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The Wisdom of the Shire: A Short Guide to a Long and Happy Life
In The Wisdom of the Shire , Noble Smith sheds a light on the life-changing ideas tucked away inside the classic works of J. R. R. Tolkien and his most beloved creation―the stouthearted Hobbits. How can simple pleasures such as gardening, taking long walks, and eating delicious meals with friends make you significantly happier? Why is the act of giving presents on your birthday instead of getting them such a revolutionary idea? What should you do when dealing with the Gollum in your life? And how can we carry the burden of our own "magic ring of power" without becoming devoured by it? The Wisdom of the Shire holds the answers to these and more of life's essential questions.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
56 people are currently reading
1541 people want to read
About the author
Noble Smith
13 books77 followersI am an award winning playwright, documentary producer, and former Franchise Narrative Director of the Xbox video game series Age of Empires.
My latest novel Draxinger is a paranormal spy-thriller set during The Great War and available as a Kindle exclusive.
My nonfiction book The Wisdom of the Shire is published by Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press, and has been translated into 8 languages. Kirkus Reviews praised it as "A life-affirming, must-have morsel for Tolkien's colossal fan base."
My historical fiction action/adventure The Nikias of Plataea Trilogy is published by Macmillan. NYT bestselling authors Michael and Kathleen Gear described it as having "Terrific action, with a wickedly brilliant plot, visceral combat, and nail-biting treachery."
My latest novel Draxinger is a paranormal spy-thriller set during The Great War and available as a Kindle exclusive.
My nonfiction book The Wisdom of the Shire is published by Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press, and has been translated into 8 languages. Kirkus Reviews praised it as "A life-affirming, must-have morsel for Tolkien's colossal fan base."
My historical fiction action/adventure The Nikias of Plataea Trilogy is published by Macmillan. NYT bestselling authors Michael and Kathleen Gear described it as having "Terrific action, with a wickedly brilliant plot, visceral combat, and nail-biting treachery."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
December 12, 2012
If you are looking for a review where the reviewer overlooks niggling errors because the text is so inspiring, move on. If you are looking for a review where the reviewer fails to mention egregious errors regarding the source material, click on through- nothing to see here!
If you've read many of my reviews, you know I'm a Tolkien, um, fan. I can see that Noble Smith is also a fan, but he's a fan in need of a fact-checker. Especially because of assholes like me, who get all twitchy the instant someone gets the slightest little thing wrong- and who feel the need to shout, "No, no, THAT isn't what The Book says!" So my review is coming from a place of knee-jerk reactionary devotion to JRRT.
I found that Smith tended to recycle incidents from the books several times throughout this book in order to shoehorn in more Shire-riffic advice. I also felt like he was trying too hard. Sometimes the cigar is just… you know. And I disagree, too, with Smith's portrayal of life in the Shire as entirely ideal- even before Sharkey came, it wasn't Eden.
It sounds like I hated the book, but I didn't. The book itself is a fairly non-offensive little pop psychology tome coincidentally (surely it's a coincidence!) published just as the latest big Peter Jackson Hobbit movie hits the theaters. There were pleasant moments, and I sympathize very deeply with many of Smith's moral stances as explicated by the book. I just don't think he's broken any new ground here. The prose is workman-like, with a few grammar nit-picks (would you expect any less of me?) like using council when counsel was called for.
It seems I'm focusing on the negative (and I am) but there's a lot of positive here, too. There are many more correct allusions and fun facts than incorrect ones. There are enticing tidbits that would likely make a person want to read the books if they had not already done so. There is good solid advice for living, plus a garden plan! There's good here- and to be scrupulously fair, this is the sort of book I hate even when it's not based on my favorite books.
I say give it a miss. If you hated The Tao of Pooh, you'll hate this too.
Here are some of the errors that made me either bristle or roar:
"Strangers who passed near the Shire were called 'Bounders'." (The Hobbits who walked the boundaries of the Shire were the Bounders.)
"And when Merry is lost amongst the dead after the Battle of Pelennor Fields, Pippin searches nonstop until he finds his shell-shocked friend and brings him to the Houses of Healing in Minas Tirith." (Maybe this was how it went in the movie, but certainly not in the book.)
"It's only then Frodo realizes Galadriel is wearing one of the three rings Sauron made for the Elves." (Celebrimbor made the Three, without any help from Sauron. -see The Council of Elrond chapter.)
"After losing the One Ring, Sauron could only appear as a lidless eye ringed in fire." (No. Just no.)
"At the climax of The Two Towers the Ents are forced to make a fairly quick decision (which goes against every fiber of their fibrous beings) to defend their beloved forest from the axes of the White Wizard's Orcs." (Treebeard explains how quickly the Ents decide things- it's the explaining that takes so long.)
If you've read many of my reviews, you know I'm a Tolkien, um, fan. I can see that Noble Smith is also a fan, but he's a fan in need of a fact-checker. Especially because of assholes like me, who get all twitchy the instant someone gets the slightest little thing wrong- and who feel the need to shout, "No, no, THAT isn't what The Book says!" So my review is coming from a place of knee-jerk reactionary devotion to JRRT.
I found that Smith tended to recycle incidents from the books several times throughout this book in order to shoehorn in more Shire-riffic advice. I also felt like he was trying too hard. Sometimes the cigar is just… you know. And I disagree, too, with Smith's portrayal of life in the Shire as entirely ideal- even before Sharkey came, it wasn't Eden.
