This definitely strayed from our normal book-picking policies. While it is not a rule, we typically follow the guideline that books should only be picked if they haven't been read before. Books that are already read and known come along with baggage-- if a host has strong emotional ties to a character or plot, and the rest of the book clubbers decide they hate it, discussion can become awkward if not defensive. But, in the case of The Hobbit, we all agreed it would be fun to re-read ( or read for the first time, for a couple of the Eat, Drink, and Literarians).
Since most of us were re-reading the book, discussion was focused on our changing views of the book, and not on our first impressions. Everyone remarked that they discovered something new about the story. In my case, I discovered how silly and funny the whole story is! When I was 12, I read the book (and watched the cartoon- anyone remember that terrible thing?), and I remember all of the adventure, but none of humor. Also, I realized how Bilbo's journey can be construed as a "coming of age" story in the way he grows as a person.... er... hobbit.
While this meeting was much different than most, we unanimously enjoyed the classic tale and felt amply prepared to bash the new films for straying from Tolkein's vision. (Just a note-- we had plans to see the movie together, but it never worked out, so I still haven't seen it or done any real bashing! This must be remedied.)
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