Rediscover classic literature

The Power of Reading Aloud

There’s something magical about reading a book out loud. Long before books were printed and stacked on our shelves, stories were spoken—woven into the fabric of communities, passed down through generations. Even today, reading aloud offers more than just a way to experience literature—it deepens our connection to words, strengthens our minds, and even soothes our stress.

Why Reading Aloud Still Matters

Sure, most of us stopped reading out loud after elementary school, but there’s a reason this practice has stood the test of time.

It helps us understand and remember more. Hearing the words as we read engages different parts of our brains, making complex themes, characters, and ideas easier to absorb.

It boosts literacy skills. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or someone picking up reading again, reading aloud sharpens pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary.

It brings people together. There’s something intimate about sharing a story aloud—whether it’s with friends, family, or a book club. It turns reading into a communal experience.

It’s a stress reliever. Reading aloud forces us to slow down and be present. It’s a break from the constant hum of notifications and distractions—a moment of mindfulness in a noisy world.

At WhistleTree Book Club, we embrace reading aloud as a way to connect more deeply with classic literature, making books feel more alive.

Why Classic Literature Deserves a Second Look

Let’s be real—classics can feel intimidating. Maybe you’ve tried to read Pride and Prejudice but got lost in the language, or you’ve stared at a Charles Dickens novel and thought, Nope. Too long.

I get it.

But here’s the thing: classics have endured for a reason. They offer timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and beautifully crafted prose that still speaks to us today. The trick is finding the right way to engage with them—without feeling like you’re back in a high school English class.

At WhistleTree, we make classics more accessible by reading them aloud, breaking down complex passages, and having real conversations about what these stories mean now.

Why Classics Are Worth Your Time

They’re packed with universal themes. Love, ambition, struggle, triumph—human emotions haven’t changed, even if the language has.

They connect us to history and culture. Classic literature gives us a window into different eras, helping us understand how the past shapes the present.

They challenge us—in the best way. Classics push us to think critically, see new perspectives, and appreciate the artistry of storytelling.

If classics have always felt out of reach, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But I promise, they’re worth revisiting. And together, we’ll find ways to make them feel fresh, relevant, and (dare I say?) enjoyable.

How Reading Can Help Break the Phone Addiction

Let’s be honest—most of us are glued to our phones. We scroll mindlessly, promising ourselves just one more video, and suddenly an hour has disappeared. Books, on the other hand, demand something different: patience, focus, and imagination.

Reading slows us down. In the era of Monster and Red Bull, coffee all day, and "content" designed to fit a five-second scroll, books encourage us to take our time and immerse ourselves in a story. Life is hard sometimes and it's not bad to borrow someone else's brain for a while and just go there....to where they are thinking, and see what their perspectives are.

It boosts creativity. When we read, we’re not just consuming information—we’re picturing scenes, hearing voices, and feeling emotions in a way that screens can’t replicate. And for those of us with aphantasia like me....we can still enjoy reading without being able to picture scenes, we just read a different way.

It builds discipline. Creating a reading habit can help replace mindless scrolling with something more meaningful and enriching.

At WhistleTree Book Club, we’re all about reclaiming our focus through literature. Whether it’s by setting small reading goals, incorporating audiobooks, or making reading a social activity, we’ll share strategies to help you build a reading life that sticks.

Why WhistleTree? A Lifelong Reader’s Passion

I’ve been obsessed with books for as long as I can remember. With over 2,000 books logged on Goodreads (and plenty more I forgot to track), I’ve spent a lifetime reading, analyzing, and writing about literature. My MFA in creative writing gave me a deeper understanding of storytelling, and my own journey as a published author has taught me just how powerful words can be.

WhistleTree Book Club is my way of sharing that passion with others.

Here’s what you can expect:

Read-along videos. Join our YouTube Reading Club, where I’ll read passages from classic books and break them down in a fun, approachable way.

Blog and Substack posts on literacy, creating a reading habit, book reviews, creative writing craft topics. From comprehension tips to my favorite book lists, to building a reading habit, to reaching your own publication goals, I’ll share insights to help readers (and writers) of all levels.

In-depth book discussions. We’ll explore themes, characters, and the historical context of each book in a way that makes literature feel alive.

Join the WhistleTree Community

WhistleTree Book Club is for anyone who wants to fall in love with reading. Whether you’re rediscovering the classics, looking to improve your literacy, or simply trying to spend less time scrolling, you’ll find a community here that gets it.

Reading aloud isn’t just for kids. Classic literature isn’t just for scholars. And books still matter—maybe now more than ever.

So let’s turn the page on a new chapter—one filled with connection, creativity, and the simple joy of getting lost in a great book.

Welcome to WhistleTree Book Club. Let’s read together.