It sounds like I hated the book, but I didn't. The book itself is a fairly non-offensive little pop psychology tome coincidentally (surely it's a coincidence!) published just as the latest big Peter Jackson Hobbit movie hits the theaters. There were pleasant moments, and I sympathize very deeply with many of Smith's moral stances as explicated by the book. I just don't think he's broken any new ground here. The prose is workman-like, with a few grammar nit-picks (would you expect any less of me?) like using council when counsel was called for.
It seems I'm focusing on the negative (and I am) but there's a lot of positive here, too. There are many more correct allusions and fun facts than incorrect ones. There are enticing tidbits that would likely make a person want to read the books if they had not already done so. There is good solid advice for living, plus a garden plan! There's good here- and to be scrupulously fair, this is the sort of book I hate even when it's not based on my favorite books.
I say give it a miss. If you hated The Tao of Pooh, you'll hate this too.
Here are some of the errors that made me either bristle or roar:
"Strangers who passed near the Shire were called 'Bounders'." (The Hobbits who walked the boundaries of the Shire were the Bounders.)
"And when Merry is lost amongst the dead after the Battle of Pelennor Fields, Pippin searches nonstop until he finds his shell-shocked friend and brings him to the Houses of Healing in Minas Tirith." (Maybe this was how it went in the movie, but certainly not in the book.)
"It's only then Frodo realizes Galadriel is wearing one of the three rings Sauron made for the Elves." (Celebrimbor made the Three, without any help from Sauron. -see The Council of Elrond chapter.)
"After losing the One Ring, Sauron could only appear as a lidless eye ringed in fire." (No. Just no.)
"At the climax of The Two Towers the Ents are forced to make a fairly quick decision (which goes against every fiber of their fibrous beings) to defend their beloved forest from the axes of the White Wizard's Orcs." (Treebeard explains how quickly the Ents decide things- it's the explaining that takes so long.)
April 11, 2021
Alas, this is an audiobook for me because I just want to hug it to my chest and close my eyes repeatedly. Such sage advice, such interesting facts. It makes me want to read the trilogy for the fourth time
May 6, 2013
I hated this. I made it through the first three condescending chapters and a randomly selected chapter in the middle before returning it to the library.
Its biggest failure is one of the worst mistakes an author can make: it does not know its audience. You do not need to retell The Hobbit to an audience of readers that chose to pick up a book called "Wisdom of the Shire". Clearly, that reader is already a superfan, and doesn't need to be reminded about the circumstances of Bilbo's departure from Bag End.
What I hated more about this book (or, rather, the four chapters I read of it) was its utter uselessness and lack of insight. After hearing how the author recommends making homemade breads and jams, I would have absolutely loved to read on to find perhaps some Shire-inspired recipes. It would have been intriguing to have some feasible ways to furnish a home in handmade furniture like a hobbit, rather than be scolded for shopping at *gasp* Ikea ("You hideous Ork!"). Rather than merely pointing out that our world has become very industrialized (really? how fascinating!) and scolding your reader for it, how about making some concrete recommendations for ways we can "unplug" ourselves and find our corner of the Shire in everyday life?
All I got out of this book was that the author wanted to make it perfectly clear that he was a bigger fan of Tolkien than anyone else could ever be. I can hear him saying, "Did YOU collect old pipes and buy a wingback chair specifically to read Lord of the Rings in? No?" What an asshole.
Its biggest failure is one of the worst mistakes an author can make: it does not know its audience. You do not need to retell The Hobbit to an audience of readers that chose to pick up a book called "Wisdom of the Shire". Clearly, that reader is already a superfan, and doesn't need to be reminded about the circumstances of Bilbo's departure from Bag End.
What I hated more about this book (or, rather, the four chapters I read of it) was its utter uselessness and lack of insight. After hearing how the author recommends making homemade breads and jams, I would have absolutely loved to read on to find perhaps some Shire-inspired recipes. It would have been intriguing to have some feasible ways to furnish a home in handmade furniture like a hobbit, rather than be scolded for shopping at *gasp* Ikea ("You hideous Ork!"). Rather than merely pointing out that our world has become very industrialized (really? how fascinating!) and scolding your reader for it, how about making some concrete recommendations for ways we can "unplug" ourselves and find our corner of the Shire in everyday life?
All I got out of this book was that the author wanted to make it perfectly clear that he was a bigger fan of Tolkien than anyone else could ever be. I can hear him saying, "Did YOU collect old pipes and buy a wingback chair specifically to read Lord of the Rings in? No?" What an asshole.
December 22, 2021
Awesome little book combining two amazing things: Tolkien and mindfulness. While some of the points the author hit on rang a little more political than I hoped for, the meat and potatoes of the message is how to simplify, slow down, and just be satisfied.
I will forever be a Tolkien nerd, and to this day no story or franchise has unseated The Lord of the Rings books and movies as king in my story world. So I greatly enjoyed this book. However, if I wasn't a Tolkien fan... it likely wouldn't read as wonderfully as it did for me. It was admittedly a little disjointed touching on everything from food and the home to leadership and saving the planet from global warming.
Fun, short read that I may listen to again one day just for the heck of it.
I'd rate this a G.
I will forever be a Tolkien nerd, and to this day no story or franchise has unseated The Lord of the Rings books and movies as king in my story world. So I greatly enjoyed this book. However, if I wasn't a Tolkien fan... it likely wouldn't read as wonderfully as it did for me. It was admittedly a little disjointed touching on everything from food and the home to leadership and saving the planet from global warming.
Fun, short read that I may listen to again one day just for the heck of it.
I'd rate this a G.
