Let’s discuss The Hobbit
For our first installment of The Guild, we will read The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein in three installments. (see schedule below) Join us live for a discussion of each where we will have questions and prompts to consider as we take a deep dive. And of course, in true Shire style, we named the sessions after meals: First Breakfast, Second Breakfast, and Elevensies.
This book is the precursor to the Lord of the Rings and tells the tale of a Hobbit’s grand adventure into Middle Earth, a high fantasy setting of mythic proportions. Discussions will center on the text, not the movies. If you have never read this book, realize that there are major differences between the two.
Come along with us as we read the most important work of fantasy fiction ever written.
First Breakfast
Read Chapters 1-3
Live stream and Discussion:
May 24th 2026 - 11am eastern time
Second Breakfast
Read Chapters 4-11
Live stream and Discussion:
June 28th 2026 - 11am eastern time
Elevensies
Read Chapters 12-19
Live stream and Discussion:
July 26th 2026 - 11am eastern time
What is The Guild?
We wanted to begin hosting discussions around what we are reading and we thought you should all come along. The Guild’s participants on the stream will rotate as the books change with an aim at keeping the discussion lively. We want to dig into our readings and spark new conversations and explore where these writings connect to our other interests. We are starting with Tolkein and will likely follow The Hobbit with The Lord of the Rings. We will post polls for voting on what books we should read next, look to our community for questions and discussion prompts and more.
In the future, The Guild wants to produce a newsletter with summaries of discussions, schedules and other news for what is in the pipeline next.