“I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone." -Gandalf, The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien
Today is the first official day of our 2024 read-through of The Hobbit. Who’s in?!
My house is quiet, Billie (my Great Dane) is still asleep and I’ve just cracked open my 50th anniversary edition of one of the most popular fantasy books of all time. And I couldn’t think of a better day to start our adventure than Tolkien Reading Day. 1
It’s spring in my corner of the planet and it seems a fitting season to be following Bilbo Baggins into the wilds of Middle-earth for it was on a certain spring of the third age when a wizard appeared at his door…
How is this read-through going to work?
If you’ve been around for any of my Lord of the Rings, you’re familiar with how this works.
But if not, here’s a quick breakdown for the way I host my Tolkien read-throughs here on substack:
Whether you borrow the book from a friend, check it out from your library, find it for cheap second-hand, listen on audiobook or dust a personal copy off, we’re all picking up The Hobbit today, March 25th (its ok if start afterwards, more on that later)
Every week for paid subscribers, I will send out a ‘Middle-earth Monday’ post from here to your inbox. This is when I will share where I’m at in the story and invite you to do the same.
The Middle-earth Monday posts are where you'll have space to share thoughts, engage in deeper discussions and get your questions answered. Consider upgrading to paid subscription to get access to those weekly check-ins.
Free subscribers will get occasional public posts sent their way about various topics we encounter while reading this story. I will also be doing occasional check-ins and lore videos about The Hobbit on my TikTok channel for free so everyone can have the opportunity to engage with this read-through in the way that works for them.
Finally, everyone will read at the pace that works for them. There is no falling behind because there is no reading schedule. Read when you can, where you can and come join the Middle-earth Monday conversations from wherever you’re at in the books. You’re always welcome.
From Bilbo blowing smoke rings on the steps of Bag End, to dwarves toppling in for an unexpected party, to the vast lands beyond the Shire full of wolves, spiders and a certain gold-hoarding dragon, adventure is waiting for us between the pages of this beloved book.
Come celebrate Tolkien Reading Day by cozying up with The Hobbit + a comfort drink of choice and the anticipation of finding something new about yourself in the telling of this familiar story.
I’m wishing you a beautiful day full of all the small comforts that matter in the biggest ways.
Questions for you:
1. Is this your first time reading The Hobbit or have you gone through it before?
2. Please introduce yourself below. Where are you reading from? I'm here to cheer you on today!
Coming next Monday (April 1st): our first 2024 Middle-earth Monday check-in. *paid subscribers only*
Veeery late, but am starting today! I've read The Hobbit once before several years ago, and am reading from Adelaide in South Australia :)
Late to the party here! I’m Katie from southern MO! I’ve read The Hobbit only once before, but have seen the movie several times. I was blown away by the differences in the book vs the movie!! For this read through I will be listening to an audiobook narrated by Andy Serkis. I am so excited for this community and seeing where the adventure takes us!