March 30, 2023
Imádtam minden sorát! Hogy-hogy nem találkoztam ezzel a könyvvel hamarabb? Igazi csemege rajongóknak, mert az önfejlesztéses- életmódváltásos tanácsokon kívül triviát, vagyis érdekes tényeket is kapunk minden fejezet végén. Persze ki mit ismer már ezekből, nekem meglepetés volt, hogy Christopher Lee még találkozott Tolkiennal és az is, hogy Ian McKellen egy 300 éves sörfőzde társtulajdonosa… Ezenkívül a szerző bevallottan is nagy fan, aranyos, ahogy leírja a saját erőfeszítéseit, hogy hobbittá váljon. Maguk a tanácsok a hobbitok életmódjából kiindulva az egyszerűségre, természetközeliségre és az élet élvezetére helyezik a hangsúlyt. Bár néha kirohan a szerző a modern világ ellen, és ezek kiragadva erőseknek tűnhetnek, ezek a szövegben teljesen jogosak, ahogy Szilszakáll szónoklata Vasudvard ellen is a Gyűrűk urában. Sőt akinek ez nem elég, még egy tréfás kérdőívet is talál a kötet végén, amelyből megállapíthatja ő maga mennyire „jó hobbit” – még csak úton van a Megyébe vagy esetleg már szuperhobbit státuszba lépett? :)
October 25, 2017
2.5 Stars
Have you heard the following advice before?
1)Get more sleep by avoiding the internet before bed.
2)Don’t let narcissistic and annoying people get to you.
3)Enjoy healthier food.
4)Money isn't everything. Enjoy your family and friends.
Now combine this run-of-the-mill advice with a synopsis of Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit and some mediocre writing and you have a book. Just not a very good one.
There is a slew of Tolkien-inspired books out there. They range From high fantasy with Middle-earth elements to mediocre Tolkien cash-ins that ride on hobbit fame. This book forms part of the latter. I don’t doubt Smith appreciates Tolkien and, like millions of people, has had his life made all the better for having read the books, but he doesn’t do hobbits justice. However, his heart is in the right place and he definitely put love into Wisdom of the Shire; just not much effort.
Here's a quote from the book so that you can judge for yourself:
"Dragons can hypnotize you with their eyes, freezing you where you stand, and burn you to a crisp before you can say 'Bard the Bowman'!"
Ugh. Just no.
The cover is pretty, though
Have you heard the following advice before?
1)Get more sleep by avoiding the internet before bed.
2)Don’t let narcissistic and annoying people get to you.
3)Enjoy healthier food.
4)Money isn't everything. Enjoy your family and friends.
Now combine this run-of-the-mill advice with a synopsis of Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit and some mediocre writing and you have a book. Just not a very good one.
There is a slew of Tolkien-inspired books out there. They range From high fantasy with Middle-earth elements to mediocre Tolkien cash-ins that ride on hobbit fame. This book forms part of the latter. I don’t doubt Smith appreciates Tolkien and, like millions of people, has had his life made all the better for having read the books, but he doesn’t do hobbits justice. However, his heart is in the right place and he definitely put love into Wisdom of the Shire; just not much effort.
Here's a quote from the book so that you can judge for yourself:
"Dragons can hypnotize you with their eyes, freezing you where you stand, and burn you to a crisp before you can say 'Bard the Bowman'!"
Ugh. Just no.
The cover is pretty, though
March 3, 2013
This is a unique and engaging self-help book, perfect for any fan of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Noble Smith encourages readers to take a step back from their hectic lives and the many problems that they deal with on a day-to-day basis, and live in a more simplistic manner, just like the hobbits of Middle-Earth.
Anyone who knows me knows that I have been completely enamored by the hobbits and their way of life ever since I first picked up Tolkien’s books. Good food and cheer, what could be better than that? It seems that Noble Smith shares my thoughts on this matter, and really gives us a handbook to following the Hobbits’ example. One of the chapters has such a simple, yet overlooked message. Sleep well. Yeah, that’s it. As simple as it sounds, how many of us actually turn off our TVs and computers at a decent hour and go to bed? Noble even says, “If you’re reading this book right now and you’re tired, put it down and go to bed.” I also thought that the chapter on love was brilliant. Noble has us think about where we currently base our ideas of ‘romance and love’. How many of us are constantly looking at celebrity gossip magazines and acting so surprised when these people split up and both go after ‘the next best thing’? Smith writes about Tolkien and his wife, Edith, and the obstacles they overcame to be together. “The Wisdom of the Shire tells us: True love must be defended bravely with the soul of a warrior, and yet tended with the patience of a gardener.”
I was very happy with this book, and I sure hope others will decide to pick it up and add some Hobbit wisdom to their lives. You won’t be disappointed.
Anyone who knows me knows that I have been completely enamored by the hobbits and their way of life ever since I first picked up Tolkien’s books. Good food and cheer, what could be better than that? It seems that Noble Smith shares my thoughts on this matter, and really gives us a handbook to following the Hobbits’ example. One of the chapters has such a simple, yet overlooked message. Sleep well. Yeah, that’s it. As simple as it sounds, how many of us actually turn off our TVs and computers at a decent hour and go to bed? Noble even says, “If you’re reading this book right now and you’re tired, put it down and go to bed.” I also thought that the chapter on love was brilliant. Noble has us think about where we currently base our ideas of ‘romance and love’. How many of us are constantly looking at celebrity gossip magazines and acting so surprised when these people split up and both go after ‘the next best thing’? Smith writes about Tolkien and his wife, Edith, and the obstacles they overcame to be together. “The Wisdom of the Shire tells us: True love must be defended bravely with the soul of a warrior, and yet tended with the patience of a gardener.”
