A Hobbit Devotional

by Ed Strauss

Those who enjoy J. R. R. Tolkien - even those new to his classic stories - will love A Hobbit Devotional, featuring 60 humorous, challenging, and encouraging devotionals. The Hobbit has fascinated readers for more than 70 years. Now, this tale of humble folk who overcome fear, discouragement, and despair through steadfastness, courage, and hope forms the basis of a brand-new devotional book. Each reading sketches a scene from The Hobbit, relates it to a contemporary life situation that listeners might experience personally, and brings in the teaching of a relevant Bible story or verse.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Devotional, Christianity, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

Audible Audio

First published September 1, 2012

About the author

Ed Strauss lives in British Columbia, Canada, with his wife and three tween-aged children. Ed is a freelance writer with a passion for Biblical apologetics and fantasy fiction. Apart from writing, Ed enjoys biking and exploring nature.

Reviews

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was so good! I find it so amazing that Ed Strauss combined the Hobbit with a devotional! So, The Lord of the Rings, is one of my favorite books, as well as the Hobbit. Actually those are my two favorite books of all time! It was so Awesome!! When I saw there was a hobbit devotional! I couldn’t believe it!

If you are a fan of J.R.R Tolkien, Middle-Earth, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Please consider reading this book, I couldn’t have asked for a better devotional!

Ed Strauss did SUCH an excellent job with this book, he made sure to include Bible studies, great advice, and AMAZING pieces from the book! He also included Bible scriptures!

I found great encouragement from this book!! I also found this so incredible, how J.R.R Tolkien’s marvelous imagination inspired Ed Strauss to write such an amazing book ✨✨✨

I would gladly give this book more than five stars, if I could 😆

This is one of those books, where it’s a must-Read!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5.5


I also couldn’t stop drooling over the cover of this book😆
It’s such a beautiful leather cover

[Caleb M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I was doing some light goodreads stalking a while back and was looking at my friend Celeste's page and the books she read and finished and enjoyed. I came across this one that she had rated 5* and didn't have a review on it, which is super rare for her, maybe even nonexistent with any of her current reads. So I decided to give it a shot.

This is why sometimes you have to stalk peoples pages and see what they enjoyed because I found great pleasure in this book, and there is no way I would have heard about it had I not gone looking. It was a perfect little devotional to pick up every night before I would go to bed. Read a little excerpt from "The Hobbit" and then the author would dive in and explain how a certain portion of the book would then relate to the Bible. It would take maybe 5 minutes to read and it was a lot of fun. Some chapters were pretty heavy, while others were a lot more lighthearted (but still on point), while others felt like they were stretching a bit. But the author, Ed Strauss did a significant amount of research, or so it seems, and nailed this book. This is a devotional that is perfect for the nerd that wants to grow closer to God. I highly enjoyed it. Thank you Celeste, I'm glad you rated this little gem.

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this devotional and it's beautiful cover.

I am a huge fan of The Hobbit; to combine the hobbit with daily devotions was a great idea.

[Stephen West · Rating 4 out of 5]

"That's why we all need a Gandalf to come along every now and then to stir us up, to inspire us to take part in a great adventure and to remind us that there is a wide needy world out there beyond our doorstep"

[E Vance Shearin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a devotional book person. I don't like the short sections, and often the content is shallow and doesn't really produce deep thought. However I really enjoyed this one. I am sure it is because of the subject matter tie in. Mr. Strauss does an excellent job of tying biblical truth with the truth that is found in this classic tale with numerous quotes from both the Scriptures and the Hobbit.

[Gladimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my ALL TIME FAVORITE devotionals!!!! God has definitely spoken to me through this and I will be forever thankful!

[Eustacia Tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confession: It took me 17 years before I picked up Lord of The Rings. Previously, I was too intimated by the size (and bored by the hobbits) to pick it up, but now that I have read it, I can't get enough of it. So when I saw "A Hobbit Devotional" by Ed Strauss on NetGalley, I had to pick it up.

