Chandler

Read as an audiobook by Andy Serkis (highly recommend)

A fantastic start to Tolkien's vast fantasy world. It very much reads like a bedtime story filled with excitement and wonders. The only reason it isn't a 5 star book for me is because I want more depth and more explanation, but I understand that this is not where Tolkien dives into more complicated matters.
Great book and looking forward to his other works!

Summary:
Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit of high regard, lives comfortably in his hobbit-hole when he is introduced to the old wizard Gandalf. Gandalf approaches him with the prospect of adventure, which he refuses, and then is subsequently almost forced into the services of a troupe of dwarves that aim to reclaim their kingdom under The Lonely Mountain. They embark on a journey, which takes them through Rivendell; through the home of a shape-changer, Beorn; through the goblin infested caves, where Bilbo Mets Gollum and finds a ring of power; through the dark forest called Mirkwood and then ultimately to the Lonely Mountain. Bilbo enters the mountain as a bugler and meets the treasure guardian and current resident of the great hall, Smaug. Smaug is defeated by Bard. Bilbo is adventurous and becomes a voice of warning and wit and is trusted as a leader with the dwarves. He finds the treasured Heart of the Mountain and pockets it. When Thorin Oakenshield begins to develop a jealousy for all gold and treasure, Bilbo appeals to the king's enemies. The mountain and it's riches are desired by many, and different enemies come to war to lay claim. Goblins appear to get vengeance for their fallen king. The armies of the Elfking, the humans of Laketown, and the dwarves attack together. Many are killed including Thorin, Fili, and Kili. Thorin's cousin becomes King Under the Mountain.
Bilbo is rewarded a share of the treasure and journeys back home with Sting, his riches, his mithril shirt, and his precious ring of power.

I appreciate the notes of feminism and larger lessons learned that Dunham mentions, however, the majority of what was said honestly felt like mindless drivel. Just not my type of book, and I don't know who Lena Dunham is and don't have any connections to her, so this book just fell flat for me.

Listened to the audiobook

A short, quaint book. Although a middle reader book, the writing style gives the impression of a bygone era and, especially through the experiences of the Tucks, a timeless quality that you long for. The book's ending and main message is an interesting one. I have always wanted to be young forever and never die, not necessarily because I am afraid of death, but rather, I believe we experience so little in this life and I would love to experience more. I suppose the author is trying to say that we can experience more and live life to the fullest, if only we but live our one life. I don't know if I believe that, however it is an interesting viewpoint.

That being said, the book was well written. The ending was an interesting way to end the book as the Tucks live on and Winnie does not choose to drink of the water. A fun, quick read of a book that inspired a great movie adaptation.

Quotes:

“Don't be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. You don't have to live forever, you just have to live.”

Boring. Nothing really happens except a whiny stuck-up girl complains how the world doesn't treat her the same and doesn't realize until the last sentence that she has changed. I kept reading expecting something to happen, and while the author raises some questions about what it means to be human in this futuristic novel, I don't have any desire to continue with the series.

I loved how even though there were many hardships in this family's life, there were also times of happiness and joy. I loved that the kids stuck together against the hardships of life and their parents.