I was very happy with this book, and I sure hope others will decide to pick it up and add some Hobbit wisdom to their lives. You won’t be disappointed.
January 19, 2021
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” —J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
September 16, 2024
A very cosy fun read, even though the 'wisdom' wasn't necessarily anything new.
January 19, 2013
This is one of those delightful little books that “does exactly what it says on the tin.” It explores the Shire and visits with the Hobbits who live there like old friends, as well as stopping by various other places in Middle Earth and introducing us to elves, wizards, dwarves, and even ents, as we get to know them better and discover exactly what it is that makes Hobbits so, well, Hobbit-ish.
Hobbits, of course, are some of the best-loved characters in literature, and there is barely a person you’ll meet who hasn’t at least heard of them, even if they haven’t read the books by Tolkien or seen Peter Jackson’s wonderful films. The Wisdom of the Shire looks at how following the Hobbits’ example can lead to a happier life as we learn to appreciate the small and simple things in life – good food, good friends, a cosy home, and a love of the natural world around us.
Filled with fascinating tidbits of information about the people and places of middle earth, as well as the author and the actors who have played roles in the films, this little book keeps you turning the pages to the very end, where you will find a Hobbit test (apparently I am extremely Hobbit-like!) and directions for making your own small Hobbit-inspired garden.
If you’re a fan of the books or the films, you will love this book. Even if you’re not, you’ll probably be able to get something out of the gentle advice it gives in an entirely Hobbit-ish way – never intrusive, always warm and friendly – and will be left with a warm feeling inside, and possibly inspired to live your life the way the Hobbits do, even if you live in the middle of a busy city.
Hobbits, of course, are some of the best-loved characters in literature, and there is barely a person you’ll meet who hasn’t at least heard of them, even if they haven’t read the books by Tolkien or seen Peter Jackson’s wonderful films. The Wisdom of the Shire looks at how following the Hobbits’ example can lead to a happier life as we learn to appreciate the small and simple things in life – good food, good friends, a cosy home, and a love of the natural world around us.
Filled with fascinating tidbits of information about the people and places of middle earth, as well as the author and the actors who have played roles in the films, this little book keeps you turning the pages to the very end, where you will find a Hobbit test (apparently I am extremely Hobbit-like!) and directions for making your own small Hobbit-inspired garden.
If you’re a fan of the books or the films, you will love this book. Even if you’re not, you’ll probably be able to get something out of the gentle advice it gives in an entirely Hobbit-ish way – never intrusive, always warm and friendly – and will be left with a warm feeling inside, and possibly inspired to live your life the way the Hobbits do, even if you live in the middle of a busy city.
March 15, 2022
A near 5 hour audiobook. Does a very decent job explaining various aspects of hobbit life, and giving examples of how we can emulate them (in some cases even citing recipes and websites).
Of course one question worth considering is whether the author had his own biases and looked for examples that would support this views, or whether the author had no preconceived notions and let his scholarship alone influence the points he chose to bring up. Either way there was enough "food for thought" contained in the book that it deserved an "I liked it".
Of course one question worth considering is whether the author had his own biases and looked for examples that would support this views, or whether the author had no preconceived notions and let his scholarship alone influence the points he chose to bring up. Either way there was enough "food for thought" contained in the book that it deserved an "I liked it".
September 11, 2020
Много исках да довърша тая книга, но накрая се предадох! Мисля, че това е най-тъпото нещо, на което съм попадала откакто водя статистика в Goodreads! IQ и изказ на автора се нареждат малко след тези на сина ми (5 г.).
Книжлето е разделено на глави, засягащи теми от творчеството на Толкин. Всичко е описано: а) по детски, б) инфантилно, в) идиотско. Дори преразказването на приключенията на хобитите ме вкарваше в нервна криза. А смукането на идеи за живота е просто нелепо. А знаете ли колко бележки под линия имаше тоя хубостник? По близо две на всяка страница, като те дори нямаха общо със звездичката в основния текст! ПРИМЕР из главата за ползите от ходенето пеш: (основен текст) Само от време на време, когато бърза, яхва своя Сенкогрив*. (бележка) *Сенкогрив е най-добрият кон на Рохан, той не позволявал на никой друг, освен на Гандалф да го язди. Той е най-бързият, здрав и своенравен кон в Средната земя. -puke-
Единственото добро нещо в тази книга е въведението към българското издание, където научаваме, че авторът имал познати от България, уморен е от Американската мечта и си мечтае за домашна храна и алкохол. Демек нас, българите, няма на какво да ни учи, ние даже учим него, което донякъде обезсмисля издаването на това подобие на наръчник. А ако американците са наистина толкова тъпи, че да се нуждаят от такова чудо, значи третата световна война не ни мърда.
August 31, 2015
Itse kootut viisaudet olivat pahinta näennäisnerokastacoelhonallepuhhumanismia ("Kanna sormustasi vain niin kauan kuin tarpeelliselta tuntuu. Kun oikea hetkitulee, heitä se tuleen ja vapaudu taakastasi."), mutta muuten jorinat siitä mitä hyvää eläminen hobittityyliin voisi tarjota meille oli ihan mukavaa luettavaa. Kaksi ja puoli tähteä ja noiden luvun mietinnät sisältävien idioottitiivistysten takia siis vain kaksi.
October 6, 2019
Better than a dearth of self-help books out there.
