If you are a book lover like me, you dream of quitting your job and reading all day, every day. There are so many books we want to read and so little time to read them. However, have you actually ever considered finding that dedicated time?
This leads to my next piece of advice:
- Participate in a reading retreat
Reading retreats are where you spend dedicated time in a special space that allows you to focus solely on one thing: your books. Ultimately, it’s a getaway from everything else in your life, so you can concentrate on the one thing you truly love. Furthermore, this is not simply an activity-heavy endeavour; rather, it is an opportunity to spend quality time with others who share your passion for literature while carving out specific moments to immerse yourself in reading.
Reading retreats can be done in person or virtually. They can span a block of hours or days. While reading is the focus, you still get time to talk with others. But most importantly, it allows you to turn your brain off from everything else but the story unfolding in the pages. Every retreat is different, and it is important to find the right one for you. A quick Google search will help you see what is available around you. And if you can’t find your perfect fit, why not plan your own? Even if it is you and another person, you have given yourself permission to rejuvenate and lose yourself in books.
Three Books From My TBR I Would Tackle On a Reading Retreat
The Library At Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
Carolyn has spent her life as one of twelve orphans who have followed the God-like “Father”. Schooled in an otherworldly and sometimes deadly library, they all have inhuman abilities. When the Father goes missing, the battle begins as they all try to take over as the next leader.
At a lavish party for South America’s vice president, gun-wielding attackers storm the home and take everyone hostage. As all are embroiled in a terrifying experience, unlikely bonds are forged through guests and terrorists alike.
The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah
During one of the darkest times of the Great Depression and the beginning of the deadly Dust Bowl, Elsa must decide whether to leave her home in Texas or stay and fight.
New Release Books For September
If you are interested in knowing more about the above books, check out my latest post over on Substack and subscribe.
Then don’t forget to check out my previous lessons to help your reading life below.
- It’s okay to give up on a book if you just aren’t into it.
- Try a new genre.
- Audiobooks are still books.
- Do a buddy read.
- Have a book handy everywhere and anywhere.
- Track Your Reading.
- Join a Book Club.
- Join a reading challenge.
- Listen to Book Podcasts
- Try shorter books, novellas, or books of short stories.
- Read multiple books at once
- Browse Bookstores and Libraries
- Browse Reading Lists
- Do a Slow Read
- Go to an author event or listen to an interview with an author.
- Take a reading break
- Read books that have become adaptations.