un mediano de la Tierra Media felizmente viviendo sus pacíficos y tranquilos días en las alegres tierras de Hobbiton. Como todo decente y bien respetado hobbit, Bilbo ama cocinar sus deliciosas comidas, disfrutar del dichoso sol, y beber su habitual té de mediodía; siempre bondadoso y hospitalario con sus vecinos, sin problemas, y nunca molestando a nadie. Esta ha sido siempre la manera de su muy placentera vida, hasta que cierto día un inesperado y problemático visitante golpea fuertemente a su puerta; un mago para colmo de males, con un mapa, y una extraordinaria misión en búsqueda de tesoros. ¡El descaro!

Lo que empezó todo. La obra maestra de todos los tiempos y base fundacional de lo que luego se convertiría en la asombrosa trilogía del Señor de los Anillos que para siempre cambió la fantasía. ¿Cómo alguna vez olvidar? Al pobre y doblegable Bilbo, el formidable Gandalf, el tenaz Thorin Oakenshield, su banda de vivarachos enanos, y su audaz aventura para reclamar las Montañas Solitarias del terrorífico dragón Smaug. Tantos fantásticos momentos para el recuerdo (view spoiler) y ese final tan agridulce que perfora el alma. Un inolvidable viaje de fantasía como pocos allá afuera, considerablemente corto, con una muy simple y directa entrega para tan intrincadamente complejo mundo, con exquisitamente adorables personajes, lore sin fin, y un universo de otro mundo del cual nunca se puede tener suficiente. Magistral, cada página de ella. Altamente Recomendable.

*** Ni siquiera estoy seguro de cómo calificar las películas (2012-13-14), ya que tienen muchísimas más cosas inventadas que el libro original. O sea en serio, una película para cada LOTR, ¿y tres para este tercio de libro? –cof - avaricia! –cof-. No me tomé el tiempo pero creo que este es uno de escasos ejemplos en que leer el libro pueda ser incluso más rápido que ver las películas. Visualmente asombrosa, eso por seguro. Impecable escenografía y efectos especiales, concedido. ¿Pero fiel al libro? 20% sí, 80% NO. La notable falta de Oscars y premios dice todo muy claro también. ¿Cuántas veces la vi? Una, y eso fue más que suficiente.



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NOTA PERSONAL :
[1937] [366p] [Fantasía] [Altamente Recomendable]
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Reading Progress

January 1, 2004 – Started Reading
January 1, 2004 – Finished Reading
February 24, 2014 – Shelved

Comments Showing 1-50 of 87 (87 new)


message 1: by Miguel (new)

Miguel Sarkis Fantatic review! Love the book


Federico DN Miguel wrote: "Fantatic review! Love the book"

Thank you Miguel! Loved it too <3


Thibault Busschots Three movies was indeed a bit too much. Still a classic story though. Glad you liked it :)


Tahera I read somewhere that Peter Jackson was forced into turning the Hobbit into three movies by the production company. I only watched it 2-3 times which is nothing compared to the number of times I have watched the LOTR trilogy.


Federico DN Thibault wrote: "Three movies was indeed a bit too much. Still a classic story though. Glad you liked it :)"

Pure Classicness alright. Thank you Thibault!


message 6: by Federico (last edited Oct 16, 2023 05:21AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Tahera wrote: "I read somewhere that Peter Jackson was forced into turning the Hobbit into three movies by the production company. I only watched it 2-3 times which is nothing compared to the number of times I ha..."

Oh didn't know Jackson was forced into it. Those greedy Hollywood hotshots! It really doesn't compare does it Tahera? LOTR FOREVER <3


message 7: by A. (new)

A. Muy linda reseña, Fede. Creer que "conozco" la historia por las pelis, a veces me desanima a leer este (seguramente) maravilloso libro. Pero lo voy a hacer.
Una vez más, que la semana le sea propicia, noble Fede.


Federico DN A. wrote: "Muy linda reseña, Fede. Creer que "conozco" la historia por las pelis, a veces me desanima a leer este (seguramente) maravilloso libro. Pero lo voy a hacer.
Una vez más, que la semana le sea propi..."


Muchas gracias Lady A.! Es muy muy cortito y al grano comparado con las películas jaja. Espero que lo disfrute si lo lee. Que este apestoso lunes pase rápido y tenga una buena semana!


message 9: by Kay (new) - rated it 4 stars

Kay Wonderful review as always Federico! I loved it, –cough- money grab or not. 😉


message 10: by Srivalli (new)

Srivalli Rekha Whoa! three movies for this one book with 20% content retention? That's some strategy. Terrific review, Federico. I'm sure it would have taken less time to read than watch all three movies.


message 11: by Federico (last edited Oct 16, 2023 06:40AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Kay wrote: "Wonderful review as always Federico! I loved it, –cough- money grab or not. 😉"

Thank you Kay! Glad to see you loved it too despite the glaring money grab lol xD


Federico DN Srivalli wrote: "Whoa! three movies for this one book with 20% content retention? That's some strategy. Terrific review, Federico. I'm sure it would have taken less time to read than watch all three movies."

Thank you Srivalli ! Loosely based applies very well in this case I think lol. They are THAT different xD


Ayesha (Seokjin's Version) ☾ I have so much fondness for this book and thus enjoyed the movies. Although they hold nothing against the LOTR trilogy. But something about seeing all of the scenes and places come to life was so beautiful.


r. a. Savery Me hace feliz que te gustara! Adoro The Hobbit a morir


message 15: by Federico (last edited Oct 16, 2023 07:02AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Ayesha (Seokjin's Version) ☾ wrote: "I have so much fondness for this book and thus enjoyed the movies. Although they hold nothing against the LOTR trilogy. But something about seeing all of the scenes and places come to life was so b..."

Absolutely Ayesha! Watching a beloved book come to life is one of the greatest pleasures ever <3. The movies did that part good alright, even if went WAY beyond the scope of the book lol.


Federico DN r. a. wrote: "Me hace feliz que te gustara! Adoro The Hobbit a morir "

Gracias Savery! Es un mundo increíble y adorable sin duda <3


Donna Craig Great review. I have a hard time reading Tolkien. I can’t connect! Anyhow, I did finish this one after stalling out three times. I finally succeeded by racing to finish it with my teen son. 🤓


message 18: by Tina (new)

Tina I've seen the movies and enjoyed them but never read the books! I didn't realize the movies had a lot more things added in. One day perhaps I'll get to these books....a fabulous review Fedo 🤩


message 19: by Federico (last edited Oct 16, 2023 07:36AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Donna wrote: "Great review. I have a hard time reading Tolkien. I can’t connect! Anyhow, I did finish this one after stalling out three times. I finally succeeded by racing to finish it with my teen son. 🤓"

Aw that's lovely! Did you win the race? LOL. In your case I think the movies would suit you better Donna, even if they are not completely faithful to the book :p


Federico DN Tina wrote: "I've seen the movies and enjoyed them but never read the books! I didn't realize the movies had a lot more things added in. One day perhaps I'll get to these books....a fabulous review Fedo 🤩"

Thank you Tina! If you have already watched the movies I bet the book will feel like a very concise summary lol.


message 21: by Mimi (new) - rated it 4 stars

Mimi Beautiful review, Federico :) You brought back many nice memories for me (of the book, NOT the movies! As much as I loved the LOTR movies, squeezing three 3 hour movies out of a single children's book was definitely not the way to go lol).


Federico DN Mimi wrote: "Beautiful review, Federico :) You brought back many nice memories for me (of the book, NOT the movies! As much as I loved the LOTR movies, squeezing three 3 hour movies out of a single children's b..."

Thank you Mimi! Glad you loved it too! And the movies... sigh. Oh well, at least we'll always have Paris LOTR <3


Alexandra Oh, what a lovely review, Federico! It brings back memories. I think I was 9 or 10 when I read The Hobbit for the first time. I was at home with a bad cold, and my mom borrowed the book from a colleague and gave it to me :)))) I finished the book in one or two days and it floored me. Awww.


Regina the Constant Reader Great review!! I read The Hobbit when I was 15. My cousin John insisted I read it. It’s one of those books that stays with you for a lifetime. I really need to reread at some point.


message 25: by Federico (last edited Oct 16, 2023 10:02AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Alexandra wrote: "Oh, what a lovely review, Federico! It brings back memories. I think I was 9 or 10 when I read The Hobbit for the first time. I was at home with a bad cold, and my mom borrowed the book from a coll..."

Awww that's an adorable memory Alexandra! Glad mommy and The Hobbit nursed you back to health. And I like to think a bit of snot went back with the book when she returned it. A precious memento of that beautiful first encounter with Tolklen <3<3<3


Federico DN Regina the Constant Reader wrote: "Great review!! I read The Hobbit when I was 15. My cousin John insisted I read it. It’s one of those books that stays with you for a lifetime. I really need to reread at some point."

Thank you Regina! Glad you loved it too! Truly one of those books you never forget <3, especially if you read it before watching the movies.


message 27: by Nora (new) - rated it 5 stars

Nora Currie Wonderful review and I’m so happy you enjoyed it too!


message 28: by Jan (new) - rated it 3 stars

Jan I wanted to like this book more, truly I did. I gave it 3 stars but wanted to give it 2 but then you Tolkienites would have got on my ass lol
Happy you enjoy, Federico!


Federico DN Nora wrote: "Wonderful review and I’m so happy you enjoyed it too!"

Thank you Nora! Happy to see you did too :D


Federico DN Jan wrote: "I wanted to like this book more, truly I did. I gave it 3 stars but wanted to give it 2 but then you Tolkienites would have got on my ass lol. Happy you enjoy, Federico!"

Thank you Jan! Ah peer pressure can be a pain sometimes lol! But I totally support your 2 stars. Never mind crazed Tolkienites, the block button is just one click away xD.