A Hobbit Devotional centres around the book The Hobbit, although since all books take place in Middle-Earth, you could still enjoy it if you've only read Lord of The Rings. The book is broken down into 60 chapters (so I guess you could use it as a two month devotional) and is a book best enjoyed slowly. There are also quite a few references to the Lord of The Rings trilogy, so if you haven't read it, you may find them spoilers.

Each chapter uses on point of the plot in The Hobbit, draws out the moral lesson from it and shows the reader what the Bible has to say about it. There are as many references to the Bible as there are to The Hobbit, which means that the author isn't just blindly drawing out moral lessons. And as a conclusion, the author shows how this particular lesson can be applied in our lives. The chapters are all fairly short (a few pages long), which makes them good devotional material.

Since The Hobbit is about quests and adventures, there is a lot devoted to stepping out in faith, and stepping beyond your comfort zone. I think that this book distills the moral lessons found in The Hobbit very well and shows how it can be applied to our everyday life.

There's not much else I have to say except that I highly recommend this book. Especially for fans of Middle Earth (and Bilbo!). Personally, I'd like to see this book being used in a Sunday School class (with a book discussion of The Hobbit going on at the same time).

Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.

First posted at IntoTheBook

[Lokita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a rocky history with devotionals. The very format demands short-and-sweet, but the content demands thoughtful, introspective, and challenging. RARELY do I find a book that manages to condense theological and practical truth without become trite at best and heretically dismissive at worst. Add in my nerdy tendency to gravitate to works like this, which draw on Middle-earth or Narnia or something else for inspiration, and I have a lot of trouble finding godly reading material.

The author of A Hobbit Devotional links thoughts and concepts to both verses of the Bible and events of The Hobbit with such an educated, precise hand, I never once felt insulted as a Lord of the Rings fan (his references more or less demanded my familiarity with Tolkien's work,) or as a Christian (he always brought hard spiritual truths up when the context needed it.) The length of the entries (3-4 pages) was perfect for some quiet time with coffee before work or a moment before bed. This may be the best devotional I've yet come across. If you walk with Christ and love Tolkien's work, you simply must give this book a shot.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no idea if Tolkien intended for The Hobbit to have quite so many biblical parallels, but he was a Christian and a very educated man, so it is entirely likely. Regardless, each of the sixty daily devotionals are well thought out, providing a brief quote from The Hobbit, followed by some information around the background to the quote, then the biblical principle that is being illustrated. As the devotional progresses, we move with Bilbo and the dwarves through their journey, facing the trials along with them.

Yes, it's a bit of a gimmick, a cash-in on the upcoming movie release. No, it's not the most theological of devotionals. It's a light devotional, not a heavy Bible study. But, for what it is, it's good - readable, entertaining and thought-provoking, and suitable to be used with children of all ages. Recommended for Tolkien fans, or anyone who wants to consider the Christian background to the movies.

Thanks to Barbour and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

[SiSApis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter gave me this pretty little book for Christmas. I was leery of it, but jumped in because it was a gift from her--and was pleasantly surprised! It is VERY nicely done, drawing lovely Christian-worldview meditations from the story of Tolkien's _The Hobbit_. Poorly executed, it might have been deeply annoying to a Tolkien admirer; instead, it was both fun and lovely.

[Jordan Louks · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was definitely fun seeing how Strauss related biblical concepts to the Hobbit. But the entries were definitely hit and miss for me. There was nothing that was inherently problematic with most of the chapters. Strauss definitely comes from a different place theologically than myself, which is fine. But that caused some tension with my reading, which is also fine. I like reading things that I disagree with because that is how I grow as a person. But it was also difficult to stay with it. There are sixty chapters, and I did not read it in two months. But I am glad that I read it and there were definitely some really great moments and insights in this book. Although at points it was rather simplistic. I, in a word, am conflicted about rating this book. And when I feel that way, and there is nothing that is really problematic about it, then I usually give the book three stars. So, three out of five stars.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Tolkien junkie myself, I was always aware that he incorporated Christianity into his works. For example, in Return of the King one of the workers in the houses of healing says "the hands of a healer are the hands of a king." This is a clear reference to Jesus. However, it is obvious in this devotional that Mr. Strauss is a true Tolkien scholar. Mr. Strauss goes chapter by chapter and explains how Tolkien showed God's love for us through the story. Even things that don't seem so obvious are made clear. I was thorougly impressed with his vast knowledge. I only wish that he added a little more scripture. But with all of that material to cover from Tolkien, it is understandable.
I highly recommend this devotional. Especially for Christians who are fans of Tolkien. They will enjoy seeing their favorite author's celebration of Christ through his work. I would really enjoy it if Mr. Strauss wrote a devotional for Lord of the Rings. That would be phenomenal.

