If he had the chance to go back in time and change things, do you think Bilbo would choose to go on the adventure or stay comfortably home?
Evy (12):
Daniel (10):
Michael (10):
Mom's Notes: This was actually a first-time read for me! I've begun it a few times over the years, but for some reason it never took. It certainly did this time! Besides the wonderfully engaging story, very clever writing, and fantastic audiobook reader (Andy Serkis), this book had a lot going for it as far as we were concerned. We are big fans of the Lord of the Rings movies, and we had a few half-lings and an elf queen lined up for Halloween. It was high-time to read it together! Coincidentally, October was a very fun month to read this tale of goblins, giant spiders, a terrifying dragon, and mounds of treasure. We really enjoyed the entire story, and feel much better acquainted with Bilbo, Gandalf, dwarf-kind, and Middle Earth in general. We made an event of the last chapter and had a little "homecoming" party for Bilbo - with plenty of hygge. (Candles and coziness are a big deal around here as the weather turns colder! Emily gave me a book about hygge for my birthday, so it's extra on my radar. I believe hobbits are masters of hygge.) Evy even made Hobbit seed cake to go with our tea. I was sad to see the end of the story, but Halloween helped it to linger. Evy was an elegant Galadriel and the green-cloaked buddies were perfect as Merry and Pippin. Clay didn't complain too much about his cloak and the ring that was his burden to bear...
