The Wisdom of the Shire Audiobook By Noble Smith cover art

The Wisdom of the Shire

A Short Guide to a Long and Happy Life

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The Wisdom of the Shire

By: Noble Smith
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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In The Wisdom of the Shire, Noble Smith sheds light on the life-changing ideas tucked away inside the classic works of J. R. R. Tolkien and his most beloved creation—the stouthearted Hobbits.

Drawing on The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and other tales of Middle-earth, Smith shows how a snug hobbit-hole is actually just a state of mind and how even the smallest person can have the valor of a Rider of Rohan. He explores subjects dear to a halfling’s heart, such as beer, food, and friendship, as well as more serious concerns, such as courage, living in harmony with nature, and good versus evil.

How can simple pleasures such as gardening, taking long walks, and eating delicious meals with friends make you significantly happier? Why is the act of giving presents on your birthday instead of getting them such a revolutionary idea? And how can we carry the burden of our own "Ring of Power: without becoming devoured by it? The Wisdom of the Shire holds the answers to these and more of life’s essential questions.

Noble Smith is an award-winning playwright who has worked as a video game writer, documentary film producer, and media director of an international human-rights foundation.

©2012 Noble Smith. Foreword 2012 by Peter S. Beagle (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc. European Literary History & Criticism Personal Development Personal Success World Literature Inspiring British Literature British Fiction

Critic reviews

"The Wisdom of the Shire is an idea whose time has unquestionably come…. I'd buy it like a shot, give copies away to deserving friends, and keep it by the bed for bad nights." (Peter S. Beagle, award-winning author of The Last Unicorn)
"How to live long and prosper, Hobbit-style…. Tolkien fans breathlessly awaiting Peter Jackson’s upcoming three-part feature film will be pleasantly satiated with this self-help guide channeling the effervescent spirit and timeless morality of the much-loved Hobbit population,…The author's many comparisons between the ‘safe, warm, comfortable’ facets of Hobbit life and contemporary reality lived outside Middle-earth are creative and satisfyingly good-natured…. Interwoven throughout the text are factoids about Tolkien’s life….A life-affirming, must-have morsel for Tolkien's colossal fan base." ( Kirkus Reviews)
"Delves into Middle-earth to show us how Tolkien can instruct us how to live a better life on Regular-earth." ( The Boston Globe)
Insightful Life Lessons • Thoughtful Reflections • Calming Voice • Inspiring Wisdom • Practical Applications
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The narrator did a stunning job, and the author brought to life many of my own thoughts. Very happy to have stumbled upon such a curious book! curiousblacksquirrel.com approves! Enjoy and Stay curious humans!

curiousblacksquirrel.com approves!

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thank you for asking.i sure loved it.the narrative was ever so great and very well done

delightful

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This book was outstanding. Practical insights for a happier life illustrated by lessons from Tolkien’s writings. It’s so comforting. I love it!

I love this book!

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Narrator is a good fit. Not a single complaint about them.

This book was a pleasure to listen to. You will be mind surfing through different time periods and characters whilst the author is discussing morality, personality, social themes, and big picture events. Often discussing how subjects parallel with our own place in time as we know it.

It is thought provoking and a lot of fun.

If you love Tolkien you will appreciate this

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A relaxing list for anyone with some memory of LOTR. Even better if you’re a super fan. The narattotv

Self help: Shire style

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A great book, and even better narration. There is some great words of advice to live by, and some good fun.

Great Listen

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I listen to this book on audible, and I’m so glad that I got to hear the narrators voice rather than turning the pages. It was coming in beautiful to listen to. But the Contant reminded me every time I turned on, that a calmer simple life Is what I want to pass on to my grand children, by telling stories, eating great food that we have cooked ourselves, and working on growing it ourselves as well. Basically, I loved the book.

Whenever I feel frazzled!

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Very enjoyable listening experience, both in subject and narration. Drawing stories, peace and wisdom of the Hobbits into relevance to our modern world, and how we can each make our homes and lives a little (or a lot) more like The Shire.

As cozy of a listen as the original series

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Absolutely loved this book. Enchanting, eloquent, and practical, it outlines everything one needs to begin incorporating hobbitty things into our lives. Highly recommend this book, it reads beautiful and is full of wisdom and insights into the LOTR world and how it can transcend into our own.

Best Hobbity book

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it was absolutely wonderful. exactly what I needed in these rough times. heartfelt, filled with hobbit goodness. can't recommend highly enough.

one of my favorite books ever

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