Title: The Hobbit
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Narrator: Rob Inglis
Length: 11 hours, 7 minutes

We can’t remember the last time we’ve been so excited about one of our favorite books being adapted into a movie—well, maybe we can…The Hunger Games! And now, we’re counting down the days until The Hobbit hits the big screen. It’s one of the best known and best loved fantasy books, and one of our personal favorites. We’ve just finished re-listened to the audio book to make sure we’re fully prepped for the premiere.

There are few worlds more richly imagined than J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. You’ll find yourself caught up in the exquisitely imaginative details and nonstop adventure. The Hobbit is far more light-hearted than The Lord of the Rings and introduces the world to the unforgettable Bilbo, Gandalf and Gollum. It’s a book that can be enjoyed by children and adults (fun fact: Tolkien actually wrote this book for his kiddies).

Rob Inglis’ narration perfectly balances the whimsical, childlike aspects of the book with the darker moments that foreshadow events to come later in The Lord of the Rings. Taking us on an exciting ride, Inglis’ performance is rich with colorful descriptions and shows off his awesome singing chops. Listeners are treated to a performance that is engaging, fun, gripping, and, at times, a little scary.

This is a great book, full of adventure, heroism, song and laughter—a classic favorite that will be fondly remembered by anyone who makes the brilliant decision to listen to it. The Hobbit is the first stop listeners should make as they venture into Tolkien’s Middle-earth – and definitely a must-listen before you head to the movies.

And after you’ve finished loving The Hobbit, you’re gonna want to check out The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: