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Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life's Unexpected Journeys
Millions of fans worldwide have been attracted to the Hobbit for its unique combination of high adventure and profound truths. Tapping the excitement around the highly-anticipated second installment of the Hobbit movie trilogy (in theatres December 2013), Tolkien-scholar, Devin Brown, now presents a fast-paced and easy-to-follow presentation of timeless spiritual messages to help navigate your spiritual journey. Peppered with illustrations throughout, Hobbit Lessons offers troll-sized portions of relevance and regular nuggets of good Hobbit sense. The result is a collection of tangible bites of wisdom that are not only deeply moving but also great fun. These lessons on joy, friendship, dedication, sacrifice, and more will appeal to Hobbit fans, parents, teachers, librarians, youth pastors, graduates—and anyone looking for a creative way to explore timeless life lessons and important values of faith. Chapter titles include: When Adventure Comes Knocking, Let It In (Despite the Fact It May Make You Late for Dinner) Live Courageously (Even if—Especially if—Part of You Says Not To) Be Fond of Waistcoats, Second Breakfasts, Pocket Handkerchiefs, and Four O’Clock Tea (But Don’t Let Them Become Too Precious) Have your Friends’ Backs (Someone Has Yours) Beware—Not All That Glitters Is Gold (And Even Gold Is Not the Treasure You Think) Remember—Not All That Is Gold Glitters (In Fact, Life’s Real Treasures Are Quite Ordinary Looking) Recognize You Are Only a Little Fellow in a Wide World (But Still an Important Part of a Larger Story) Find the Enchantment All Around You (Even if You Are Not a Wizard)
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
About the author
Devin Brown
38 books40 followersDevin Brown (PhD, University of South Carolina) is a Lilly scholar and professor of English at Asbury University. A C. S. Lewis aficionado, Brown has written, taught, and lectured on Lewis extensively for more than ten years. He has written a number of books related to Lewis, including Inside Narnia and Inside Prince Caspian, and lives in Kentucky. In 2008 Brown was invited to serve as scholar-in-residence at the Kilns, Lewis's home in Oxford.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
November 26, 2018
Книжка підсумовує весь той позитив, якому нас учать Гоббіти. Дуже приємна книжка, особливо, якщо вам хочеться внести більше добра у своє життя.
December 13, 2014
Everything that has to do with Tolkien is exceptional from the start. i liked the way obvious things are written simply and they lie there to find them. it made me start thinking that i have to read Hobbit and Lotr again for 20th time.
May 22, 2014
A gem of book because life is a adventure and to take lessons from a hobbit, you can't go wrong.
Lesson #1 - Adventure...do we look at life as an adventure. How do we react when our life is interrupted? When more is required of us? Is our world bounded by predictability? We can learn from Bilbo in embracing life as a adventure.
Lesson #2 - Friendship...with friendship it takes great loyalty not so much courage to have a friend's back in all circumstances. Friendships are tested during a crisis when our roles change and responsibilities are not clear. Do we cross the line with truth or let friends live a lie. When truth is needed in friendships, it may not be appreciated or understood but that is how true friendship works. Anything else is just a acquaintance. Bilbo's lesson was the burden of the ring and how it affected his relationship. He could not see the truth.
Lesson #3- when things become to precious. In this lesson, we all have our weak spots. We have our precious. It is only when leaders have been unselfish, good things take place. When leaders have been selfish, desolation only continues. This lesson is central to Middle Earth and it is also central in our world as well. Our desires is the key to our heart and where our treasure is. Salvation and the Kingdom of God is about a heart change and not a behaviour change. It is only with a heart change along with our desires, can our behaviour change. The heart change allows us freedom to love and to give to others. Our worldy greed always always and I say always betrays us. "And if we let our possessions become to important, if we let them become too precious, they will eventually come to possess us and bring about our downfall. (page 81)
Lesson #4- Our real treasure is in the simple things...This happens when all things, all people, are put in their proper place and they do not dominate our lives. We are to have the attitude that we are to enjoy the gifts that God has given us but also be able to give them up when a greater need arises. Our worldly treasures can be stolen, they always need constant guarding, constant care and is always a burden in the end. It always leads us to a life of isolation. Simplicity is best and it really needs to start in the church.
Lesson #5-The reality is we are very little in this world but because we have a big God, we are part of larger story-REDEMPTION. ...Redemption is not pretty, it is not neat, it is messy. Our life is not a commercial, where we are all basically good, we all have major heart problems and there is real danger and sorrow for each of us. It is the tough times that make us tougher, dangerous situations help us learn how to act courageously, and problems help us learn how to become more resourceful. (page 109)
Hobbits Lessons are lessons in life that is put into perspective.
Thank you goodreads for the giveaway. I truly enjoyed this one.
Lesson #1 - Adventure...do we look at life as an adventure. How do we react when our life is interrupted? When more is required of us? Is our world bounded by predictability? We can learn from Bilbo in embracing life as a adventure.
Lesson #2 - Friendship...with friendship it takes great loyalty not so much courage to have a friend's back in all circumstances. Friendships are tested during a crisis when our roles change and responsibilities are not clear. Do we cross the line with truth or let friends live a lie. When truth is needed in friendships, it may not be appreciated or understood but that is how true friendship works. Anything else is just a acquaintance. Bilbo's lesson was the burden of the ring and how it affected his relationship. He could not see the truth.
