2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion

This month we will be reading Watership Down by Richard Adams

This book was nominated by Lina for our monthly theme Habitat

Set in England's Downs, a once idyllic rural landscape, this stirring tale of adventure, courage and survival follows a band of very special creatures on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of friends, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, to a mysterious promised land and a more perfect society.

Absolutely I'll join for this - We read this in highschool so I'm due for an adult re-read :)

Lisa wrote: "Absolutely I'll join for this - We read this in highschool so I'm due for an adult re-read :)"

Same! Well except the high school part although I might have reread it then too. My dad read it for me and my grandmother had a lovely version of it which I ended up being gifted. Such a special book for me and I haven’t read it in a good long while now so this will probably be one of the most exciting group reads for me this year ^^

Winter wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Absolutely I'll join for this - We read this in highschool so I'm due for an adult re-read :)"

Same! Well except the high school part although I might have reread it then too. My dad ..."

That's so special, Winter. There's something extra about books and storytelling going down generations. I have the same relationship with The Velveteen Rabbit.

I haven't watched the 2018 remake yet, but I've been meaning to. So maybe I'll do so in conjunction with re-watching the 1978 version. I mean a James McAvoy Hazel vs. a John Hurt Hazel? That'll be interesting.

I'm looking forward to starting this. Why is it not April 1st yet? :D

I read this as a pre-/early teen and reread it last year. I loved it both times. It stands up well.

I listened to the audio book this time and it was very well done. I can recommend it if anyone is thinking about/prefers reading it in that format.

@Lisa, there's a 2018 remake?!?! How did I not know this! haha

I think I'm most excited for this next month. I haven't read Watership since the 90's but I've never forgotten it!

Mo wrote: "@Lisa, there's a 2018 remake?!?! How did I not know this! haha

I think I'm most excited for this next month. I haven't read Watership since the 90's but I've never forgotten it!"

haha yeah, a CGI animated adaption :D It's on Netflix.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5670764/

The actors doing the voices in that 2018 version look fantastic!! I can’t wait to watch it!

I'd love a vintage copy of this book someday. I've never done a group read on GR but I think it will be a fun way to revisit this book. On the first day of spring I was cleaning up some brambles in my yard and a beautiful wild rabbit appeared to sit and calmly watch me work while sunning itself. 🐇 It was surreal.

Looking forward to getting started!♥️

Edit: I'm feeling my age as I'm realizing MY COPY IS IN FACT TECHNICALLY VINTAGE 🤣
I'll revise that to wanting an antique copy lmao

I remember having this book when I was young. For me to own a book was not a common thing growing up. I'm not sure what happened to that book. It might be in a box of my mementos. Looking forward to re-reading this one!

Lisa wrote: "Winter wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Absolutely I'll join for this - We read this in highschool so I'm due for an adult re-read :)"

Same! Well except the high school part although I might have reread it th..."

I didn't know there was adoptations! Of course there's adoptations though! Need to watch after rereading it. Definitely April 1st can just roll around now!

Jenna ✨is wearing her DNF Crown wrote: "I'd love a vintage copy of this book someday. I've never done a group read on GR but I think it will be a fun way to revisit this book. On the first day of spring I was cleaning up some brambles in..."

Welcome to your first group read! :D

I am very much looking forward to reading this with all of you!
So happy that it got selected!

I'm interested in joining. This will be my first group read. Pretty excited to read this. I have never read it before.

You’re going to love it, Brenda. But don’t expect it to be like Peter Rabbit.

DivaDiane wrote: "You’re going to love it, Brenda. But don’t expect it to be like Peter Rabbit."

That's for sure...

Winter wrote: "Jenna ✨is wearing her DNF Crown wrote: "I'd love a vintage copy of this book someday. I've never done a group read on GR but I think it will be a fun way to revisit this book. On the first day of s..."

Thank you! I'm looking forward to it!

DivaDiane wrote: "You’re going to love it, Brenda. But don’t expect it to be like Peter Rabbit."
lol, so true! The only similarity is they're both about rabbits :D

I've read this book twice, but I'll join in for another round. Looking forward to the group discussion. Happy reading everyone

DivaDiane wrote: "You’re going to love it, Brenda. But don’t expect it to be like Peter Rabbit."

OK! Excited to get started!

Joining the read! I've had this story saved in my Netflix to watch but haven't watched it yet. I also have not read the book and truthfully, I didn't know there was one. Haha. Happy reading everyone.

The next book I'm going to read. I've heard a lot about it but haven't read it before. I also haven't seen any of the adaptations

I am joining the group to re-read this. It's been so long, I don't even remember when I last read it... definitely decades before my GR days.

I am excited to read in audio format after DivaDiane's glowing recommendation. Also happy to see that it was nominated for an Audie Award, and won a Carnegie Medal. 🥇🎧

It will likely be mid-month before I begin.

Found a copy at my parents house today. One of the few books they haven’t given away over the years. Looking forward to reading this for the first time. 🐰

I have had a copy for years now... once bought on a second hand market. I think I will join.

Welcome :)