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Recent Reading: The Hobbit

We read this selection for our latest Book Club gathering, at which Keith led the discussion, which was so much fun for me to watch, because he loves the book more than I do. Prior to the Book Club meeting, I was certain that Keith was going to ask us to name all thirteen dwarves, so I diligently practiced and memorized them (probably can't name Snow White's dwarves, but I can Bilbo's, even though Keith didn't ask). Here they are with no cheating: Thorin, Balin, Dwalin, Kili, Fili, Bombur, Bifur, Bofur, Oin, Gloin, Nori, Dori, and Ori.

I was also almost certain that he would try to lead the discussion in some Elvish language but was spared having to practice that.

I enjoy the fantasy, the adventure, the danger, the dragon, the treasure, the tiny hero, and even the touches of humor. But with this reading, I began to think that Bilbo's party should have lost a dwarf or two on its way to the Lonely Mountain. Surely a greater sense of real danger would heighten my reading of the book, right? Just a thought. And I am a little concerned about Tolkien's recurring device of using the eagles to save everyone's hides. But other than those little things, the book continues to capture my attention and make me dream of dragons and brave heroes and magical adventures.