You definitely should. I read it first in grade eight, for a book report, and then went out and bought the book. As for the movie, it leaves out a few parts, but I don't think there's anything that makes a huge difference. Like having Tauriel, (the elf woman Legolas likes) isn't in the book, but it's not lore breaking. Same with Legolas being there. I've read so many comments raging about him being in the movie, it's unbelievable. I'm like...guys, you do realize Legolas was an elven prince right? He was probably around 2000 years old (give or take) at the time of the Hobbit.