The Hobbit

This book is a great way to get introduced to fantasy.  The thrill of adventure, danger and treasure lure you into a world completely different from our own.  The Hobbit is a very enjoyable book, easy to read and understand, likable characters and an overall good plot and story.  I'm not familiar with the lord of the ring books but from what was discussed in class, it seems like The Hobbit is way easier to read than The Lord of the Rings series.  The Hobbit has enough detail to paint a mental picture but no enough to take you out of the experience.  I dont like books that drag on and on about the same scene or environment.
I dont know if this is true or not but The Hobbit is a prelude to The Lord of the Rings, as least in terms of the movie.  All characters are the same, have the same morals, motives and personality.  Bilbo for example is the same at the end of The Hobbit then he is at the beginning of The Lord of the Ring.  Bilbo grows as a character throughout the book.  In the beginning, Bilbo was the same as all the other hobbits, loved food, drink and peace.  When he goes on this adventure, he is tested and learns about wit and survival.  One of the things I like about this book is the progession from a normal hobbit to a spider killing badass, so to speak.
I believe people gravitate toward fantasies so much is because we place ourselves in the shoes of the main character killing monsters, falling in love and ruling a kingdom.  As kids we all wanted to slay a monster or win an epic battle.  Even now as an adult I find myself dreaming about being a warrior or king fighting against impossible odds and somehow winning the fight.  Such dreams can translate into an illustration.  Fantasy is something to fantasized forever.