Lesson #3- when things become to precious. In this lesson, we all have our weak spots. We have our precious. It is only when leaders have been unselfish, good things take place. When leaders have been selfish, desolation only continues. This lesson is central to Middle Earth and it is also central in our world as well. Our desires is the key to our heart and where our treasure is. Salvation and the Kingdom of God is about a heart change and not a behaviour change. It is only with a heart change along with our desires, can our behaviour change. The heart change allows us freedom to love and to give to others. Our worldy greed always always and I say always betrays us. "And if we let our possessions become to important, if we let them become too precious, they will eventually come to possess us and bring about our downfall. (page 81)
Lesson #4- Our real treasure is in the simple things...This happens when all things, all people, are put in their proper place and they do not dominate our lives. We are to have the attitude that we are to enjoy the gifts that God has given us but also be able to give them up when a greater need arises. Our worldly treasures can be stolen, they always need constant guarding, constant care and is always a burden in the end. It always leads us to a life of isolation. Simplicity is best and it really needs to start in the church.
Lesson #5-The reality is we are very little in this world but because we have a big God, we are part of larger story-REDEMPTION. ...Redemption is not pretty, it is not neat, it is messy. Our life is not a commercial, where we are all basically good, we all have major heart problems and there is real danger and sorrow for each of us. It is the tough times that make us tougher, dangerous situations help us learn how to act courageously, and problems help us learn how to become more resourceful. (page 109)
Hobbits Lessons are lessons in life that is put into perspective.
Thank you goodreads for the giveaway. I truly enjoyed this one.
January 12, 2014
There is a lot of hidden wisdom in Tolkien's writings, seldom explicit (he hated allegory) but usually simple and always profound. His stories are famous for being "Catholic" without being religious, per se. The worlds and plots he crafted are simply soaked in his worldview; they grew out of it organically. This is a good thing.
"Hobbit Lessons" attempts to mine and condense Tolkien's wisdom found in The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings. Unfortunately, most of the insights and lessons seemed strained, forced and trite--even banal at times. I felt like one could easily extrapolate the same ideas from many other works of fiction with little editing. Obviously, that is impossible to avoid entirely (Solomon was right that there is nothing new under the sun), but this book did so to the point where the insights hardly felt uniquely tied to the source material. In the places where the analysis and application were the strongest, I had encountered them elsewhere. Methinks publishing the book made good business sense due to the concurrent films, but I found it underwhelming.
On the plus side, the sketched illustrations were delightful. I'm not sure whose work they were, but I didn't recognize them from various editions of The Hobbit I've seen, so perhaps they were original to this book.
Overall, there are much better Tolkien companions out there.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley for purposes of review.
"Hobbit Lessons" attempts to mine and condense Tolkien's wisdom found in The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings. Unfortunately, most of the insights and lessons seemed strained, forced and trite--even banal at times. I felt like one could easily extrapolate the same ideas from many other works of fiction with little editing. Obviously, that is impossible to avoid entirely (Solomon was right that there is nothing new under the sun), but this book did so to the point where the insights hardly felt uniquely tied to the source material. In the places where the analysis and application were the strongest, I had encountered them elsewhere. Methinks publishing the book made good business sense due to the concurrent films, but I found it underwhelming.
On the plus side, the sketched illustrations were delightful. I'm not sure whose work they were, but I didn't recognize them from various editions of The Hobbit I've seen, so perhaps they were original to this book.
Overall, there are much better Tolkien companions out there.
A digital copy of this book was provided by the publisher through Netgalley for purposes of review.
June 16, 2018
Meh. As a Tolkien and fantasy fan, I rather wanted to enjoy and like this little book. Alas, that was not to be the case. First of all, I should start by saying that I strongly believe that there's a lot of wisdom to be found in Tolkien's works and the academic in me is ready to argue for analyses upon analyses. Therefore, the fact that this book could be also called "The Hobbit for dummies" is not the reason I did not enjoy it. No, what I did not like was that it felt forced. Everything in it felt forced! Kind of like Coelho's "the Alchemist" or Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie". This, sort of patronizing, voice of an old man who shows unfortunate people, who do not know how to live life happy/to the fullest or whatever, a better way of seeing things really bugs me. Now, it could be me and not the books! Maybe I am thinking too much into it, maybe I'm the one with the unpopular opinion on these popular books, but what can you do. Just not my cup of tea! No offense to anyone who might be reading this and has really enjoyed any of the books I mentioned, but honestly! :-P One 🌟
August 23, 2020
Ευχάριστο βιβλίο αλλά είναι ολόκληρο ένα spoiler για κάποιον που δεν έχει διαβάσει τον Άρχοντα των Δαχτυλιδιών και το Χομπιτ. Ο συγγραφέας αναλύοντας τις περιπέτειες της Μέσης Γης εξάγει κάποιες γενικές αρχές για πως πρέπει να διάγει κανείς την ζωής του και να βρίσκει την θέση του στον κόσμο. Μικρό σε έκταση και στο μέγεθος, αποτελεί ιδανική συντροφιά για δρομολόγιο με ηλεκτρικό από Πειραιά έως Κηφισιά 🙂
July 24, 2016
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost
It was a fine book. Basically it was an analysis of the Hobbit. You can totally skip this and just read the book itself, but this book will give you something extra. Like the deeper meanings behind Tolkien's words. It was enjoyable and you can totally read this at one sit.
Not all those who wander are lost
It was a fine book. Basically it was an analysis of the Hobbit. You can totally skip this and just read the book itself, but this book will give you something extra. Like the deeper meanings behind Tolkien's words. It was enjoyable and you can totally read this at one sit.
