Book Description:
With a simple hobbit in a hobbit-hole, J. R. R. Tolkien opened the window on a whole new world that has captured millions of imaginations and changed the face of literature forever. But this story of unexpected adventure is far more than goblin attacks, dragon-hoards, and riddles in the dark. It’s a journey that changes a hobbit named Bilbo—and us—along the way.
Jim Ware, coauthor of the bestselling Finding God in The Lord of the Rings, once again unlocks the mysteries of Middle-earth with insightful reflections on the scenes and characters of The Hobbit. Just as the very ordinary Bilbo Baggins was caught up in a web of momentous events beyond his understanding, so you also are part of a larger story. Travel to Middle-earth to discover ways in which God is still very much at work in our world—and has a bigger purpose for you than you could ever imagine.
About the Author:
Jim Ware, a graduate of UCLA and Fuller Theological Seminary, is a longtime book enthusiast who grew up savoring childhood classics like TOM SAWYER, HUCKLEBERRY FINN, THE MERRY ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD, and KING ARTHUR AND HIS KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE. He’s the author of GOD OF THE FAIRY TALE and FINDING GOD IN THE HOBBIT, and co-author (with Kurt Bruner) of the best-selling FINDING GOD IN THE LORD OF THE RINGS, FINDING GOD IN THE LAND OF NARNIA, and THE PURPOSE OF PASSION: DANTE’S EPIC VISION OF ROMANTIC LOVE . His latest effort, THE STONE OF DESTINY, is a work of fantasy-fiction for tweens, teens, and adults who like imaginative tales. A Celtic music enthusiast, he enjoys playing the guitar and other stringed instruments with family and friends. He and his wife, Joni, are the parents of six children.
Book Details:
- Hardcover: 208 pages
- Publisher: SaltRiver (September 21, 2006)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1414305966
- ISBN-13: 978-1414305967
- Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
- Retail Price: $14.99
- Ebook and Audio Book available
My Thoughts:
I haven’t read The Hobbit since I was in junior/senior high, but I still remember how much I enjoyed it. With the upcoming release of the movie, I will be reading The Hobbit again with renewed interest. The difference this time is that I’ll be reading it with my daughter. It’s not a surprise that the publishers decided to re-release Finding God in the Hobbit to coincide with the release of the new movie as, just like myself, people will have a renewed interest in reading The Hobbit once again.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book as I’ve found that some books of this nature are quite good, while others are quite bad. I was pleased that Jim Ware, the author, made this book feel like his own personal journal about his thoughts on spiritual matters and The Hobbit rather than turning it into a preachy book.
The book begins with the foreword and introductions – as do most books. As a reader, you may be tempted to bypass these, but if you do, you’ll miss some real gems of information. Each of the 20 short chapters begins with a reading from The Hobbit. From there, Jim Ware starts to tie the happenings within the chapter to possible spiritual elements. Some things are more obvious than others. There are times that his insights are rather a stretch, but he will readily admit that to the readers. The insights make one think, but, for the most part, they aren’t heavy. His sense of humor and style of writing keep readers from feeling like they are reading a sermon. The chapter concludes with a short sentence-length reflection that summarizes the thoughts about that chapter. The afterthoughts wrap up the book and give more insight into the mind of Jim Ware.
Overall, I feel the book was well done. As stated above, there are some real stretches of the imagination at times to see the tie-ins that he comes up with, but you can tell that he has a heart for the Lord and is a true Tolkien fan. He is careful to point out that Tolkien himself stated that his story was not an allegory. Instead, the heart of the author plays out in his stories. Since he (Tolkien) was a Christian, there will naturally be elements of the spiritual realm in his books. I appreciate that Jim Ware took the time to give some history about Tolkien and share some of the author’s thoughts about his own writings. It was an interesting read that will help readers think a little more about the literature they are reading.