April 14, 2022
I really really enjoyed this little "self-help" and Shire stories. I have read a lot of the reviews over Wisdom of the Shire (mostly the negative ones) and while I can see some superfans being upset by minor details being off or people noting that the writing feels condesending....give me a "how to live your life" that isnt?
I love LOTR and I LOVED the narrator of this audiobook. Its a great uncomplicated, calming listen to just sit back and absorb it. You've got a guy that is reflecting on a series he loves so much and the lessons he took from living simply. Thats it. Hes not speaking on behalf of the Tolkien estate or claiming new territory in an analysis. So if you go into it with that mindset then yeah you will be disappointed. But if you need a break from business and just a calming voice or book to fall asleep to or take you away. Give this one a try. I thought it was cute
I love LOTR and I LOVED the narrator of this audiobook. Its a great uncomplicated, calming listen to just sit back and absorb it. You've got a guy that is reflecting on a series he loves so much and the lessons he took from living simply. Thats it. Hes not speaking on behalf of the Tolkien estate or claiming new territory in an analysis. So if you go into it with that mindset then yeah you will be disappointed. But if you need a break from business and just a calming voice or book to fall asleep to or take you away. Give this one a try. I thought it was cute
Read
August 30, 2020This was my second time reading this book and I enjoyed it just as much as the first.
This is basically what it says on the tin - a guide book on how to live a fulfilling life as guided by the people of the Shire. I love how Noble weaves in the world of Middle Earth and brings his own interesting insights and interpretations and research into it.
The writing is easy to follow and paints a really vivid picture of what he's trying to explain in any given chapter and using Tolkien's worlds as illustrations (The Hobbit, the Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion primarily).
One thing I love is all the little recap phrases at the end of the chapter that sum up the big takeaways.
All in all, if you're a Tolkien fan, definitely give this one a read.
This is basically what it says on the tin - a guide book on how to live a fulfilling life as guided by the people of the Shire. I love how Noble weaves in the world of Middle Earth and brings his own interesting insights and interpretations and research into it.
The writing is easy to follow and paints a really vivid picture of what he's trying to explain in any given chapter and using Tolkien's worlds as illustrations (The Hobbit, the Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion primarily).
One thing I love is all the little recap phrases at the end of the chapter that sum up the big takeaways.
All in all, if you're a Tolkien fan, definitely give this one a read.
November 25, 2023
So, I’m both amused and enlightened with this book.
Amused because my father has always said the ‘be mindful’ stuff to me, and I’ve always been kinda forced to accept that I can’t focus on something for a specific period of time to be mindful about it. The way that Smith explained it though, his way of adding my favorite trilogy into everyday live, made this book both funny and interesting. Now I can’t eat food because I have to smell it first. It’s weird.
This book is for anyone who loves lord of the rings and wants a short guide to a long and happy life. I enjoyed it a lot.
Amused because my father has always said the ‘be mindful’ stuff to me, and I’ve always been kinda forced to accept that I can’t focus on something for a specific period of time to be mindful about it. The way that Smith explained it though, his way of adding my favorite trilogy into everyday live, made this book both funny and interesting. Now I can’t eat food because I have to smell it first. It’s weird.
This book is for anyone who loves lord of the rings and wants a short guide to a long and happy life. I enjoyed it a lot.
June 15, 2017
Е няма толкова малоумна книга!!! Честно. Да доиш Хобитът и ЛОТР - очевидно може, Питър Джаксън трети милиард вече трупа в банката... ама това, дето го е направил този, е дебилно в най-добрия смисъл на думата. Четиво за отчаяни съпруги и нискоинтелигентни домакини, които биха чели всичко - от Паулу Коелю до розовите романчета с оня напомпан бастун на корицата от началото на демокрацията. И дори може би и на тях ще им се стори инфантилно и изсмукано от пръста (няма да казвам кой точно).
March 3, 2020
I started this book with too great expectations. As a huge fan of Tolkien and his Middle Earth stories, I wished to read an interpretation of hobbits' life and how to implement it in my own life. Well, in some points "The wisdom of Shire..." is nice and gives some important advice. But the main part of the book is simply re-telling the original Tolkien stories and giving examples. Not too bad, but quite boring...
February 13, 2024
I didn't know what this would be like but I was surprisingly delighted. The author has like many of us, had his life changed by the power of Tolkiens stories. I found myself learning what I didn't know, enjoying again what I did know, and realizing again what unique and powerful stories these are. He did a great job capturing the life changing power of ti l the stories.
November 13, 2019
Just delightful.
February 22, 2013
Uniquely original and profoundly thought-provoking, this fascinating perspective that draws from JRR Tolkien’s works is astonishing!
Since childhood devouring ‘The Hobbit’ and other Tolkien’s works such as ‘The Silmarillion’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ I was naturally really excited, upon being presented with the opportunity of discovering Noble Smith’s ‘Wisdom of the Shire’ which contains references to JRR Tolkien’s epic creation. Journeying into the heart of the Shire and exploring Hobbiton, I felt ‘at home’ as the author cleverly combines facts with his own singular philosophy. Other parts of vast Middle-Earth are touched upon including other creatures, such as Wizards, Dwarves, Elves and Ents that make Tolkien’s world so supremely magnificent and ‘one of its kind’.
“Hobbits really are amazing creatures…You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you!”
