I first heard of a reader’s retreat on What Should I Read Next #11, when Meredith mentioned she stayed at a hotel every time a new Louise Penny novel released. I thought to myself, “well, that must be nice.” Then I began to hear about readers’ retreats being hosted in different places, all of which were too expensive for me. The inaugural MMD Book Club retreat in 2019 was the first I attended and I enjoyed it so much. [Editor’s note: Shannan is being modest here: she was instrumental in planning this entire glorious experience!] When COVID began, Book Club pivoted to the Stay at Home Book Club Retreat and we’ve hosted an annual virtual retreat ever since.
In late 2022, still unable to afford a “real” retreat, I thought, “I can have my own personal reader’s retreat pretty easily.” I have done so over the past couple of years. When I shared this with the MMD team, Brigid had some questions so we recorded our conversation for a Patreon bonus episode. Today I’m sharing my observations and what I have learned over the years.
First, let’s define our terms. What is a reader’s retreat? In my book, it is any significant amount of time devoted to reading or the reading life. Retreats can be as short or as long as you like. My shortest retreat lasted 12 hours, starting on Friday night when I went to bed early through noon on Saturday. The key is a “significant” amount of time, whatever that means for you.
It’s always challenging for me to go on these retreats. It feels selfish—but if I can’t devote a few hours to something I enjoy, am I really enjoying my life?
Here are seven tips to plan a personal reader’s retreat:
1. Complete all your chores prior to the retreat.
Do the laundry, clean the house, water your plants; do any chores that you would normally do during the weekend before the retreat begins. This is especially important when you are having a stay-at-home retreat. You do not want those things calling your name incessantly while you are trying to retreat.
2. Factor your circumstances (budget, work and home responsibilities, etc.) into your planning.
Retreating alone or with a reader friend: that’s the dream, right? But if you can’t, be realistic about your needs. For example, if your family will be around, decide how you are going to manage the presence of others. Communicate your plans to them. Let them know you are having a special weekend and include them (or not) in your planning.
3. Plan your meals and snacks in advance.
What are you going to eat? Make this easy and fun for yourself. Can a partner handle meals? Can you prepare in advance? Perhaps takeout is an option? I love Trader Joe’s frozen meals for quick budget-friendly options. Unless, of course, cooking is your thing, in which case it might be fun to pair your meals with what you’re reading.
4. Decide what you’re going to read.
At the very least, narrow your selections down to one or two options. This is the time to pick up that particular book you’ve been saving for a special occasion.
5. Decide where you are going to read.
This is particularly important when you are homebound. Maybe you don’t have to clean your entire house before the retreat—but if you plan on reading in a particular space, make sure that space is just the way you like it. Anything within your line of sight when you look up from your book should be in a place you’re comfortable with.
6. Be intentional about your reading breaks.
This is a great time to watch an author talk from a bookstore, BookTube, or an event from the MMD Book Club. You could also watch a literary movie or adaptation. Additionally, this might be a good time to visit a local bookstore, your library, or any Little Free Libraries in your area. And of course, you can always catch up on “reading admin”: completing reviews, updating your book journal, etc. Or just take a walk for a nice break.
This can be particularly helpful if you, like me, tend to struggle with devoting this much time to your wants and needs and/or making that clear to members of your family. You let your family know that your book club is watching a movie together and you want to participate with them. Combining it with other people’s agendas gives you a welcome “appointment” and a great reason to make things happen. This may also keep you from feeling like you are being “selfish.” If you need this type of “excuse,” I hope that you will consider joining the Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club community for a virtual Readers’ Retreat on July 18-20.
What are your tips for planning a personal reader’s retreat? Please share in the comments! I am always working to make mine a bit better and welcome your ideas and suggestions.
P.S. Book journaling tools for every reader and 7 steps to read “hard” books.
About the author
Shannan Malone is the MMD Cohost and Contributor. Her go-to genre depends on her mood! You can find Shannan on Instagram @shannanenjoyslife.