December 22, 2021
Εμείς οι φιλόλογοι (και κάμποσοι ακόμα βαρεμένοι) έχουμε το κόλλημα κάθε τι που διαβάζουμε να το αναλύουμε σε επιμέρους νοήματα. Τι θέλει να πει με αυτό; Τι θέλει να πει με εκείνο; Όλη μας η ζωή σας λέω. Βέβαια αυτός είναι και ο απώτερος σκοπός, να διαβάζεις κάτι και να εστιάζεις στο πίσω κείμενο του, στο μήνυμα που υπάρχει σε αυτές τις λέξεις...αλλιώς δώρο άδωρο!
Έτσι και ο αξιαγάπητος, πλέον, Brown αποφάσισε να καταγράψει όλα αυτά τα σημαντικά που θέλησε να μας μεταφέρει ο ένας και μοναδικός Τολκιν.
Θυμάμαι ήμουν ακόμα 1ο έτος όταν η αγαπημένη μου γλωσσολόγος κα. Καμπάκη μας είπε πως ο Τόλκιν ήταν ένα τεράστιο μυαλό που απασχολεί μέχρι και σήμερα τους επιστήμονες της φιλολογίας για το έργο που άφησε. Ο άνθρωπος αυτός δημιούργησε κόσμους και χάρτες από το μηδέν, έφτιαξε δικιά του γλώσσα, με γραμματική και σύνταξη και δικά του γράμματα για την γλώσσα των ξωτικών. Έχουμε ακόμα και λεξιλόγιο των Ορκ. Τι να πει κανείς γι' αυτό το μυαλό; Όμως ο Τόλκιν δεν αρκέστηκε μονάχα σε αυτό, αποφάσισε πως τα βιβλία του θα πρέπει να αφήσουν προίκα για έναν κόσμο λιγάκι ομορφότερο, λιγάκι πιο φωτεινό, πιο εστιασμένο στα σημαντικά.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο ο Brown παραθέτει τον χάρτη της ζωής που άφησε για μας ο Τόλκιν. Μας έμαθε πως η ζωή είναι μια περιπέτεια και πως δεν πρέπει να φοβόμαστε να την ζήσουμε. Μας έμαθε να πιστεύουμε στην αξία της φιλίας και του πλούτου της ψυχής και να μην θαμπωνόμαστε από τα κάλπικα που θα βρεθούν μπροστά μας. "Ό,τι λάμπει δεν είναι χρυσός και ό,τι είναι χρυσός δεν λάμπει πάντα". Τέλος, μας έμαθε να αγαπάμε και να εκτιμούμε εμάς, χωρίς όμως να μας υπερεκτιμούμε. Να σεβόμαστε το διαφορετικό γιατί τελικά το παζλ χρειάζεται πολλά και διαφορετικά κομμάτια ώστε να επιτευχθεί το γενικό καλό.
Όταν πριν από 1 χρόνο, περίπου, ήρθαν τα πάνω κάτω στις ζωές μας για κάποιο ανεξήγητο (ευτυχώς) λόγο αποφάσισα να δεχτώ αυτή την "περιπέτεια" ως μια θετική εξέλιξη στη ζωή μου, σαν ένα μάθημα που θα με έκανε καλύτερη και που θα με βοηθούσε να εκτιμήσω καλύτερα αυτά που μέχρι τώρα προσπερνούσα. Οι περιπέτειες της ζωής μάς κάνουν σοφότερους σύμφωνα με τον Τόλκιν, αρκεί να μην επιλέξουμε τη σιγουριά και την ρουτίνα μας...
Έτσι και ο αξιαγάπητος, πλέον, Brown αποφάσισε να καταγράψει όλα αυτά τα σημαντικά που θέλησε να μας μεταφέρει ο ένας και μοναδικός Τολκιν.
Θυμάμαι ήμουν ακόμα 1ο έτος όταν η αγαπημένη μου γλωσσολόγος κα. Καμπάκη μας είπε πως ο Τόλκιν ήταν ένα τεράστιο μυαλό που απασχολεί μέχρι και σήμερα τους επιστήμονες της φιλολογίας για το έργο που άφησε. Ο άνθρωπος αυτός δημιούργησε κόσμους και χάρτες από το μηδέν, έφτιαξε δικιά του γλώσσα, με γραμματική και σύνταξη και δικά του γράμματα για την γλώσσα των ξωτικών. Έχουμε ακόμα και λεξιλόγιο των Ορκ. Τι να πει κανείς γι' αυτό το μυαλό; Όμως ο Τόλκιν δεν αρκέστηκε μονάχα σε αυτό, αποφάσισε πως τα βιβλία του θα πρέπει να αφήσουν προίκα για έναν κόσμο λιγάκι ομορφότερο, λιγάκι πιο φωτεινό, πιο εστιασμένο στα σημαντικά.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο ο Brown παραθέτει τον χάρτη της ζωής που άφησε για μας ο Τόλκιν. Μας έμαθε πως η ζωή είναι μια περιπέτεια και πως δεν πρέπει να φοβόμαστε να την ζήσουμε. Μας έμαθε να πιστεύουμε στην αξία της φιλίας και του πλούτου της ψυχής και να μην θαμπωνόμαστε από τα κάλπικα που θα βρεθούν μπροστά μας. "Ό,τι λάμπει δεν είναι χρυσός και ό,τι είναι χρυσός δεν λάμπει πάντα". Τέλος, μας έμαθε να αγαπάμε και να εκτιμούμε εμάς, χωρίς όμως να μας υπερεκτιμούμε. Να σεβόμαστε το διαφορετικό γιατί τελικά το παζλ χρειάζεται πολλά και διαφορετικά κομμάτια ώστε να επιτευχθεί το γενικό καλό.
