My sister was having a clear out, I gave her a hand and ended up with books! I've read this before. Here is my review of an illustrated edition:

When I first read this I was in my early teens, my dad had told me it was good so I gave it ago. I remember finding it really boring, which is why I originally gave it one star on Goodreads. However after being given this beautiful edition of the book, I thought I would give it another go and I'm glad I did because this time around, I loved it :)

I've watched the first two Hobbit films. Hated the first one but loved the second one and I can't believe how much they stretched the book out! We were stuck with the dwarves in the Hobbit hole for almost an hour on screen, it's only 30 pages in the book!

The films aside, I'm not sure why I didn't like this the first time round. It's the kind of book that sucks you in and takes you on an adventure. The bit with the spiders was my favourite in the entire book. The illustrations are lovely, my only complaint is there could have been more of them! this would be a great book to read to a young child at bedtime in instalments. And is a magical book for adults.

I haven't been to Frimley Lodge in years. I googled it to check for directions and what was there. I was so excited when I saw it had a Little Free Library! Being a Bookcrosser, I always end up with loads of books that I need to shift and this is a perfect way to do it. And I managed to be good and only walk away from the Library with one book 'Let Me Off At The Top! - Ron Burgundy'. I hope you enjoy the book and welcome to Bookcrossing! :)

Thank you, Redfox for releasing this to the wild. This book has delighted me since I first read it when I was about 10 and I enjoy reading it every few years. It will be fun to read to say a nephew or my own child one day due to the narrative style, and the fantastic story.

My favourite section is the chapter on Riddles in the Dark. What has happened to Riddling these days? I also enjoyed the clever way Gandalf introduces the Dwarves/Dwarfs to Beorn. The way that Bilbo selflessly tries to avoid a conflict by giving the Arkenstone as a bargaining piece also makes a nice example.

Tolkein developed a rich epic fantasy background and both this book and The Lord of the Rings draw on that 'history'. I suspect that the Hobbit movie, drew on some of that. The Silmarilion covers a lot of the background in a broad sweep. The Children of Hurin is a good read also, but that is a tragic story more suited to older children in my opinion.

This is my first travel book. What Fun! I will probably drop this to St Peters church, Frimley where they are starting an informal book library.

I found this book in a caravan and camping site in Washington, West Sussex, England, on Day 5 of my 100 mile South Downs Way solo hike from Winchester to Eastbourne.

I wanted to go on an adventure, so I packed a tent, a map, some provisions, and started my journey. This is the first time I'm doing such an activity on my own; what's the worse that could happen? By Day 3, I had faced rain, wind, mud in the winter cold, and really felt like going home. Finding food, water, and a placed to pitch my tent before sundown everyday was a struggle. Every part of my body hurt. Hiking through the rolling hills of south England, I was constantly reminded of the heroic journeys in Lord of the Rings. It felt like I had the One Ring in my bag pack, as it was getting heavier by the day!

It must've been fate that I found this book! By the glowing orange light of a heater, I read a few chapters, and instantly connected with Bilbo's situation! He faced the elements as I did, being wet, cold and hungry, doubting his decision to go on an unexpected spontaneous adventure. A part of him wanted adventure, but another part of him wanted to stay home in his Hobbit hole waiting for his kettle to sing. Someone else understood my feelings; it was the most suitable book for me to stumble upon :)

Even though it'll add some weight to my bag pack, I'm taking this book to read for the rest of my journey, then I'll release it somewhere suitable. This is the first time I've heard of Book Crossing, and I love the idea of travelling books! Thanks redfox5 for releasing the book, everyone else for helping the book travel to me, in my time of need :)

Released into the library of the YHA South Downs (Youth Hostel).