[Mithalwen]

I have some sympathy since although I loved the story when it was on "Jackanory" oh so many years ago and bought the book becasue I missed the final episode, I seldom reread the Hobbit (or indeed the early chapters of LOTR) because of the dominant style. However, if you read the history of LOTR you will see how things changed. The Hobbit had, almost by accident acquired links with the world of the Silmarillion created long before and ineveitably in a children's book they are diluted.

However do not be too hard on "The Hobbit" - remember that it is of a similar era to Winnie the Pooh (which I love btw) - that was the style of children's books..... it does have its moments - think of the death of Thorin if you wish for dignity...... Also, while I love the LOTR more as the sequel to the Silmarillion than as the sequel to the Hobbit (I was always an elf fancier rather than a hobbitphile), bear in mind that the only reason we have The LOTR is becasue of the popularity of the Hobbit. THe publishers would not touch the Sil. So no Hobbit, no LOTR, no Sil, no UT, no HoME.
So I am very grateful to it for introducing me to the wider world of Middle Earth even thought it is not something I read much as an adult.