Chapter #56: Would You Go on a Literary Retreat?

And how to have one at home 📖

Feeling My Shelf is a bi-weekly newsletter about books, life, and, well, life with books. Grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and get comfy. First up, some recent reads.

Dances by Nicole Cuffy
Cece becomes the first Black principal dancer in the New York City Ballet, achieving her lifelong dream at 22. But even at the pinnacle of success, she feels out of place. Haunted by an absent father, an unsupportive mother, and a missing brother who inspired her love of ballet, Cece embarks on a journey to rediscover herself and confront the sacrifices her art demands. The prose is well-written and offers a fascinating look into the ballet world, but the story’s overall pacing was slow, and the ending left me wanting more. Much more! Still, it’s a thoughtful exploration of identity and ambition.

I’ll Be Gone For Christmas by Georgia K. Boone
This is a delightful holiday rom-com about Bee, a tech professional from bustling San Francisco, and Clover, a small-town gal from Salem, Ohio, who swap homes for the holidays. Bee finds herself entangled with Clover’s charming ex-fiancé, Knox, while Clover navigates an unexpected connection with Bee’s ambitious sister, Beth. As someone who doesn’t love the movie The Holiday, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book—it was the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit with its cozy charm and heartfelt romance.

Picture this: snow gently falling outside, a fireplace crackling nearby, and a room full of bookish folks—readers, writers, dreamers—all connecting over their love of words. This weekend, Scribner’s Lodge is hosting precisely that kind of magic, and I am so incredibly sad that I’m not there.

Winter is practically made for these moments. It’s the season of oversized sweaters, endless cups of hot beverages, and books you get completely lost in. The only thing typically missing is community. That’s what makes a retreat like this one extra special. Being surrounded by people who get it. Late-night chats with other bookworms and authors, bookish activities that leave your brain buzzing, and cozy corners for reading or writing—it’s the ultimate mix of connection and creativity.

Even though I’m missing out on Scribner’s this time, the idea of one day swapping thoughts and stories in a setting like this excites me—and gives me an excuse to make one of my last weekends in 2024 just as cozy and bookish. Here’s how I’m planning to turn a weekend this month into a mini literary escape—and how you could, too.

1. Set the Scene: Light some candles, queue up a crackling fireplace on YouTube, and grab the comfiest marshmallow blanket. Turn on an instrumental playlist that screams “quiet weekend in the woods,” and you’re good to go.

2. Decide on a bookish theme: Pick a focus for the weekend. Journaling and reflecting on your favorite reads? Tackling that TBR pile (ahem, like me)? Giving the “retreat” a purpose makes it feel more intentional and immersive.

3. Don’t forget reader fuel: Brew some fancy tea, whip up baked goods if you’re ambitious (or grab a croissant from your favorite coffee shop), and lean into the indulgence. Bonus points for literary-themed recipes or my personal favorite Bridgerton teas!

4. Find community (even if just online): Host a Zoom book club with friends or share your retreat progress on social media. The camaraderie is part of the magic of retreats, so invite a little connection into your weekend.

The best part of an at-home retreat? No travel required, unlimited cozy corners, and zero judgment if your “literary” break turns into a mid-afternoon nap.

In case you’re looking for a seasonal read for your reading retreat…

Feeling Festive but Not Overwhelmed by Cheer

• Three Holidays and a Wedding by Uzma Jalaluddin and Marissa Stapley
  Seatmates Maryam and Anna, en route to Toronto for life-changing holidays, confess their deepest secrets mid-turbulence—unaware that Maryam’s ex, Saif, overheard everything—only to end up snowbound at a charming inn where love, courage, and holiday magic await.

Needing Laughs to Get Through the Stress

• A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

  Country star Colton Wheeler agrees to help attorney Gretchen Winthrop with her family’s whiskey brand if she’ll go on three dates before Christmas, but with the Bromance Book Club’s help, he’s determined to reignite their spark and turn holiday magic into lasting love.

Eager for a Page-Turning Mystery

• The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

  When rival authors Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt are snowbound at a mysterious Christmas house party, they must join forces to solve the disappearance of their legendary host—before the storm or their mutual loathing gets the better of them.

I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea is the follow-up to one of my favorite books from last year (I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me). Haunted by the past and consumed by Acheron's growing hunger, Laure must confront a mysterious death, a crumbling Elysium, and an army of rising monsters as she and her allies fight to save themselves—and Paris—from oblivion.

Why libraries need librarians. Glory Edim is ‘patiently waiting’ for Maya Rudolph to write a memoir. Emily Mester knows why we’re drowning in gift guides. 18 sad girl books for when you’re deep in your feelings.

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