This isn’t the first time I’ve read The Hobbit. Far from it. This time, however was special. This time I read it aloud for my children.

At first I was struck by the (intentionally) archaic language and lengthy complicated sentence structure. As a pastor, I’m used to reading aloud and paraphrasing from time-to-time. With Tolkien’s writing, every word and comma matters.

Once my tongue and our minds slowed to the pacing of the Hobbit, the story was as magical as ever. The book is full of humour and adventure. Our house was full of giggles as the dwarves introduced themselves to Beorn one. More important than the actual story is the sense of moral wisdom that underlies the logic of Middle Earth. This is something more easily absorbed than explained.

If you’re looking for something to do with your family during this time of ‘social isolation,’ reading The Hobbit is always a rewarding option.

Tolkien, J. R. R. The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again. 1937. Unwin Hyman, 1987.