Watership Down by Richard George Adams (1996, Hardcover, Reprint)

In 1981 I was 6 years old and read this book. I remember feeling proud of myself because I read a book so big then. Nowadays, it takes me a while to read a book that size as an adult! I hadn't really even thought about it until I was thinking of books I enjoyed as a child when thinking of getting one for my 9 year old girl. This book popped into my head as one of my favorites then. I was surprised to find out that it had become a classic. Not surprised that it was that good... just surprised that I had become that old!

I also was surprised to hear reviews of (gasp!) rabbit rape and such violence. When I read it then, I just remember it being an amazing adventure (good times and bad times just like in "real" life) and it really helped me to understand (in my young mind then) that what we do as humans has a big effect on all living creatures around us. This book very well could have been one of the influences in why I am an animal advocate today and do animal rescues.

So, I will be getting this book once again and revisiting it after 27 years and then sharing it with my daughter. In my opinion it was an incredible story and one that should be passed on to our next generation. I'm glad it became a classic and grateful I read it as a child. I look forward to reading it again!