Όταν πριν από 1 χρόνο, περίπου, ήρθαν τα πάνω κάτω στις ζωές μας για κάποιο ανεξήγητο (ευτυχώς) λόγο αποφάσισα να δεχτώ αυτή την "περιπέτεια" ως μια θετική εξέλιξη στη ζωή μου, σαν ένα μάθημα που θα με έκανε καλύτερη και που θα με βοηθούσε να εκτιμήσω καλύτερα αυτά που μέχρι τώρα προσπερνούσα. Οι περιπέτειες της ζωής μάς κάνουν σοφότερους σύμφωνα με τον Τόλκιν, αρκεί να μην επιλέξουμε τη σιγουριά και την ρουτίνα μας...
October 22, 2021
This was the first book I’ve read about Middle earth and the adventures taken by Tolkien’s hobbits outside of the LOTR books. I read a chapter a day and went through the questions each thoughtfully normally at the beginning of my day. I love the points taken from Tolkien’s novels and although in my opinion the book could have been much longer and more points could have been made, it does justice to the points presented. I would recommend this book to anyone person on a hobbit high or maybe to be used as a decision guide for a group of friends after enjoying the films together.
July 14, 2023
Review to Follow.
May 3, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads First-Reads
In this book Devin Brown picks out the life lessons that are learned by our favorite hobbit heroes from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Within these pages are stories of hobbit bravery, loyalty, friendship, and much more that fans of all ages- be they new to the books and films or old friends of the classic tales- can learn while facing their own unexpected journeys.
The way this book is set up is really great, it almost felt like reading a professor's lecture. The choice of words and the phrasing of questions to the reader were very engaging and could easily be applied to the reader's own life. Be prepared to think while reading this book.
Quotes! There are an abundance of great quotes from many characters that tie into the lessons and really incorporate the books into this reading.
At the end of each chapter there is a recap on what lesson was taught in that chapter, along with a list of follow up questions to really apply the lessons to the reader's life. This would be an amazing tool in a classroom or for parents as a fun activity to do with their kids.
That being said, I did find a few very minute spelling and grammar errors, though I didn't find that it hindered my reading experience at all. And the only other critique I have is that there seemed to be a lot of repetition (in quotes, in explanations, in questions to the reader). In a way this helped to bring out the lecture vibe to the read, because your teacher is going to want to make sure the point of the lesson is reaching you. I wouldn't necessarily call this a negative, just something not to my personal liking.
If you're a fan of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, have children, are in school, or just about to take an unexpected journey to another chapter in your life, this book is definitely worth a read.
In this book Devin Brown picks out the life lessons that are learned by our favorite hobbit heroes from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Within these pages are stories of hobbit bravery, loyalty, friendship, and much more that fans of all ages- be they new to the books and films or old friends of the classic tales- can learn while facing their own unexpected journeys.
The way this book is set up is really great, it almost felt like reading a professor's lecture. The choice of words and the phrasing of questions to the reader were very engaging and could easily be applied to the reader's own life. Be prepared to think while reading this book.
Quotes! There are an abundance of great quotes from many characters that tie into the lessons and really incorporate the books into this reading.
At the end of each chapter there is a recap on what lesson was taught in that chapter, along with a list of follow up questions to really apply the lessons to the reader's life. This would be an amazing tool in a classroom or for parents as a fun activity to do with their kids.
That being said, I did find a few very minute spelling and grammar errors, though I didn't find that it hindered my reading experience at all. And the only other critique I have is that there seemed to be a lot of repetition (in quotes, in explanations, in questions to the reader). In a way this helped to bring out the lecture vibe to the read, because your teacher is going to want to make sure the point of the lesson is reaching you. I wouldn't necessarily call this a negative, just something not to my personal liking.
If you're a fan of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, have children, are in school, or just about to take an unexpected journey to another chapter in your life, this book is definitely worth a read.
January 20, 2015
A very easy to read summary of The Hobbit and some basic lessons we can learn from that story. I liked the simple format and it was a good refresher on the basic truths found in the story. Would be a great format for a Hobbit Study. :-) Doesn't take long to read! Don't expect really deep, deep thought-provoking insights, but it was worth the read!
November 4, 2021
Hobbit Lessons is a book of insights and reminders from The Hobbit and the LOTR trilogy, applied to our own life's adventures. I loved the reminders of the stories, and think often of the difference between a vacation and an adventure. As a backpacker and international traveler who has had many life-shaking, grief-ridden, "Can I survive this?" unintended adventures right here at home, I am quick to say, "Don't ever plan a vacation, but see each trip as an adventure, and you won't be disappointed!"
This book has the life-lesson reminders I need to hear again and again. Time for me to take another adventure with Frodo and Bilbo!
This book has the life-lesson reminders I need to hear again and again. Time for me to take another adventure with Frodo and Bilbo!
June 22, 2017
It's not what I expected. It's more of a self-help book with a Christian focus than the handy source of ideas for teaching 'The Hobbit'. I know these books serve an excellent purpose for some readers but for me, it's just not my thing. Fortunately, it didn't take long to read so no harm done. 'The road goes ever on and on...'
November 4, 2019
This book reveals the lessons that J.R.R. Tolkien wove into the fabric of his stories; The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Lessons of embracing “adventure”, getting out of ones comfort zone and into the mess of life, the value of friendship and life’s true treasures. There are questions for reflection at the end of each chapter for the reader to ponder.
February 3, 2024
Likely, I’m just too dense to find them on my own, but this book opened up The Hobbit to me in a new way. My first reading of The Hobbit yielded perhaps 3/5 stars. After consulting Brown’s book, The Hobbit easily earns a 5 star rating.
