This is what began it all. I can remember listening to my parents read this book aloud to us as kids and being totally enthralled. Amazed that someone could create a world so thorough and engaging without actually having been there. While it would be a couple years before I tackled the weighty Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit was the prelude to my love of fantasy, the catalyst you might say. It was a book of camaraderie, bravery, and heroism. And though it was laden with frightful situations and horrible creatures, there was still the safe feeling of a good ending. Even during the final battle. In real life, I often feel a little Bilbo-ish. Reluctant to exit my cozy surroundings, yet eager to explore and experience. I feel much less like the world traveler and perhaps a little world weary Gandalf, though I hope... and at times... believe that I'm escaping my shell more often in strengthening ways (Again, a little like Bilbo).
On another note, this book, along with Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles (specifically Taran Wanderer) are huge influences on the challenge I'm undertaking beginning tomorrow. Tomorrow begins National Novel Writing Month and within the course of 30 days we are to attempt to write 50,000 words: a novel. I have had ideas running in my head for months now and many of them revolve around a small group of people banding together and journeying around a land they know little about. I have heard it said that it is best to write what you would genuinely like to read and in this case, I genuinely love a good journey, a little mystery, some special powers, and the broad genre of juvenile fiction. I just wish I had thought of Beorn - the man/bear - or a troop of oddly named dwarves, first.
All Pictures by the brilliant Justin Gerard. Check out his blog: Quick Hide Here and search for The Hobbit on the right column under "Projects."
No comments:
Post a Comment