Let's read the Hobbit: A Forum-wide project

[Nenya Evenstar]

Hello, one and all! I would like to suggest that we get together as a forum and read The Hobbit. Of course once we've finished The Hobbit we can read LOTR, but let's cross that bridge when we get there. :p

This would be a great opportunity for those who are newer to the books, and also a great opportunity for people (like myself) who have not read the books for a few years to refresh themselves.

Here's what I propose:

- We read a chapter a week
- Post threads as you come up with ideas or questions. You do not need to post in this thread -- just create your own!
- Just make sure to put something in the title of your thread that shows it's part of the discussion (i.e. Why was Bilbo fat? -- Hobbit Reading Discussion)

That's it! What do you think? Who wants to participate?

Oh, and one more thing: I want this to be completely laid-back. If we want to discuss whether or not balrogs had wings for the ten-billionth time, then let's! Links to past threads are fine, but no "we already discussed that!" talking is allowed. :)

[baragund]

What a fund idea! :) Count me in. I finished reading this to my kids not too long ago but another go 'round is fine...

[Aglarband]

I'm in. But school work might make my reading a lil slower.

[Nenya Evenstar]

Don't worry! Just participate when you can.

Who else? :)

[wizard2c]

Count me in. I carry the paperback version to work with me everyday....I open the book to any random page and that is my Hobbit reading of the day.

But I will start with Chapter 1 as you suggest......but my daily readings will continue as usual in addition.

A great idea BTW.

carol
wizard2c
:)

[Nenya Evenstar]

Wonderful! Welcome! :)

Do you only use the Hobbit, or do you sometimes use The Lord of the Rings as well?

[Ithrynluin]

Great idea, Nenya. I'd like to participate as well - haven't read the Hobbit in a long time. :)

I'd like to suggest that this project be organized in a similar way as the Silmarillion and LoTR discussions, i.e. we title the first thread "Chapter 1 - An Unexpected Party", where we would put forth all thoughts, opinions and questions on this chapter that we come up with. In a week's time someone makes a "Chapter 2 -..." thread, and so on and so forth. Do you agree?

One week per chapter seems just the right pace - not too sluggish, just leisurely enough to suit our more busy members.

I'm looking forward to starting this. :)

[AraCelebEarwen]

This sounds like a rather good idea! I haven't read The Hobbit in far too long a time; and right now I'm not reading anything, so perhaps I'll dig out my book and see what it has to hold... :D

A chapter a week sounds about right. ;) Not too fast and not too slow. I guess I'm in if I can find my book. *begins to empty a large bookshelf, leaving papers and random bits of dust collecting art scattered across the floor.*

[Nenya Evenstar]

Thanks for starting, Baragund! I guess that means I need to take a trip to the library now. ;) My cousin lost my copy of The Hobbit and I haven't replaced it yet.

The only reason I do not think we should confine the conversation to one thread is I believe it may limit conversation to one topic at a time instead of many possible topics at any given time. This would especially be the case if say, Grond and Gothmog got in a debate about something (I realize they're not involved yet). Then a person who is reading the Hobbit for the first time has a question . . . is he really going to post a simple question in the middle of such a grand debate? I think each new question or comment should have its own thread (with Chapter 1,2,3 etc. in the title). This will also allow people not involved in the readings themselves to participate without feeling overwhelmed.

Thoughts?

[Ithrynluin]

Nenya, I understand what you mean, but doubt that will happen. But we can just wait and see - if someone feels the need to open a separate thread for some aspect of a particular chapter, they can go ahead and do it. I simply prefer all questions on one chapter to be in one thread, because they're easier to find and answer that way.

I'll sticky this thread to make it more visible.

[Wraithguard]

Count me in. I just realized I haven't read a Tolkien book (Adventures of Tom Bombadil aside) in around 5 years. It may be difficult for me to keep up however, especially until I return from New Orleans.

[Ithrynluin]

Good to have you on board, Wraithguard. Despite your busy schedule, this project shouldn't be too strenuous, as we will be doing one chapter per week.

We've started the first one already, so feel free to jump in at any time. It's never too late! :)

[AraCelebEarwen]

*runs into the room clutching a large book.* Here it is! I had to go to the library but I HAVE THE BOOK NOW!!!! Better yet it's the hard back copy that Alan Lee did the art for! :D I'll try to start reading tonight! It's been waaaaay too long since I read this thing! :eek:

Hi Rai! Good to have you join us! How's it goin' down there?

[Wraithguard]

It is wet, rancid, hot, and eerily quiet. Thank you for your concern and as I said we hope to have completely evacuated the area in 3-5 standard weeks.

[wizard2c]

Random reading for today was Chapter 1 An Unexpected Party,
page 1....which worked out rather well as the day unfolded...it all made sense.