March 21, 2023
Wonderfully meditative chapter book with each chapter based on a wisdom from The Hobbit by T.R.R. Tolkien. Bonus are meditative suggestions at the end of each chapter!
June 27, 2023
A read that has taken me through every major life change in the past 5 years.
September 30, 2023
A lovely, lovely book with deep thoughts and lessons fo take away from it!
February 26, 2014
A compilation of "Hobbit" advice based on Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series, with multiple references to Peter Jackson's movies and movie trilogy of the same names.
To me, this book was a collection of obvious statements and surface scratchings. Having read through the books multiple times (including appendixes and songs / poems, and made it through The Silmarillion, not to mention most of Tolkien's other works, fiction and non), I was rather unsatisfied with the depth of the "lessons" all of which are taken from the main stories with little to no regard to the deeper workings in Middle Earth. This makes the lessons no less true, but gives one the taste of milk when one was expecting meat. (For my fellow fans of High Fantasy: )
Further, when Mr. Brown does show he actually has knowledge of Tolkien beyond a cursory read through tH and LotR (only in the last lesson, by the way), he seems to ignore the fact that Tolkien loathed allegory, and often tries to attribute allegorical significance to things that I believe were just Tolkien's way of writing. (That would be like someone writing a tribute song to me and the music style being Country, I'd either roll over in my grave or rise from it and go on a zombie rampage.) Not very honoring to the writer who's source material you are exploring.
Alright, now that I've gotten the negatives out of my review, the lessons themselves (When Adventure Comes Knocking, Let It In; Have Your Friends' Backs; Be Fond of Waistcoats, Pocket Handkerchiefs, and Even Arkenstones (Just Don't Let Them Become Too Precious); Remember Not All That Is Gold Glitters; Recognize You Are Only a Little Fellow in a Wide World (But Still an Important Part of a Larger Story) are all quite good in and of themselves, but again, seemed a bit obvious to me. If you or someone close to you enjoys the LotR movies, has thought about reading the books, but just hasn't gotten to it, you / they will probably really like this book. If you have a devoted Tolkien fan in your family and friends circle, get them a hard back copy of their most beat up book of the series instead of this book. They'll like it much more. I would also suggest this as a good book for high school grads heading to college or anyone else in a similar state of change; again, that is not a hardcore Tolkien fan. (If you aren't sure if your person fits in the hardcore category, ask them if they liked PJ's Return of the King; if they say yes, than they'll enjoy this book. If they say no and can detail the canonical flaws between book and movie, they are a hardcore fan, go to my earlier advice for a present.)
Content notes: No language issues. No sensuality issues. Though the violence (and deaths) that happen in the book are mentioned, it is not in gory detail and usually only to reinforce a particular lesson. Also note: For anyone thinking to use this book as a devotional, though vague true-isms from the Bible are used, there are little to no Biblical illusions and no references given for particular passages.
May 1, 2014
HOBBIT LESSONS by Devin Brown was a book I was interested in reading but found to be less than I had expected. This book seems more like a cobbled together attempt to cash in on the movie versions of the Hobbit than it is a true scholarly work. Mr. Brown’s lessons about accepting adventures, supporting your friends and remembering what is important and telling it from what is shiny are all well and good, but really, they could be tied to a thousand other books and be as true or invalid as they are here.
I’m not dedicated to the books but I know much about them, the author and the back-story to the series, from WWI through fighting with the publishers, and I find it a bit offensive that someone would so egregiously latch onto a title and try to gain in this manner. Mr. Brown does have the credentials to write a book of this nature but one would have hoped he would not have had to sink so low as to actually do such a thing.
The manner in which the author attempts to have the reader infer Tolkien was attempting to have God as a supreme manipulator to the actions within the stories is just really low and manipulative in a fashion I abhor. What had started as high hopes was soon dashed for me. The life lessons outlined here are all well and good if you survive them but not so hot if your need for adventure gets you maimed or worse. I have many friends who grew up playing army, watching John Wayne WWII movies and the like, only to be confronted with the real thing after enlistment. Be careful what adventure you decided to follow, not everyone comes home.
All that glitters… is and has been a sage saying, but here the author is not adding anything to the argument. Likewise for the rest of the nuggets mined here.
On the other hand I did find the illustrations by Gary Morgan interesting and a new addition to what I had found in the past so there is something positive to be gained here.
I won this book through Goodreads.
I’m not dedicated to the books but I know much about them, the author and the back-story to the series, from WWI through fighting with the publishers, and I find it a bit offensive that someone would so egregiously latch onto a title and try to gain in this manner. Mr. Brown does have the credentials to write a book of this nature but one would have hoped he would not have had to sink so low as to actually do such a thing.
The manner in which the author attempts to have the reader infer Tolkien was attempting to have God as a supreme manipulator to the actions within the stories is just really low and manipulative in a fashion I abhor. What had started as high hopes was soon dashed for me. The life lessons outlined here are all well and good if you survive them but not so hot if your need for adventure gets you maimed or worse. I have many friends who grew up playing army, watching John Wayne WWII movies and the like, only to be confronted with the real thing after enlistment. Be careful what adventure you decided to follow, not everyone comes home.
All that glitters… is and has been a sage saying, but here the author is not adding anything to the argument. Likewise for the rest of the nuggets mined here.
On the other hand I did find the illustrations by Gary Morgan interesting and a new addition to what I had found in the past so there is something positive to be gained here.
I won this book through Goodreads.
