History of the Readalouds

The Watership Down readalouds began as a family tradition many years ago when my mom first read the story aloud to my brother, and then to me, as children. With her incredible knack for accents and character voices, she brought the tale to life in a way that felt like a live performance, making it a special and unforgettable experience. Over the years, this tradition became a source of comfort and connection, especially during tough times. In college, when I struggled to sleep during the pandemic, late-night phone calls with my mom reading Watership Down became a lifeline, reconnecting me to home and a sense of peace.

As time went on, the tradition expanded. I started reading the story to my partner, and eventually, my mom and I took turns reading it aloud during phone calls with my sister-in-law. These moments reminded us of the power of shared stories to bring people together. Now, we’re taking this cherished tradition even further, inviting family, friends, and kindred spirits to join us in weekly readalouds, keeping the magic of Watership Down alive for everyone who listens.

- Kayli

Lissa, Kayli, and David - 2006

Illustration by Lyndsey Green

Why Watership Down?

In these challenging times, when the weight of the world can feel overwhelming, it's more important than ever to remember the power of family and friendship. Watership Down is a beautifully written, timeless tale of courage and resilience - a story of a brave band of rabbits who defy the odds in search of a new home. It has touching themes of perseverance, the struggle against adversity, good triumphing over evil, and the unbreakable bonds between those we love.

Over the years of reading it as a family, we’ve found that its depth and meaning only grow with each reading. We hope that through our readaloud sessions, you too can find comfort, inspiration, and hope in its pages.

David, Joy, Kayli, Charlie, and Lissa - 2024