The Hobbit, or There and Back Again

by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again cover
Good Books rating 3.31
Technical:
  • ID: 1368
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-05
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Goodreads · Fino · 2025-10-05
boring 0.00

The reviewer finds Tolkien's writing dry and impersonal, making the book one of the most boring they've read. They criticize the lack of engaging storytelling.

Fino's review is quite critical of 'The Hobbit,' highlighting that they found Tolkien's writing style dry and impersonal. They feel it lacks the engaging narrative that typically draws readers in. The reviewer's disappointment is clear, as they consider this one of the most boring books they've encountered. However, they do acknowledge that the book is a classic and has its own unique charm, but it didn't resonate with them personally.

Quick quotes

    The Hobbit is still one of the most boring books I have ever read.

    Tolkien's writing seems so dry and impersonal.

    I can't get into it at all.

ReadingBug2016 · 2018-12-13
enjoyable 4.00

The book is packed with adventure and has a darker resolution than expected. Tolkien manages to fit a lot into a short book.

The reviewer highlights that The Hobbit is an epic journey filled with wonderful adventures. They appreciate how Tolkien manages to pack so much into a relatively short book. The final resolution is noted to be darker than one might expect, adding a layer of depth to the story. They enjoyed the narrative's ability to surprise and engage readers with its unexpected turns.

Quick quotes

    It is an epic journey, full of wonderful adventures.

    Tolkien packs a lot into a short book.

    The final resolution is darker than one expects.

Coots Reviews · 2013-09-03
significant 4.50

The book carries a heavy weight of associations and the passage of time. It is a substantial work both physically and thematically.

The reviewer describes The Hobbit as a substantial book, not just in its physical form but also in the weight of its associations and the sediment of time it carries. They suggest that the book has a depth that goes beyond its page count, making it a significant piece of literature. The reviewer seems to appreciate the book's enduring impact and the way it has stood the test of time.

Quick quotes

    It is a substantial book, heavy, not only with its inherent mass, but for the weight of associations, the sediment of time.

    The Hobbit is an epic journey in one small, unassuming book.

    It's often hard to judge a book by its page count, but this one seems like it's bigger on the inside.

Lisa's Literary Life · 2013-01-14
captivating 4.75

The book captures attention with its fantastical characters and settings. It is a captivating fantasy adventure.

The reviewer finds The Hobbit to be a captivating fantasy filled with fantastical characters and settings. They appreciate Tolkien's ability to create a world that can capture the attention of readers. The adventure is described as engaging and immersive, making it a memorable read. The reviewer seems to enjoy the book's ability to transport readers into a different world.

Quick quotes

    Tolkien creates a captivating fantasy ripe with fantastical characters, settings, and adventure.

    It has the ability to capture the attentions of readers.

    The adventure is engaging and immersive.

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