December 21, 2013
Life’s real treasures are quite ordinary looking: how true, and how easy to forget. As someone who has just moved from Poland to the US, I appreciate how life’s unexpected journeys can be both a blessing and a challenge. “Maybe you’re leaving for a distant country,” Brown begins in the Prologue. “Maybe you’re undertaking a new challenge.” You bet! Like Bilbo, I have missed more than one dinner and I miss my friends more than Bilbo aches for his brass buttons; at the same time, I also found out that getting out of the rut is liberating. The world can be wonderful if you trust the adventure. It will carry you like the road carried Bilbo.
Hobbit Lessons is not a book about The Hobbit. It’s Brown’s personal reflection on what The Hobbit as well as The Lord of the Rings tell us about life as an adventure and about how to say yes to it. Brown weaves his reflection around six key themes (spread through 5 chapters and the epilogue) and shooting through them is Tolkien’s great message: embrace the unexpected, welcome change, and be generous to others. Although each of the five chapters has its highlights, my particular favorite was “Have your friends’ backs for someone has yours.” Our adventures, Brown says, do not happen by accident and “knowing that someone has been and will always be there managing our adventures—frees us to help others” (57). Yes indeed. Like the work of Tolkien and many other fantasists, Brown’s engaging “margin notes” remind us why we are here and what is really important. A quiet reflective read on hobbits, reading, and what helps us grow.
Hobbit Lessons is not a book about The Hobbit. It’s Brown’s personal reflection on what The Hobbit as well as The Lord of the Rings tell us about life as an adventure and about how to say yes to it. Brown weaves his reflection around six key themes (spread through 5 chapters and the epilogue) and shooting through them is Tolkien’s great message: embrace the unexpected, welcome change, and be generous to others. Although each of the five chapters has its highlights, my particular favorite was “Have your friends’ backs for someone has yours.” Our adventures, Brown says, do not happen by accident and “knowing that someone has been and will always be there managing our adventures—frees us to help others” (57). Yes indeed. Like the work of Tolkien and many other fantasists, Brown’s engaging “margin notes” remind us why we are here and what is really important. A quiet reflective read on hobbits, reading, and what helps us grow.
June 23, 2014
Most of the time when I read through a book I do not look for the similar things in my life and the character's or any "between the lines" ideas the author may have put in the story. I can say the same thing about The Hobbit and The Ring Trilogy. However, I have only seen the movies and not read the books. And that is one thing that makes me really enjoy this book, it has made me want to read the books for myself. Devin Brown has done a great job in relating the story to similar real life situations that we all may over look. As Devin has pointed in the book, we tend to get lost in great stories that are written of others and forget how meaningful and full of action our own lives could be if we acknowledge that we are "a little fellow in a wide world (but still an important part of a larger story)". Sometimes we forget that one person, which can be us, can make the biggest difference when put to the task, we just have to open the door instead of saying no. I really liked chapter 4 of the book, Remember Not All That is Gold Glitters. In that chapter Devin points out how unassuming Aragon appeared to the hobbits, but someting was different. Too many times we judge a book by the cover or choose an item because it sparkles and leave behind the ordinary, not so exciting item or person. In this chapter Devin reminds us to be openminded and look beyond our nose and see the real value of someone or something. The best things for us are not always obvious.
This is a great read for anyone looking for a different perspective on life and/or anyone who loves Middle-Earth.
This is a great read for anyone looking for a different perspective on life and/or anyone who loves Middle-Earth.
May 13, 2015
This is a short book that is a ton of fun to read. With illustrations throughout, the author points out the wisdom of Tolkien's work in a way that is practical, relevant, and very inspiring. Drawing from Tolkien's religious background, he weaves Scripture through his lessons of Hobbit-sized sense and the deeper wisdom of Gandalf and others. I really enjoyed it. It was pleasantly brief, but managed to deepen my understanding of LOTR and The Hobbit in a way that was both significant and practical. Hobbit Lessons is upbeat with a wittiness that seems right at home with the author's goodnatured exploration of the wisdom of Tolkien's world. Because they offer such a good summary of the book itself, here are the titles of the chapters: "When Adventure Comes Knocking, Let It In (Despite The Fact It May Make You Late For Dinner)," "Have Your Friends' Backs (Someone Has Yours),"Be Fond of Waistcoats, Pocket Handkerchiefs, and even Arkenstones (Just Don't Let Them Become Too Precious),"Remember Not All That Is Gold Glitters (In Fact, Life's Real Treasures Are Quite Ordinary Looking)," "Recognize You Are Only a Little Fellow in a Wide World (But Still an Important Part of a Larger Story)," "Find The Enchantment All Around You (Even If You Are Not a Wizard)"
I really enjoyed this book, and if you're a Tolkien fan, but don't want to go super deep into the theology, this is the book for you. It's a lot of fun and very practical for anyone at any stage of life.
Check out my full review of this book and others at my blog: www.thisgirlwritesprose.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed this book, and if you're a Tolkien fan, but don't want to go super deep into the theology, this is the book for you. It's a lot of fun and very practical for anyone at any stage of life.
Check out my full review of this book and others at my blog: www.thisgirlwritesprose.blogspot.com
March 18, 2021
I read The Hobbit ten years ago and I have to confess that I barely remember it. The book, I mean. I remember reading it like it was yesterday. Started it on a family road trip to Oregon and Lake Tahoe; I had a picture of Orlando Bloom as a bookmark.
During the first movie a lot did come back to me, I remember sitting in the theater thinking: "Oh yeah that happens." During the second; not so much. It was more: 'Who's that guy?" or "Huh?"
Thankfully Hobbit Lessons is filled with plenty of reminders. And more than plenty of life lessons. Each one as amazing as the next.
