The Hobbit

[naomi24]

The first of three films is due to be screened in December. It’s years since I read the book – but I’m thinking of refreshing my memory before seeing the movie. Will anyone else re-read it?

[bibblebub]

I downloaded the e-book last year with that intention but have only bothered with a few pages in the 18 months since. I just find the computer/internet more interesting than reading but, perhaps, I might give it another go during the next couple of months.

[andrew1707]

Re-read it a few month ago...in nightly instalments to the kids at bed time.

[Kiki-frog]

Yes, I will. I re-read the LOTR books for the same reason, and it was great rediscovering just how good they are.

[alidoc]

I'll probably reread it after seeing the film then start grousing because they havn't been true to the book. However I was very impressed by the adaptation of LOTR as it was pretty true, they also left out Tom Bombadill, I always skip that part when reading LOTR, was JRRT high on mescaline when he wrote that chapter?

[naomi24]

I'd forgotten about Tom Bombadil. Some information on his origins here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Bombadil

[zebo]

Noooooooooooooo! I tried to read it in the early '70s and found it dreadful, I never even tried LOTR, I did watch the first film for 30 minutes before I had to switch off. In NZ, it puzzled me to see LOTR 4 etc on tourist maps, they thought I was barmy when I had to ask what it meant.

[bensmum]

I was upset that they left the Bombadil part out of LOTR, it's one of my favourite parts of the book (good job we're all different :D ). In reply to your question Naomi I won't re-read the Hobbit. I was never that keen on that book although I remember reading it to my boys when they were young and they loved it. I'm sure the films will be excellent though.

[ludwig]

This was the first 'proper' book I read as a kid. I've often thought about re-reading it, and may do so in advance of the film.

[chelle7272]

Yes I will re-read it first. I regularly re-read LOTR, but haven't read The Hobbit for a few years. Quite excited aboyt the film, the adaptation of LOTR was extremely good

[naomi24]

I don't think I could tackle Lord of the Rings again - the book I mean.

[mccfluff]

thanks for reminding me!

[chelle7272]

It can be difficult through the first half of the first book, after so many reads I think it's ok to skip a few of the parts with less action :)

[naomi24]

I found myself having to go back all the time to remind myself who everyone was and which culture they belonged to. So many characters with odd names. It took me a whole year to read it (although I always have several books on the go at the same time) - and I really missed it when I finally finished. I think it became part of my life! :o)

[divegirl]

I'll be re-reading it.
I have to admit to reading TLOTR about 8 times now, it's one of those books that I lose myself in but have only read The Hobbit once. I need to buy a new copy though as mine has gone walkabouts!

Lisa x

[Ellipsis]

I've read The Hobbit several times before, including out loud to my kids only a few years ago. I don't think I'll need to read it again before the film.

The question is whether reading the book in advance will help to get more out of the film, or will lessen it. I think if you read the book a while ago and have a vague idea of what's going on then, either way, you should be OK.

I'm really looking forward to the film, but I'm surprised it's another three-parter released over several years. In comparison to LOTR, The Hobbit wasn't that complicated a story. I hope they're going to make lots of "episodes" that, on the DVD (or, by then, cloud) release, will be watchable as 10-20 minute chunks for bedtime viewing. The Hobbit is a story for kids, after all.

[naomi24]

I'm surprised it's a three-parter too. It's not a long book.

[Graham-W]

One of the best parodies I have ever read was "Bored of the Rings" by Harvard Lampoon.
The more you remember the original, the funnier it is.
http://www.amazon.co....ns-Lord/dp/0575073624

[ludwig]

// I'm surprised it's a three-parter too. It's not a long book. //

Me too. Lord of the rings, fair enough, but the Hobbit?
It's all about maximising the revenue of course.

[EvenstarCrystal]

Also read the last part of The Silmarillion - I think PJ has merged the two