Getting in touch with the "Tookish" side in me

Every once in a while, when you are least expecting it, you stumble upon a book that inadvertently captures you in ways that you can't imagine.  That was the case for me and The Hobbit.  It has been a while since I last posted anything here and as can be expected in such a prolonged absence, I am about five books behind in terms of blog entries.  I know I should really set out in catching up with those entries first but I just finished The Hobbit and I haven't been this excited about a book for a while now.

Simply put, this book took over my imagination and awakened in me a sense of adventure.  I actually lament over the fact that it is only now that I read it.  The book was written by Tolkien for his own children and was the predecessor for the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  Considered a classic in children's literature, I can attest that this can still be enjoyed by all ages.  I was actually postponing the reading of this book.  Although I have read my share of fantasy fiction, I know that there are books that can be quite daunting.  My own experience with the Lord of the Rings is a proof of that.  The only reason that I started it was because we watched the Fellowship of the Rings last Sunday and after finishing "Falling Man" yesterday, I decided I might as well re-explore the world of Tolkien's Middle-Earth.  And boy, what an experience it was.

I was so immersed in this other world made up of elves, dwarves, trolls, orcs and I found myself rooting for Bilbo and his company.  The experience was amazing.  After finishing the book, I was reluctant to let go and there were moments that I even considered re-reading the Lord of the Rings Trilogy but of course this will have to wait given the number of books that I have on my plate right now.  I have to content myself in re-watching the trilogy and rooting for the movie adaptation of this book to be finally made.

I am humbled by this book and the only fitting tribute that I can give it is that I will give my nephews and the other children in my future a copy of the book when they reach the age of twelve.  Hopefully, it fires up their imagination and sense of wonderment as it did mine and instills in them a sense of adventure and boundless opportunities.