A Hobbit Devotional

With the beautiful leather binding, this is a keepsake gift book for sure! Each devotional covers a section of The Hobbit and then explains how that section relates to scripture. For the Tolkien-ite who may struggle with spirituality (such as teens who are in the questioning phase....like mine), this book presents a great way to get into those deep discussions. My teen and I read through this together, one each day, and used it as a jumping off point. We'll be investing in the physical form once it releases!

I may be one of the few people that I know who has not read The Hobbit. I feel more inclined to now that I have entered the world of Bilbo and Co. through this thoughtful collection. In each entry, there is a quote from The Hobbit along with an entry that builds from this about ways to live one’s life. For example, an entry about fear gave me a good idea of the things that caused Bilbo to worry and showed how he dealt with a time when he had to face a fear. The very first entry is about comfort and invites the reader to think more deeply about what it is like to be in one’s comfort zone and whether or not there are times when this must be left. There are sixty entries in all so lots to contemplate.

I enjoyed this collection and imagine that I will be rereading a number of the entries. You might too.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Ed Strauss's "A Hobbit Devotional" is a light, engaging, and often inspiring read weaving together Scripture with the long beloved stories by J.R.R. Tolkien.

"A Hobbit Devotional" is a rather delightful example of a well designed and constructed literary collection, a book that recognizes imagery often matters and also a book that realizes that many Tolkien fans carry with them strong visuals when reading his stories.

Strauss expertly capitalizes on all of this by assembling 60 inspiring, humorous, and often incredibly engaging and encouraging devotions that take a central quote/theme from Tolkien and apply it with personal reflections and a brief yet certain theological reflection.

"A Hobbit Devotional" is likely best described as theologically evangelical, perhaps not quite aligned with my own theological background yet far from preachy and more concerned with application. Strauss does an excellent job of making Tolkien's material accessible and of finding the spiritual roots easily found in all of Tolkien's writing.

Truthfully, I've never made my way all the way through Tolkien's books yet, like so many Americans, I've eagerly devoured the cinematic creations of them. I was impressed with how easily Strauss brought this material visually to life and I found myself quickly immersed in his writing and the ease with which he related the material to contemporary life and Christianity.

This is the kind of devotional that deserves repeated visits, the life lessons nearly always engaging and the writing comfortable and compassionate. The book is written in such a way that it's easily accessible to younger readers, I'm thinking mostly teens here, and others who appreciate Tolkien and/or the fantasy genre of writing.

I've often felt as if Scripture is far more accessible than we realize and can come to life for us in a variety of ways. "A Hobbit Devotional" certainly brings this point to life in wonderful ways. Beautifully illustrated and written, "A Hobbit Devotional" is a delightful option for teenage readers needing a different lens through which to explore faith and a book that intelligently and entertainingly brings both Tolkien and the Bible to life in new and wonderful ways.

In each chapter of A Hobbit Devotional, similarities are pointed out between the story of The Hobbit and the Bible. For example, Bilbo's great adventure with the dwarves is compared to discipleship and the dwarves' loss of their homeland to the Jews' loss of Babylon at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar. The book offers parallel lessons from both books on many things including hospitality, hardships, and finding your inner strength.

This book is best consumed one or two chapters at a time, as the comparisons between The Hobbit and the Bible are food for thought. The chapters are short, so they are perfect for nighttime reading before bed.

Recommended for Christians who like fantasy, especially those looking to learn about the Bible in a different way. The language may not be accessible to a child, but parents would be able to read this to a child and discuss the short chapters.

As beautiful as it is thought provoking. This is a wonderful tool that you can really apply to yourself. I would encourage you to buy a paper edition to write in!!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

I really enjoyed this devotional. It was great the way the author connected the fantasy world of The Hobbit with God's Word.

I read a version of this a few years ago. The only difference I can see between the new edition and the other is the beautiful leather cover. The devotionals included in this are perfect for fans of Tolkien and Middle-earth. Ed Strauss does a fantastic job connecting the events of The Hobbit to Biblical passages and truth, giving the beloved fantasy novel a deeper dive into faith.

Definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of The Hobbit.

Every year I revisit The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This year, I get the add benefit of a wonderful devotional alongside this tradition. Tolkien penned such moving epic tales, rich with life lessons and Scriptural parallels to the Gospel and Ed Strauss does a great job of capturing these in sixty devotionals. Themes of bravery, tenacity, moving out of our comfort zones and perseverance are highlighted in these entries meant to encourage, challenge and move you as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the devotional entries and received a triple blessing from Scripture, Tokien’s powerful imagination and Strauss’s ability to bring them together in applicable terms.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!