Rent The Hobbit

I never read Tolkien when I was younger, and until the movies, had really no interest. I love the trilogy movies and after watching them, I wanted to read the book. I decided to get the Hobbit first because it had some background, and I knew they were making the movie. I discovered what I missed! After listening to all four books, this is, by far, the best of the bunch. The story is a lot more engaging, much more concise, and the writing was the best. I recommend listening to this book first, before the trilogy, and before the movie comes out. It will be your favorite after it is all over. It was mine.