- Fellowship of the Ring, JRR Tolkien
Hobbits are certainly familiar through the books by Tolkien and the film adaptations of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ films (directed by Peter Jackson), and so by studying their lifestyles and homely habits you can compare this to your own life. One thing is clear, that Hobbits live very happy and fulfilled lives and they are certainly merry, jolly and ‘contented with their lot’. By applying this to our own lives Noble Smith endeavors to make us feel satisfaction, contentment and joy through simple living and being at one with nature itself. Love is so important as too is being surrounded by friends, family and good food (feeling good inside and out) and so working harmoniously with the natural environment and focusing on a Hobbit’s life we can ultimately feel invigorated.
“…it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort."
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, Ch. 1
Filled with fascinating facts and tempting tidbits that will entice you into reading JRR Tolkien’s works and discovering Middle-Earth and its wonders, this personal read of self-discovery will have a consequential change on your own outlook on life as you contemplate your own happiness. Whether you are seeking peaceful tranquility in the countryside (rather than the city) or the comfort of a ‘Hobbit-hole’ inspired home, this delightful guide fills you full of warmth and enlightenment on how the simple things can have such a big impact. I would highly recommend this to all fans of Tolkien’s creation, as it is an enjoyable and illuminating read and one which ultimately makes you feel optimistic.
*I won an audio book copy of “The Wisdom of the Shire” by Noble Smith through a Goodreads, First-Read giveaway.*
Since childhood devouring ‘The Hobbit’ and other Tolkien’s works such as ‘The Silmarillion’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ I was naturally really excited, upon being presented with the opportunity of discovering Noble Smith’s ‘Wisdom of the Shire’ which contains references to JRR Tolkien’s epic creation. Journeying into the heart of the Shire and exploring Hobbiton, I felt ‘at home’ as the author cleverly combines facts with his own singular philosophy. Other parts of vast Middle-Earth are touched upon including other creatures, such as Wizards, Dwarves, Elves and Ents that make Tolkien’s world so supremely magnificent and ‘one of its kind’.
“Hobbits really are amazing creatures…You can learn all that there is to know about their ways in a month, and yet after a hundred years they can still surprise you!”
- Fellowship of the Ring, JRR Tolkien
Hobbits are certainly familiar through the books by Tolkien and the film adaptations of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ films (directed by Peter Jackson), and so by studying their lifestyles and homely habits you can compare this to your own life. One thing is clear, that Hobbits live very happy and fulfilled lives and they are certainly merry, jolly and ‘contented with their lot’. By applying this to our own lives Noble Smith endeavors to make us feel satisfaction, contentment and joy through simple living and being at one with nature itself. Love is so important as too is being surrounded by friends, family and good food (feeling good inside and out) and so working harmoniously with the natural environment and focusing on a Hobbit’s life we can ultimately feel invigorated.
“…it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort."
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, Ch. 1
Filled with fascinating facts and tempting tidbits that will entice you into reading JRR Tolkien’s works and discovering Middle-Earth and its wonders, this personal read of self-discovery will have a consequential change on your own outlook on life as you contemplate your own happiness. Whether you are seeking peaceful tranquility in the countryside (rather than the city) or the comfort of a ‘Hobbit-hole’ inspired home, this delightful guide fills you full of warmth and enlightenment on how the simple things can have such a big impact. I would highly recommend this to all fans of Tolkien’s creation, as it is an enjoyable and illuminating read and one which ultimately makes you feel optimistic.
*I won an audio book copy of “The Wisdom of the Shire” by Noble Smith through a Goodreads, First-Read giveaway.*
March 9, 2013
This review is for the audiobook version of The Wisdom of the Shire by Noble Smith, read by Simon Vance.
This book had me utterly charmed at the dedication, which is a hint at all the goodness that lies ahead. There is no way to put the book down after reading that gem.
Much of the wisdom presented is common to 21st century denizens with any civic conscientiousness and environmental awareness- reuse, recycle, eat local, make nice with your own personal Gollum- but presented through the lens of Hobbitness, the message has a freshness and appeal that is hard to resist. Do not, however, think for a minute that the Hobbit angle is simply a gimmick. Smith is a deep thinker with keen intellect, a big, generous heart, and a wicked knowledge of The Lord of the Rings. He has captured the essence of Tolkien's lands and characters and seamlessly relates them to life in our stressed, hurried, consumer world. Each and every chapter gave me something to enjoy, to take away and ponder, to apply to my own life. From the big (challenge corporate and governmental corruption) to the simple (get more sleep!), Smith's suggestions are inspired and inspiring. And read in Vance's delightfully British voice, they are warm and inviting.
The Wisdom of the Shire will be enjoyed not only by devoted Tolkien fans, but also by anyone with a passing familiarity with the books or films.
I won a copy of this audiobook through Goodreads First Reads. Yet now, after having basked in its good spirit, its arrival on my doorstep seems less like a freebie won, and more like a gift received. Thank you Goodreads and Noble Smith.
The Shire Lives!
This book had me utterly charmed at the dedication, which is a hint at all the goodness that lies ahead. There is no way to put the book down after reading that gem.
Much of the wisdom presented is common to 21st century denizens with any civic conscientiousness and environmental awareness- reuse, recycle, eat local, make nice with your own personal Gollum- but presented through the lens of Hobbitness, the message has a freshness and appeal that is hard to resist. Do not, however, think for a minute that the Hobbit angle is simply a gimmick. Smith is a deep thinker with keen intellect, a big, generous heart, and a wicked knowledge of The Lord of the Rings. He has captured the essence of Tolkien's lands and characters and seamlessly relates them to life in our stressed, hurried, consumer world. Each and every chapter gave me something to enjoy, to take away and ponder, to apply to my own life. From the big (challenge corporate and governmental corruption) to the simple (get more sleep!), Smith's suggestions are inspired and inspiring. And read in Vance's delightfully British voice, they are warm and inviting.
