Fascinating look at how C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien had their faith impacted by WWI, and how that shows up in their writings. A must-read for fanFascinating look at how C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien had their faith impacted by WWI, and how that shows up in their writings. A must-read for fans of their books and the Bible!...more
This was definitely a good book! First thing to note? It’s not a devotional. I had to re-orient my mindset a few times, as I went into this one thinkiThis was definitely a good book! First thing to note? It’s not a devotional. I had to re-orient my mindset a few times, as I went into this one thinking “devotional” and that’s not really at all what it is. I was very impressed by the amount of research that Bell put into Hobbit and Lord of the Rings – he clearly knew what he was talking about. He draws valid points, without trying to dig too deep or pull in things that aren’t there, and he wasn’t too preachy. I especially liked the character profiles of Gandalf and Elrond – informative and interesting. Good background info there, I thought. All in all? This was an enjoyable book that I learned from and found interesting. Read it in conjunction with The Hobbit! **Bethany House sent me a copy of this book in return for my honest review. I wasn’t obligated to review it positively, nor was I recompensed in any other way for this review.**...more
There have been a few movie guides over the years that have disappointed me, but this wasn’t one of them. It was PACKED with hundreds of full-color phThere have been a few movie guides over the years that have disappointed me, but this wasn’t one of them. It was PACKED with hundreds of full-color photos on glossy pages, and filled in with plenty of text to explain them all. There were interesting facts to be learned about everything. Each dwarf got a full spread to himself…and then there were sections about weapons and makeup and locations. Wizards and hobbits and dwarves. Clothes and casting and high definition. And, of course, Gollum and goblins and wargs. And SO much more! This is a must-have companion for any HAUJ fan....more
It is called the official children's photo guide, but I think adults will enjoy it as well! It's packed with pictures, including some I'd never seen bIt is called the official children's photo guide, but I think adults will enjoy it as well! It's packed with pictures, including some I'd never seen before, and is in a story format. Lots of pictures, a few words, just enough to tell the story. I was especially glad that this book, at least, goes all the way to the very end of the movie. A lot end right before the climax, which is a bummer. It's a beautiful photo collection!...more
Good book! It was packed with information on the books and the movies. It came out between the second and third movies, so the movie information isn'tGood book! It was packed with information on the books and the movies. It came out between the second and third movies, so the movie information isn't as complete as it could be. It includes movie statistics (about swords, eggs, chain mail, etc), an index of characters, a bunch of locations, a guide to the available books by and about Tolkien and LOTR, and more. Small but full! Includes a bunch of black and white movie stills as well -- delightful. ...more
I think I liked Ed Strauss’ Hobbit Devotional better, but this one was also an excellent read and very enjoyable. Each chapter will take you 5-15 minuI think I liked Ed Strauss’ Hobbit Devotional better, but this one was also an excellent read and very enjoyable. Each chapter will take you 5-15 minutes to read (depending on how fast of a reader you are), and includes a bit of Hobbit story in (naturally) chronological order. After the story part, it goes on to an application, some questions to consider, and five or more Bible passages related to the topic. There are a total of 22 chapters. The questions are amazing (they WILL leave you thinking!). Chapter titles include (among others) Plans Go Astray, Help Un-Looked For, Stick to the Path, True Identity, and Where Your Treasure Is. The book is full of excellent writing, and I would certainly recommend it for Hobbit fans!
**Tyndale sent me this book for free as part of the blog tour that I signed up for. I was not required to review it positively. All opinions are my own.**...more
This book seems to be a great resource, and it’s obvious that someone put a lot of work and time into it. However, I got it hoping that it would proveThis book seems to be a great resource, and it’s obvious that someone put a lot of work and time into it. However, I got it hoping that it would prove a helpful companion to The Children of Hurin by Tolkien. I was disappointed to discover that it basically just had the names and locations used in Lord of the Rings and Hobbit. It, like The Complete Guide to Middle-Earth by Robert Foster, was in alphabetical order, with short (or occasionally several pages long) articles about people, places, and things from LOTR and Hobbit. Each article was written in a “Tolkienesque” way – similar to Tolkien’s way of writing. It was easy and enjoyable to read. But if you are looking for something to help with names and place in Silmarillion or Children of Hurin or another more obscure work involving Middle Earth, I would recommend the Complete Guide previously referenced. This is a good book for borrowing from a library, and a handy resource if you’re researching LOTR or Hobbit!...more
I enjoyed it quite a lot! A good book. I was a little afraid when I first got it that I would find it too preachy – I don’t enjoy books like that. ButI enjoyed it quite a lot! A good book. I was a little afraid when I first got it that I would find it too preachy – I don’t enjoy books like that. But it wasn’t too preachy, and the parallels were well thought out. There were plenty of quotes and paraphrases from The Hobbit. I think that anyone who’s a “Hobbit” fan will enjoy this book, even if you don’t usually read devotionals (I don’t). Contains 60 short chapters (readable in five minutes or so) – each chapter opens with a bit of Bilbo’s journey (or occasionally some history about the book) then neatly and smoothly segues into a connected devotional. I recommend it for any lover of “Hobbit,” especially Christians. It’s an excellent read....more
Excellent book! I somewhat expected it to over-moralize, or try to read too much Christianity into Tolkien's works, but it really didn't! There was onExcellent book! I somewhat expected it to over-moralize, or try to read too much Christianity into Tolkien's works, but it really didn't! There was only one chapter that I chose to skim instead of read. Read my full review here for specifications: http://austenitis.blogspot.com/2012/0... ...more
A little too preachy for me, and trying too desperately to find parallels. Didn't really enjoy it. A little too preachy for me, and trying too desperately to find parallels. Didn't really enjoy it. ...more
It truly is set up as a dictionary! You can look up any word from LOTR, Hobbit, or Silmarillion, and it’s almost certain to be in here! I haven’t founIt truly is set up as a dictionary! You can look up any word from LOTR, Hobbit, or Silmarillion, and it’s almost certain to be in here! I haven’t found any yet that aren’t, so. Names, locations, battles, objects, all categorized alphabetically. Page numbers for each item are also included, but even though my books are DelRey, same as this guide, the numbers don’t work – my books came out rather later, so. I have found it to be quite helpful, thought I still love the Atlas more – it would take an unbelievable amount to beat that. J If you can get a copy, and you love LOTR, I recommend it. ...more
Another fun guide! Paging through, it looked like it had some pictures of people, and a lot of specific weapons and armor. Also some background story Another fun guide! Paging through, it looked like it had some pictures of people, and a lot of specific weapons and armor. Also some background story stuff. Sadly, I didn't have nearly enough time to even really begin it, but it's one that I will buy if possible. :)...more
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