I loved the idea of looking at The Hobbit from a different perspective. I never asked myself: "What can I learn from this?"
Honestly my main question probably was: "How much longer?" At 14 I was more of a chick-lit fan so The Hobbit was quite the leap for me.
But that's true with any book; very few people go into one thinking, or even expecting, to learn something. At least I don't. The most I can get out of a book is a few insightful quotes.
That's why Hobbit Lessons is so great, it tells you what you might not have been looking for. It's also the first book to tell me all these things and not make me want to throw it across the room.
It's the perfect guide for all of life's "unexpected journey."
These are life lessons that you won't soon forget. And it's not just for fans of The Hobbit.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
During the first movie a lot did come back to me, I remember sitting in the theater thinking: "Oh yeah that happens." During the second; not so much. It was more: 'Who's that guy?" or "Huh?"
Thankfully Hobbit Lessons is filled with plenty of reminders. And more than plenty of life lessons. Each one as amazing as the next.
I loved the idea of looking at The Hobbit from a different perspective. I never asked myself: "What can I learn from this?"
Honestly my main question probably was: "How much longer?" At 14 I was more of a chick-lit fan so The Hobbit was quite the leap for me.
But that's true with any book; very few people go into one thinking, or even expecting, to learn something. At least I don't. The most I can get out of a book is a few insightful quotes.
That's why Hobbit Lessons is so great, it tells you what you might not have been looking for. It's also the first book to tell me all these things and not make me want to throw it across the room.
It's the perfect guide for all of life's "unexpected journey."
These are life lessons that you won't soon forget. And it's not just for fans of The Hobbit.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2015
I received a copy of this book via a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I liked Hobbit Lessons but was ultimately disappointed by it. I had hoped for a book that offered up "Oh, The Places You'll Go," going-out-into-the world messages that would be fit for a nice graduation present. The kernels were definitely there, but they were ultimately overshadowed by ham-fisted evangelism.
It felt like each chapter had some sort of "Sunday School lesson" shoehorned into it. I'm not saying that the Christianity was unwarranted (especially not since that's a main theme in Tolkien's oeuvre). It's just that the paragraphs didn't feel cohesive with the rest of the book -- you could have removed them and the book would have worked fine (if not better). They were distracting and truly felt like the author was asked to go back into his book and put "more Christian messages" in it. I realize this was printed by Abingdon Press (a Methodist publisher), but I certainly hope that the offending passages weren't required by them because it definitely took the book from "good" to "just okay" territory for me. Even worse, I won't be recommending the book to anyone because of it. Again, not because the Christian angle was unwarranted but because those passages felt completely removed from the rest of the writing.
Remove the obtrusive passages and you have an absolutely lovely book that shows us that Hobbits and The Hobbit have a lot to teach us about having a fulfilling life.
I liked Hobbit Lessons but was ultimately disappointed by it. I had hoped for a book that offered up "Oh, The Places You'll Go," going-out-into-the world messages that would be fit for a nice graduation present. The kernels were definitely there, but they were ultimately overshadowed by ham-fisted evangelism.
It felt like each chapter had some sort of "Sunday School lesson" shoehorned into it. I'm not saying that the Christianity was unwarranted (especially not since that's a main theme in Tolkien's oeuvre). It's just that the paragraphs didn't feel cohesive with the rest of the book -- you could have removed them and the book would have worked fine (if not better). They were distracting and truly felt like the author was asked to go back into his book and put "more Christian messages" in it. I realize this was printed by Abingdon Press (a Methodist publisher), but I certainly hope that the offending passages weren't required by them because it definitely took the book from "good" to "just okay" territory for me. Even worse, I won't be recommending the book to anyone because of it. Again, not because the Christian angle was unwarranted but because those passages felt completely removed from the rest of the writing.
Remove the obtrusive passages and you have an absolutely lovely book that shows us that Hobbits and The Hobbit have a lot to teach us about having a fulfilling life.
May 5, 2014
I received this book courtesy of Goodreads First Reads. It's a quick read that can be managed in a single sitting. I haven't had much time to read so I broke it up over a few days and found the chapters to be just enough reading for a 15-20 minute burst.
As far as the book itself, I enjoyed the practical approach the author took toward helping the reader with his "hobbit lessons." Much of the writing is referring to common sense principles that we all should have, and yet it seems appropriate and worthwhile for him to reaffirm them. All in all, I think this would be a great book for anyone who loves the hobbit and LOTR series.
I was also expecting the book to have more of a religious aspect to it, and was happy to be mistaken. Although there are a few references to church and Jesus, the book mainly tackles how we can use Tolkien's principles to be a better person. For someone who is not very religious, I didn't think these references took away from the book or were heavy-handed.
Finally, though the author chose to repeat himself many times during the book, I think that this repetition could be helpful to people who are using the text as a self-help guide. For example, this would be a strength when putting the text in the hands of a child. Although I felt it unnecessary, I trust that the author did this for good reason.
Overall, I was happy with the book and would recommend it to others.
As far as the book itself, I enjoyed the practical approach the author took toward helping the reader with his "hobbit lessons." Much of the writing is referring to common sense principles that we all should have, and yet it seems appropriate and worthwhile for him to reaffirm them. All in all, I think this would be a great book for anyone who loves the hobbit and LOTR series.
I was also expecting the book to have more of a religious aspect to it, and was happy to be mistaken. Although there are a few references to church and Jesus, the book mainly tackles how we can use Tolkien's principles to be a better person. For someone who is not very religious, I didn't think these references took away from the book or were heavy-handed.