:rolleyes:

[baragund]

Sorry for veering off topic but rai's description of being in New Orleans needs wayyy more detail.

What agency are you with? Red Cross? National Guard? A church group?

What's your mission? What areas are you working in?

And btw, my hat's off to you for your time and effort to do what you can in this tragedy.

[Nenya Evenstar]

Nenya, I understand what you mean, but doubt that will happen. But we can just wait and see - if someone feels the need to open a separate thread for some aspect of a particular chapter, they can go ahead and do it. I simply prefer all questions on one chapter to be in one thread, because they're easier to find and answer that way.
Sounds great, Ithy. :)

Not a problem, Baragund! My thoughts exactly!

[baragund]

On an organizational note, how does the gang feel about making Wednesdays the time for making the opening post of a chapter discussion? Also, is anybody particularly interested in doing the opening post for Chapter 2 Roast Mutton? First person to call dibs gets it!

[Wraithguard]

I shall make the thread as soon as Wednesday rolls around. I am with the Officer's College local Chapter 9-33, 4th Brigade, 2nd Battalion. I am the ranking officer (1st Lieutinant) of the group that volunteered to come down here to the New Orleans and general Bilouxi area in order to help with the recovery and distribution efforts. I have been down here since the sixth of this month and my time has been expanded to October 4th instead of September 29th in order to get more done. We have nearly (edit: 2)00 good men (and women) working right now and we are currently running low on supplies for the victims themselves.

[Nenya Evenstar]

Just to let everyone know I'm not slacking . . . just haven't gotten a chance to go to the library yet. I'm planning on going today, and then I'll post. :)

[Wraithguard]

Of course you aren't slacking;)

Good news (sort of) on my daily patrol yesterday I had fogotten to bring ammunition for my Springfield (I have a thing for old rifles) and got caught in the middle of a riot and got myself shot. Now I have plenty of time to read The Hobbit.

[Arvedui]

I take it that you are not seriously wounded, as you are able to inform us in such a light tone? Anyway, I hope that you recover soon!!!!

To topic:
I hope that is possible for a late-starter to join in? I haven't read The Hobbit in a looong time (a couple of years)

[Wraithguard]

I never take anything too seriously. I have almost finished chapter 2 and should be ready to post by Wednesday. Arvedui it's never too late to join in (unless we finished the book).:rolleyes:

[Nenya Evenstar]

Of course not, Arvedui! We're glad you're here! :)

[Urambo Tauro]

:eek: Oops...
I wish I had seen this thread earlier... before I started the Read it Again - Chronologically! (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?t=17999) thread. Oh well.

The funny thing is... I just finished giving The Hobbit another read. (Go figure!) I'm going through TLOTR starting tomorrow.

I'll be updating my new thread periodically if anyone wants to "follow the Fellowship". It jumps right into the journey (unfortunately, skipping the first two chapters). Some of the "daily readings" are woefully short, and others longer, but it could be interesting. Try it if you want!

[Arvedui]

Of course not, Arvedui! We're glad you're here! :)
Brilliant!
I will probably join you by late november...... ;)

Just kidding! I will start by the end of the week. :)

[DGoeij]

If I could refocus my reading energy on just school and the Hobbit (my latest post in this thread (http://www.thetolkienforum.com/showthread.php?p=460348#post460348) explains what I mean) I might catch up with you.

I'll think it over, if you don't mind me joining in on 3rd chapter (if I can't make it to 2nd this week)?

[baragund]

Feel free to join this rolling discussion for however long or short as you like. :) There are nineteen chapters so we are bound to pick some folks up and lose some along the way.

[DGoeij]

TTF members lost none of their natural friendlyness during the time I didn't visit here. Thanks, I'll pick up my copy of the Hobbit tonight and we'll see. :)

[wizard2c]

From my random daily reading of The Hobbit where the book opens to a chance page:

It is from the paperback version, pages 126 and 127..

"The wind was on the withered heath.
but in the forest stirred no leaf:
there shadows lay by night and day,
and dark things silent crept beneath.

The wind came down from mountains cold
and like a tide it roared and rolled;
the branches groaned, the forest moaned,
and leaves were laid upon the mould.

The wind went on from West to East;
all movement in the forest ceased,
but shrill and harsh across the marsh
its whistling voices were released.

The grasses hissed, their tassels bent,
the reeds were rattling--on it went
o'er shaken pool under heavens cool
where racing clouds were torn and rent.

It passed the lonely Mountain bare
and swept above the dragon's lair:
there black and dark lay boulders stark
and flying smoke was in the air.

It left the world and took its flight
over the wide seas of the night.
The moon set sail upon the gale,
and stars were fanned to leaping light.

[frenchteacher]

I have the pleasure to announce you the publication of my book " La quête du sens dans Bilbo le Hobbit ". :)
Thanks for your help.

At your service.

Alain Tesnière alias Frenchteacher.