[Betti · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Twitchmatic · Rating 4 out of 5]

“That’s why we all need a Gandalf to come along every now and again and stir us up, to inspire us to take part in some great adventure, and to remind us that there’s a wide, needy world out there beyond our doorstep”.

What an unexpected, great find at a used bookstore!! While I initially bought it as a fun gift to give to somebody, I started reading it and was hooked.

The daily reflections are a couple of short pages each and provide insightful and accessible homilies. The author definitely know his Middle Earth and provides lots of references and things to ponder.

Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[CR · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Airs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those who love hearing stories will love this and find it tremendously helpful in their faith journey.

Strauss is brilliant at writing simply yet evokingly, combined LOTR narratives to help us better understand God's words and ultimately, God's heart for us.

Side note: the LOTR parts are so succinctly interpreted that this has even been almost a LOTR reading guide for me! Definitely helped me grasp not just the Bible but LOTR even more

[Karoline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, but occasionally redundant. Also, seems like a children’s devotional in spots, but then speaks to issues like paying bills.
It’s clear the author did a lot of research and is passionate about The Hobbit, but sadly, I’m not a fan of this devotional. It’s too bad, because I really wanted to love this.

[Nicole Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little read with nice, short chapters that each focus on a different connection between the Hobbit and the Bible. I couldn't give more than four stars due to a few minor mistakes in the recounting of the Middle Earth story.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent, well-thought-out, relevant across the board. Only one connection was less then compelling to me. Definitely bears rereading. Strong and clear segues from novel to scripture. Highly recommend.

[Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun devotional that will go well with your cup of coffee if you are a Christian who loves Tolkien and Middle Earth. Devotions included are very short, and will take you mere minutes, though you can think about them throughout the day.

[Grant Fawcett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bailed. I tried. I hate giving up on a book. I picked it up hoping it would be something better than I presumed it could be. Ultimately it was an exercise in eisegetical inception; cramming unintended meaning into Tolkien and then applying that meaning to scripture.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of these devotions were written "just for me". I think you will find they are written "just for you" as well. Enjoy the journey!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and well researched.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful reflections throughout. A great snippet of fiction and faith each day.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used this as nightly devotions for my 10 year old. Worked well.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read The Hobbit, and maybe even if you haven’t, you will love this book! This is one of the best devotional books that I have ever read!

[Mike Glaser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely ties in the religious themes of the Hobbit with Bible passages. J.R.R. Tolkien was a deeply religious man and it is only natural that his strong beliefs made their way into his writings.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice devotional for those who love the Hobbit.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful little devotional which makes it easy to spend time with God on a daily basis

[Jessika Caruso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! Ed Strauss does an excellent job of connecting The Hobbit to The Bible, Tolkien characters to Bible characters and Bilbo's journey to the Christian walk. Highly recommended to all levels of Christian scholarship and all types of Hobbit fans. Whether you are just beginning your love of Tolkien or think you know all there is to know, I guarantee you will learn something new or gain new insight. Personally, the best thing I learned was that Tolkien wrote Gandalf as an angel incarnate . The author cites not just the Hobbit, but other Tolkien works, such as The Silmarillion and The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien to give readers a more comprehensive look at the story of Middle Earth. The conversational tone kept me interested but the material can get quite meaty.l (just how I like it). There are sixty 4-6 page devotionals. All begin with a quote from the Hobbit and they go in chronological order. If you haven't read the book in a while, Strauss quickly recaps the scene for easy reference. There are multiple Bible verses and stories included in each chapter as well. Take a look at this if you want to see just how much The Hobbit relates to the Bible, and how you can apply both to your daily walk with Christ!