Finally, though the author chose to repeat himself many times during the book, I think that this repetition could be helpful to people who are using the text as a self-help guide. For example, this would be a strength when putting the text in the hands of a child. Although I felt it unnecessary, I trust that the author did this for good reason.
Overall, I was happy with the book and would recommend it to others.
January 27, 2016
This was a really good book. I enjoyed it very much. I love the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings so applying the life lessons to my own journey is wonderful, encouraging and pleasurable. “The lessons they [Tolkien's stories] communicate are not only valid...they are also extremely valuable.” pg 9
I was excited to find my word for the year in this devotional, three times, it is abundant. It seems once I picked a word for the year that I have seen it pop up all over the place, where before I hardly noticed it. That, I feel, is a God thing.
Go on an adventure. Do we really want to go on an adventure. Tolkien implies that many of us, like Bilbo, prefer our lives to be predictable and not to be late for dinner. “I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly,” Jesus states. When we meet Bilbo in chapter one, he has life-one that is always safe, comfortable, and predictable. He is living, but he is not living abundantly.” (pg 23-24) I want to live an abundant life. One where I go on an adventure, with God, every day and trust his leading on this journey I am on.
There were many other topics in this book that interested me. I cannot chronicle them all or this review would be way to long. I enjoyed the book immensely and reading this got me interested in buying another Lord of the Rings devotional book that I have wanted for a while. I will be buying it with my Christmas money and you will see a review soon, here on my account.
I was excited to find my word for the year in this devotional, three times, it is abundant. It seems once I picked a word for the year that I have seen it pop up all over the place, where before I hardly noticed it. That, I feel, is a God thing.
Go on an adventure. Do we really want to go on an adventure. Tolkien implies that many of us, like Bilbo, prefer our lives to be predictable and not to be late for dinner. “I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly,” Jesus states. When we meet Bilbo in chapter one, he has life-one that is always safe, comfortable, and predictable. He is living, but he is not living abundantly.” (pg 23-24) I want to live an abundant life. One where I go on an adventure, with God, every day and trust his leading on this journey I am on.
There were many other topics in this book that interested me. I cannot chronicle them all or this review would be way to long. I enjoyed the book immensely and reading this got me interested in buying another Lord of the Rings devotional book that I have wanted for a while. I will be buying it with my Christmas money and you will see a review soon, here on my account.
June 13, 2014
'Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life's Unexpected Journeys' takes a look at the lessons we can all find in the works fo J.R.R. Tolkien. There is a lot of crossover to the Lord Of The Rings series, so the title is a little misleading, and probably titled to take advantage of the newer movies, but it does use Bilbo's journey as the basis.
The lessons include being open to new adventures, watching out for your friends, not holding too tightly to what we think is valuable, realizing that all that glitters is not gold, and finally that we are just a small part of a larger whole. The book is supposedly a Christian book, and there are some feints in that direction, but it doesn't seem overly religious, so it shouldn't offend anyone.
There are some drawings in the book, and each chapter has questions for reflection. I've read The Hobbit many times, and if you asked me what the lessons were, I might come up with the same exact list. Whether you need a third party to make that clear to you is something you will have to decide. It's a quick enough read, and does expand nicely on the topics. I enjoyed reading it.
I was given a review copy of this ebook by Abingdon Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.
The lessons include being open to new adventures, watching out for your friends, not holding too tightly to what we think is valuable, realizing that all that glitters is not gold, and finally that we are just a small part of a larger whole. The book is supposedly a Christian book, and there are some feints in that direction, but it doesn't seem overly religious, so it shouldn't offend anyone.
There are some drawings in the book, and each chapter has questions for reflection. I've read The Hobbit many times, and if you asked me what the lessons were, I might come up with the same exact list. Whether you need a third party to make that clear to you is something you will have to decide. It's a quick enough read, and does expand nicely on the topics. I enjoyed reading it.
I was given a review copy of this ebook by Abingdon Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this book.
May 24, 2014
This was the first book I've read by author & professor Devin Brown. Brown's writing is intelligent yet down-to-earth to make sure that anyone can understand. He's also funny which, for me, is always a huge plus to any writing meant to educate.
Hobbit Lessons has given me a new respect for the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. While I had noticed little nuggets of wisdom myself, Devin Brown brings out lessons of which I had never before thought. That is, I think, the best part of the book. Brown doesn't go for the obvious (I.e. Good vs. evil) but he delves deeper to bring forward points that many of us may have overlooked.
A word of caution: If you have not read the books or even seen the movies, this book will spoil a few surprises and endings for you. What's the best solution? Read the books AND Hobbit Lessons! ;)
Hobbit Lessons makes me wish I could go to Asbury University just to take Prof. Brown's class! But since I'm not doing that, I strive to read his other books!
I highly recommend Hobbit Lessons!
You can read a full review on my blog! http://www.seelizzieread.blogspot.com
Hobbit Lessons has given me a new respect for the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. While I had noticed little nuggets of wisdom myself, Devin Brown brings out lessons of which I had never before thought. That is, I think, the best part of the book. Brown doesn't go for the obvious (I.e. Good vs. evil) but he delves deeper to bring forward points that many of us may have overlooked.
A word of caution: If you have not read the books or even seen the movies, this book will spoil a few surprises and endings for you. What's the best solution? Read the books AND Hobbit Lessons! ;)
Hobbit Lessons makes me wish I could go to Asbury University just to take Prof. Brown's class! But since I'm not doing that, I strive to read his other books!
I highly recommend Hobbit Lessons!
You can read a full review on my blog! http://www.seelizzieread.blogspot.com
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