The Wisdom of the Shire will be enjoyed not only by devoted Tolkien fans, but also by anyone with a passing familiarity with the books or films.
I won a copy of this audiobook through Goodreads First Reads. Yet now, after having basked in its good spirit, its arrival on my doorstep seems less like a freebie won, and more like a gift received. Thank you Goodreads and Noble Smith.
The Shire Lives!
August 9, 2019
The conceit of this work is the description and application of hobbit characteristics to your life. The book carries two major structures throughout He narrative. First is a factual description of key people, places, and events from the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. Second is the author’s commentary and application.
Regarding the first structure, most of the descriptions will be a simple review for fans of Tolkien’s works - which are undoubtedly most if not all readers of this book. You won’t find any insights here.
On the author’s commentary, it an uninspired and cliched list of grievances. Corporations are evil, people are too materialistic, your should grow your own food to reduce your carbon footprint, people drive too much, etc.
The thesis of the book is not without its difficulties. It is little wonder why the author did not extol the virtues of smoking, despite being a core aspect of being a Hobbit. Also, the anti-military inclinations of the author perhaps blinded him to the fact that it was due to the silent and violent efforts of the Dunedain that gave the Shire the peace that it enjoyed.
Lastly, the author extol’s JRR Tolkien’s so-called restraint in not putting his Christianity in his work so that people can think whatever they want for themselves. He would be disappointed in reading Tolkien’s letter to W. H. Austen, dated May 12, 1965 wherein he says:
“I don’t feel under any obligation to make my story fit with formalized Christian theology, though I actually intended it to be consistent with Christian thought and belief.”
It was a pleasant enough audiobook to listen to during my commute, but it is not a standout work.
Regarding the first structure, most of the descriptions will be a simple review for fans of Tolkien’s works - which are undoubtedly most if not all readers of this book. You won’t find any insights here.
On the author’s commentary, it an uninspired and cliched list of grievances. Corporations are evil, people are too materialistic, your should grow your own food to reduce your carbon footprint, people drive too much, etc.
The thesis of the book is not without its difficulties. It is little wonder why the author did not extol the virtues of smoking, despite being a core aspect of being a Hobbit. Also, the anti-military inclinations of the author perhaps blinded him to the fact that it was due to the silent and violent efforts of the Dunedain that gave the Shire the peace that it enjoyed.
Lastly, the author extol’s JRR Tolkien’s so-called restraint in not putting his Christianity in his work so that people can think whatever they want for themselves. He would be disappointed in reading Tolkien’s letter to W. H. Austen, dated May 12, 1965 wherein he says:
“I don’t feel under any obligation to make my story fit with formalized Christian theology, though I actually intended it to be consistent with Christian thought and belief.”
It was a pleasant enough audiobook to listen to during my commute, but it is not a standout work.
January 17, 2013
Whether you're a well seasoned Tolkien fan, or brand new and just curious, this book is such a wonderful find. I've read quite a few "self help" books, but this definitely isn't like the rest. It doesn't point out your faults, but rather it goes back and forth telling stories and the author even sharing his own mishaps. When I was first introduced to Tolkien's lengendarium, all throughout my high school years, I wanted to be an Elf. Ethereal, graceful, beautiful, etc. But I was always dismayed because I was more like a Hobbit in manner and appearance, and it's taken me so long to realize that being a Hobbit is the best damn thing in the world! They really know how to live, and we can all learn from them, even being fictional characters. I can't tell you how much it has tortured me growing up in today's society where the media runs the world, rash and idiotic people are crowned kings of television, barking at us to be thinner than a blade of grass while serving up chemically altered food, and just plain making you feel like no matter what you do, you are not doing enough. I've had enough! And this book was such a big sigh of relief. I finally felt good about not being famous or wealthy or even preferring my conversations to be between trees, rather than other people. It brings you back to our roots: the earth. And it really does makes sense at the end of the day. To quote a famous Dwarf: "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
January 13, 2014
I received this book as an ARC from Goodread's First Reads program.
while it's obviously helpful to know the basic story of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy while reading this to get the references, they are not required to get the life lessons Mr. Smith imparts as "wisdom of the Shire." I want to say I ascribe to almost everything that was suggested or have tried to in the past, which makes me feel a bit like a Hobbit, which is a compliment in my humble estimation.
I've read the actual Tolkien books a number of times, but I find it difficult to remember specifics, so sitting down with this book, reliving the adventures again, and taking the heart the lessons Mr. Smith tries to impart, was liking coming to a very familiar place with a new perspective. I ended up walking over to the bookshelf and started rereading The Hobbit almost immediately after finishing The Wisdom of the Shire.
In reading Peter Beagle's comment that he would buy copies of this book and share them with all his friends, I wish I had the disposable income to do the same. I do know I will share my advance reading copy with a few of my friends who are die-hard Tolkien fans, since I know they will end up going out to buy a copy for themselves for their own bookshelves, not depriving Mr. Smith of any royalties that he deserves for penning an enjoyable, down-to-earth book, with lessons that anyone can take to heart. I'm so glad I got an opportunity to read and review this book.
while it's obviously helpful to know the basic story of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy while reading this to get the references, they are not required to get the life lessons Mr. Smith imparts as "wisdom of the Shire." I want to say I ascribe to almost everything that was suggested or have tried to in the past, which makes me feel a bit like a Hobbit, which is a compliment in my humble estimation.