Rena✫ Buena reseña! uno de mis libros favoritos


Federico DN Rena wrote: "Buena reseña! uno de mis libros favoritos"

Merece ese lugar <3


message 33: by Debbie Y (new)

Debbie Y Fabulous review, Federico. I’ve read this so many years ago but remember vividly how much I enjoyed it. I also remember vividly not surviving the movie and passing out :) TLOTR, now, that’s a different story!


Federico DN Debbie Y wrote: "Fabulous review, Federico. I’ve read this so many years ago but remember vividly how much I enjoyed it. I also remember vividly not surviving the movie and passing out :) TLOTR, now, that’s a diffe..."

Thank you Debbie! Glad to hear you loved it too! Absolutely LOTR is another thing entirely <3


message 35: by Rosh (new)

Rosh Oh wow, our opinion about the movies definitely matches, Feddie! I can watch the LOTR Extended trilogy any number of times, but for the Hobbit trilogy, once was enough.
No comments about the book as I haven't read it. Need to rectify that after reading your thoughts!!


message 36: by P.B. (new)

P.B. Flower Reading the book might be faster than watching the movie - That is an interesting thought. I will have to take your word for it. I haven't read this one.
Great review, Federico.


message 37: by Federico (last edited Oct 16, 2023 02:37PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Rosh wrote: "Oh wow, our opinion about the movies definitely matches, Feddie! I can watch the LOTR Extended trilogy any number of times, but for the Hobbit trilogy, once was enough.
No comments about the book ..."


Oh yes absolutely Rosh! No comparison to the LOTR movies <3. The Hobbit is like a much lighter version, a lot shorter, easier to read and more closer to a children's novel; so I'm positive kiddo Roshie will enjoy it ;)


message 38: by Federico (last edited Oct 16, 2023 02:43PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN P.B. wrote: "Reading the book might be faster than watching the movie - That is an interesting thought. I will have to take your word for it. I haven't read this one.
Great review, Federico."


LOL. You don't even have to take my word for it. All knowing Google says reading The Hobbit takes an average of 6 hrs 27 mins, while watching the trilogy movies, 8 hours, and even more if you watch the extended editions xD. Thank you PB!


Melcat Frederico, there's actually a widely renowned fan edit of The Hobbit movies known as the Tolkien Edit (you can easily find it). This edit combines the three movies into one, removing all the unnecessary elements and making it a thousand times better. Trust me on this, you can visit the page to see all the details of what's been changed. It's a fascinating edit, and you can download the improved movie. I can't recommend it enough. Seriously, trust me on this one !


Murray 💫💫💫


message 41: by Federico (last edited Oct 16, 2023 03:08PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Melcat wrote: "Frederico, there's actually a widely renowned fan edit of The Hobbit movies known as the Tolkien Edit (you can easily find it). This edit combines the three movies into one, removing all the unnece..."

Sorry Melcat you are on my untrustworthy list, no dice. No seriously thank you for the rec :) ! Added it to my watchlist and will duly watch it during my break from GR. But they better have removed all the singing while cleaning the dishes or I'm throwing a tantrum lol.


Federico DN Murray wrote: "💫💫💫"

Right!


Melcat Federico wrote: "Melcat wrote: "Frederico, there's actually a widely renowned fan edit of The Hobbit movies known as the Tolkien Edit (you can easily find it). This edit combines the three movies into one, removing..."

all the foolishness it removed :) that's what I love the most about this ! we added this version to our LOTR marathon each year and I will never watch the originals again (can't wait until you see it and you can take me out of the untrustworthy list :D)


message 44: by Esta (new) - added it

Esta Yes! You're having so much fun with this series and I love it. I must admit I've only watched the Hobbit movies, but you've inspired me to read it, especially if it's not as long to get through. Wonderful review Federico. 🧝‍♀️


Federico DN Melcat wrote: "all the foolishness it removed :) that's what I love the most about this ! we added this version to our LOTR marathon each year and I will never watch the originals again (can't wait until you see it and you can take me out of the untrustworthy list :D..."

Will remove you from the list, update the review and let Rosh know because she also hates the movies lol xD


Federico DN Esta wrote: "Yes! You're having so much fun with this series and I love it. I must admit I've only watched the Hobbit movies, but you've inspired me to read it, especially if it's not as long to get through. Wo..."

Thank you Esta! Oh yeah it's very quick and easy to read compared to LOTR, barely half of one the trilogy books. Tolkien tends to get over descriptive sometimes but it's still good lol. Hope you enjoy it :) !


Laura L. Van Dam Que bueno que te gustó, Fede. Es un libro hermoso


Federico DN Laura wrote: "Que bueno que te gustó, Fede. Es un libro hermoso "

De los mejores <3. Gracias Laura! Me alegra que a vos también :)


Donna Craig Federico: actually, my son finished the book first! In my defense, I had a dime store paperback, and he had a copy with beautiful illustrations.
The movies were pretty good, but not favorites.


Marquise That rating is missing one star, Fede! :P Lovely review, my friend, so glad you enjoyed this.


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