Cover Image: A Hobbit Devotional

A Hobbit Devotional

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Oh my goodness, you guys. YOU GUYS. This devotional is the most magical, comforting devotional to ever exist. Period, hands down, full stop. If you love The Hobbit and the coziness of Hobbit holes, you will love this devotional. It takes little snippets of the Hobbit and the Hobbit way of life and applies them to our lives as Christians. For instance, one of Gandalf's complaints regarding Hobbits is that they were so ensconced in their comfortable way of living that they didn't care about what was happening in the rest of the world. As Christians, especially here in the West, we are so use to our creature comforts...our big screen TV's, our full closets, our stuffed kitchens...that we too tend to disregard the needs of the rest of the world. FINALLY! A devotional that gives you something to think about without being superficial or trite.

Was this review helpful?

As a huge fan of J. R. R. Tolkien, I think I've read just about everything Tolkien related. And this book is a great addition to my growing pile of Tolkien content!

'A Hobbit Devotional is a great balance of scripture and story, with a great respect for Tolkien, and carries much humor, inspiration, and engaging devotionals that left me wanting to read the whole book in one sitting instead of in pieces like a devotional should be read.

It's also great as Tolkien was a Christian himself and wove much of his religion--whether intentionally or unintentionally--into his works, and it really carried a yearning undertone that left many readers wanting more. Also, the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and capture Tolkien's own essence! I'll definitely be reading this again and again as I travel through my own spiritual journey.

Was this review helpful?

I will admit that I have not read the Lord of the Rings series but I have seen the movie. That may be why I did not have such a connection. Each day brought out a scene from the series in context and ran a parallels from the bible. The Lord of the Rings is rich in spiritual truths so I enjoyed that context. If you are a fan, I would recommend this book.

A special thank you to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was a fantastic companion book to reading The Hobbit. It provided lots of thought-provoking connections and discussion topics. One thing that I appreciated were the short chapters and the quotes at the beginning of each one. I would highly recommend this book, especially families.

Was this review helpful?

A Hobbit Devotional
by Ed Strauss
Published Mar 1, 2021

This is a must for Tolkein followers. There is always something to learn from the Hobbit.
I liked this devotional alot. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital ARC.

4 star

Was this review helpful?

This ended up being a DNF for me. I gave this a shot as I am a huge fan of Tolkien however I did not realize this was a Bible devotional book when I started it. As much as I love The Hobit I just could not get past the first chapter due to the religious material. If you're expecting a book that delves into the Hobit and Middle Earth you may be slightly disappointed. However if you enjoy Bible devotionals then this would be a good book for you.

Was this review helpful?

By itself, The Hobbit is a classic that both entertains and subtlety teaches lessons. Bilbo learns more than he intended to through his journey, and readers get to understand those lessons through the story. Ed Strauss has taken that a step further by connecting them to biblical truths.

Using points from The Hobbit, Strauss turns them into devotionals that apply them to daily life. No longer something just read about in a book, you can see how the lessons and experiences that Bilbo saw fit into what you may go through. Each entry is well written and easy to understand. The biblical aspect is simply and clearly communicated, which makes this a good fit for many ages.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A Hobbit Devotional
by Ed Strauss
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Barbour Books
Christian
Pub Date 01 Mar 2021


I am reviewing a copy of A Hobbit Devotional through Barbour books and Netgalley:



Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic stories or even those who are new to his works are going to love A Hobbit Devotional.




A Hobbit Devotional contains sixty humorous , challenging as well as encouraging devotionals.



For more than eighty years readers have been fascinated with middle earth for eighty years , and the interest is still strong with films and now a TV series in the works.



The tale of humble folks who overcome fear, discouragement, and despair through steadfastness, courage, and hope forms the basis of this beautifully packaged devotional book.



Every devotional in this book relates a scene from the Hobbit to modern day life.



I would recommend The Hobbit Devotional for anyone who is looking for a fun devotional.



I give The Hobbit Devotional five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Was this review helpful?

Small things are often the keys to vast treasures.

This devotional has been a real treat to read — sometimes just one short tidbit, other times taking in a number of different readings. The author has taken the well known story of The Hobbit and given us a look at how our Christian lives can mirror many of the things that Bilbo experienced.

Whether you read one a day or several, this is a keeper — one of those books you will go back to and reread many times. Each time you will glean another bit of knowledge about yourself and the world around you.

This copy was received through Barbour Publishing and NetGalley. The impressions and comments given are my own and were in no way solicited.

Was this review helpful?

Enjoyable and accessible!

The thing about such a devotional is the way it ties in biblical tenets, scripture, thought provoking inspirational literature and the application of such wisdoms to our lives. This devotional fits that criteria. It gives food for thought and reflection, and the scope for ideas to be translated into action. First published in 2012 this reprint in a lovely imitation leather cover gives pleasure as it prompts thoughtful responses.
If your a Tolkien enthusiast this will give a new way of reflecting on scripture via the pearls that drop from the lips and actions of these wonderful Tolkien characters--Hobbits!

A Barbour ARC via NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

If you've spent any amount of time with me, you'll know Tolkien is one of my favorite authors! I've read LOTR and The Hobbit many a time, inspired by the movies' releasing in the early 2000s to read and re-read the books nearly annually. So when 'A Hobbit Devotional' came up for review on NetGalley, I naturally jumped at the opportunity!