I've read the actual Tolkien books a number of times, but I find it difficult to remember specifics, so sitting down with this book, reliving the adventures again, and taking the heart the lessons Mr. Smith tries to impart, was liking coming to a very familiar place with a new perspective. I ended up walking over to the bookshelf and started rereading The Hobbit almost immediately after finishing The Wisdom of the Shire.
In reading Peter Beagle's comment that he would buy copies of this book and share them with all his friends, I wish I had the disposable income to do the same. I do know I will share my advance reading copy with a few of my friends who are die-hard Tolkien fans, since I know they will end up going out to buy a copy for themselves for their own bookshelves, not depriving Mr. Smith of any royalties that he deserves for penning an enjoyable, down-to-earth book, with lessons that anyone can take to heart. I'm so glad I got an opportunity to read and review this book.
December 6, 2012
I recently had the pleasure of reading Noble Smith’s The Wisdom of the Shire (“a short guide to a long and happy life”), which came out last month. Having heard many good things about this book from critics and fellow readers alike, I was more than eager to read it myself!
In The Wisdom of the Shire, Noble pulls us away from the craziness of our own lives and sticks us in the heart of the Shire, where its Hobbit citizens live simple, yet rewarding lives, and whose Hobbit holes are the true definition of comfort.
While many of us have grown accustomed to the complex and chaotic routine we call “life,” living like a Hobbit is not a difficult task, as Noble shows us. The main thing is to learn how to simplify – an idea that is both foreign and frightening to many people. Fortunately, Noble provides more than enough suggestions and information to get you on your way to living a more Hobbit-y lifestyle.
And while The Wisdom of the Shire is in some ways a sort of “self-betterment” book, it speaks to – and not at – the reader, which makes it a fun and engaging read. From the very beginning, Noble makes things personal, sprinkling bits of his own opinions and life experiences on top of the many examples he’s pulled from both Tolkien’s writings and Peter Jackson’s film adaptations.
Regardless of whether you seriously want to make a change in your life, or if you just want to read more about Tolkien’s furry-footed characters, this is a must-have.
In The Wisdom of the Shire, Noble pulls us away from the craziness of our own lives and sticks us in the heart of the Shire, where its Hobbit citizens live simple, yet rewarding lives, and whose Hobbit holes are the true definition of comfort.
While many of us have grown accustomed to the complex and chaotic routine we call “life,” living like a Hobbit is not a difficult task, as Noble shows us. The main thing is to learn how to simplify – an idea that is both foreign and frightening to many people. Fortunately, Noble provides more than enough suggestions and information to get you on your way to living a more Hobbit-y lifestyle.
And while The Wisdom of the Shire is in some ways a sort of “self-betterment” book, it speaks to – and not at – the reader, which makes it a fun and engaging read. From the very beginning, Noble makes things personal, sprinkling bits of his own opinions and life experiences on top of the many examples he’s pulled from both Tolkien’s writings and Peter Jackson’s film adaptations.
Regardless of whether you seriously want to make a change in your life, or if you just want to read more about Tolkien’s furry-footed characters, this is a must-have.
February 14, 2016
I don't review books regularly, or at all, to be fair. This is the first review I'm writing on here, but this book has earned it. It is a short, quick read, though you'll most likely want to take your time to read and let it all sink in. I have loved the melting together of two of my favorite things: Tolkien's work and life. This is a smoothly flowing, well-written book, that made me smile more than once, sometimes out of joy, other times out of melancholy, or because I recognized the advice given.
Consider this book when you're a bit at a loss, in life or in yourself. For me it has made a few things easier and it really does give sound advice, even when it's perhaps a bit overly optimistic for some. Yet when optimism is exactly what you need in Life, this is the book to read. I love optimism, it gives hope and makes you hold on, or take chances, even at the darkest of times.
So yeah, off you go then.
Consider this book when you're a bit at a loss, in life or in yourself. For me it has made a few things easier and it really does give sound advice, even when it's perhaps a bit overly optimistic for some. Yet when optimism is exactly what you need in Life, this is the book to read. I love optimism, it gives hope and makes you hold on, or take chances, even at the darkest of times.
So yeah, off you go then.
October 6, 2013
Simply put, this book is fantastic! I discovered this treasure on day at work, I've read it several times since! Noble's approaches to the Hobbit lifestyle is pure and a delight to read. It truly can help brighten ones day up, whether that involves you breaking into a song whilst eating a good hearty second breakfast, or spending a day barefooted in the garden sowing seeds! Perfect for both Tolkien fans and those looking for something different alike! I would recommend this book to anyone. So for those of you who dream of adventure or even just a relaxing life in the Shire, I praise you read this book!!
December 3, 2018
I was very disappointed in this book, to the point where I returned it. I was hoping for an upbeat read, and overall a positive note.
This was not the case. What came across was a cranky old man wanting to relive the "glory" days before any kind of scientific advancement was made. What to be happy?...avoid technology....want to be healthy?...grow your own food. Want to be wealthy?...avoid the big companies who are crushing and suppressing the people, creating a world similar to that of the Orcs.
I cannot express how truly underwhelmed I was with this book.
This was not the case. What came across was a cranky old man wanting to relive the "glory" days before any kind of scientific advancement was made. What to be happy?...avoid technology....want to be healthy?...grow your own food. Want to be wealthy?...avoid the big companies who are crushing and suppressing the people, creating a world similar to that of the Orcs.
I cannot express how truly underwhelmed I was with this book.
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