Having read Sarah Arthur's 'Walking with Frodo' (albeit many moons ago), I'm familiar with devotional approaches to Tolkien's work and always enjoy a fresh take on them. Familiarity can be great--but so can a fresh set of eyes! And that's exactly what Strauss's book does--give me a new take on something I've read over ... and over ... and over, lol. I love that he links history within The Hobbit itself, helping newer readers connect the dots and refreshing the memories of repeat visitors--and also linking themes from The Hobbit to both the Old and New Testaments.

Strauss explores motives and character traits within The Hobbit and seamlessly translates them to the reader's life, asking compelling questions and encouraging the reader to lean into Christ as their Provider and delve deeply into the treasure trove of the Word. Readers of any age will enjoy this as a supplemental read to The Hobbit, and a great devotional option. The devos are short, quick to read, and applicable at any stage of one's faith walk.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A Hobbit Devotional

• “An old axiom says that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to proceed in spite of it. As we step out to follow the Lord, faith and courage take root in our hearts and displace the fear.

• This book is written by Ed Strauss, published by Barbour Publishing, Barbour Books.

• Each section of this book gives us an insight into the Hobbit and that worldview. The author also takes the teachings of Jesus and uses the hobbit as an example. This is very well done and helps you to see the worldview of Jesus.

• I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

• I had read the Hobbit as a young man and deeply enjoyed it. The hobbits did have a laid-back lifestyle and did cherish being a host in-home and parties. I found it very easy to switch between the teachings of Jesus and the Hobbit used as an example.

• I do suggest that if you are a Christian and have read the Hobbit then this book is for you.

• I give this book 4 stars out of 5.

#AHobbitDevotional

Was this review helpful?

As a longtime fan of all things Tolkien, I was really looking forward to this. I’ve always thought his writing and stories had many themes that are almost parallels to Christianity. This devotional has 60 examples of how these characteristics can be carried over into real life situations and how the relate to scripture. It’s just another example of how these teachings can be used to engage with readers without sounding like a lecture. This could be good for younger readers. The excerpts included here of course make me want to go pick up my well read copy of The Hobbit for another read!

Was this review helpful?

Clearly, Ed Strauss knows his stuff when it comes to "The Hobbit." As a fan who knows the series, characters and setting inside and out, he set out to draw spiritual truths and devotional thoughts for Hobbit lovers. He succeeded. Filled with countless spiritual connections I never thought of when reading The Hobbit, Strauss encourages readers, challenges them, and even helps them take the next step in their spiritual journey. Any Jesus lovers who are captivated by the Shire will find plenty of spiritual lessons that ring true. Perhaps this book might also be a good introduction for some people interested in spiritual things? I plan to read and discuss A Hobbit Devotional with my Shire-loving teenager, and I expect some interesting and lively discussions ahead. I really enjoyed this book. Hoping to see more from Strauss in the future.

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoy this devotional. It' s easy to read, fun too and refreshing. I think it's very clever how Ed Strauss made the connexion between The Hobbit and the Bible, offering you the biblical perspective and how we can live in the light of the truth he presents in each chapter. A Hobbit Devotional will encourage the reader to keep growing in faith. It is a great gift for young readers, especially if they are fans of the Hobbit. BTW the leather cover is beautiful. love it!

Was this review helpful?

The Hobbit Devotional is a reprint of a book written a few years ago but with an upgraded cover. This book will appeal for fans of the LOTR and Hobbit franchises. The devotions are in easy to understand language, referencing different scenes and characters from the books. The concepts relevant and each devotional is summed up with a question that provokes action.

Was this review helpful?

Ed begins this devotional by comparing how the Hobbits lived comfortably in their Hobbit homes having all their needs met with us in first world countries having to consider helping out neighbors around the world or in our neighborhood with donations and/or assistance.
You will discover many insights into Bilbo the Hobbit's character - how the despised things are what God uses and Thorin's character, he has to learn why Gandalf's assessment of a Hobbit's abilities are beneficial and essential to their quest.
Enjoy learning how The Hobbit's lessons in dealing with the dwarves, elves and other creatures and their problems and joys are like what you are dealing with or have dwelt with in the past.

Was this review helpful?

must read for Tolkien fans! There is so much to learn from Tolkien's writing and having
a devotional taken from The Hobbit is so wonderful! I am a huge fan and this
book will seriously minister to you. Not to be missed.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. No review was required.
I received no compensation and the opinion here is entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

A Hobbit Devotional is a great devotional for anyone who is a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien the Hobbit. It’s full of great quotations from the book that show the nature of humans and the things that we struggle with or misunderstand. Some of the devotions are humorous while others are thought provoking. All of them point the reader to key scriptures found in the Bible that help further encourage the reader in there daily walk with the Lord.

Was this review helpful?

I requested this book because I'm a Tolkien fan, and not because I am familiar with devotionals - I'm not, and don't think I could see myself using one. However, for the Tolkien fan who is looking for a way to deepen their practice (religious, spiritual, or otherwise), I do think there is something to be found here. Although it's not my cup of tea, I was impressed with some of the connections and deeper ways of thinking about the world of Tolkien.

Was this review helpful?