The Art of a Solo Reading Retreat

A Guide to Deepening Your Literary Escape

By Kami Marchand

Dear reader, I have a confession. Every time I step into the town bookstore, I leave with at least three books—two of which inevitably become part of the ever-growing decorative stacks on my bedside table, waiting for their moment. Life piles up, much like this stack, and by the time I finally settle into my designated reading time, my brain is often too overwhelmed or exhausted to absorb more than a few pages. Yet, the curiosity that outweighs the time and space I’ve allocated to explore—the same curiosity that led me to buy those books in the first place—lingers. The desire to learn about the slow art of deep listening or follow a wandering poet as they find home still nags at me, like a child pulling at a parent’s sleeve in front of a display of sweets.

Reading has always been a way of escaping—of slipping into different worlds that weave self-reflection with adventure. Authors like Leonard Cohen carry me through poetic reveries of longing, while Pam Royles takes me on horseback through Oregon trails accompanied by a man named Skip. There is a particular beauty in wandering through the minds of these writers—one that invites me to slow down, to truly be present with their words.

Maybe reading doesn’t just require time—it requires space as well. Not just a retreat from daily life, but a retreat into the pages themselves.

What if you treated your book like a partner on a weekend getaway? Exploring your relationship with the author and their story. A reading retreat is, in essence, a couple’s trip with your books—an opportunity to immerse yourself fully without distraction. In a way, you are dating the characters, the environment, and the themes of each page.

Before planning your reading retreat, take a moment to reflect: What do I want to get out of this experience? Is it an escape, an intellectual challenge, a means of deep introspection, or a way to unwind? Understanding your personal goals will help you shape the retreat in a way that feels fulfilling.

The books you bring will shape your retreat experience. Choosing the right ones is key. Some books feel like effortless conversation with an instant spark; others take work. Think about your connection to the books you’ve chosen. Why do they call to you? Is there a recurring theme in your selections?

Whether it’s fiction, philosophy, poetry, or memoir, your reading retreat is an opportunity to embrace the books that resonate with your current state of mind. Be open to the idea that the book you thought was “the one” might not be right for the moment—and that’s okay. Don’t force a book if it isn’t clicking. This retreat is about enjoyment, not obligation.

Consider curating a mix—perhaps a novel that whisks you away into a fantasy world, a memoir by an artist that cultivates play, and a non-fiction book that expands your perspective. Balance is essential. Too many dense reads may feel overwhelming, while light reads might leave you craving more depth. Let your retreat be a blend of what you need and what you desire.

What makes the perfect spot for a reading retreat? Maybe it’s a quiet cabin in the woods, a lake, or riverside escape with the soothing sound of water, a cozy nook in a book-filled space, or even a retreat within your own home, carefully curated for comfort. Luckily, this is your opportunity to escape—so follow your inner hobbit.

If you’re craving nature, seek a space with access to fresh air and peaceful solitude. If community energizes you, a boutique hotel with shared lounge spaces might be the ideal setting. The key is to find a space that allows you to sink into your books without distraction.

Elements like cleansing water, crisp mountains, or meditative fire can influence your ability to focus and escape into a book. Think about which natural rhythms draw you in, and weave them into your retreat—whether through a riverside setting, a crackling fireplace, or the quiet hum of a local café.

To create a truly immersive experience, consider what environment helps you focus. Do you need absolute quiet, or does ambient noise help? Do you prefer reading by candlelight or in the soft glow of the morning sun?

A reading retreat isn’t just about books—it’s a full sensory experience. Think of it as setting the mood for a perfect literary date. Creating the right atmosphere can transform the entire experience. Wrap yourself in soft blankets, warm socks, and cozy loungewear for ultimate comfort. Set the mood with beeswax candles in a softly lit corner. Choose silence, classical music, or nature sounds to enhance focus. Infuse the space with scent using essential oils and herbal teas. With these simple touches, your reading retreat becomes more than an escape—it becomes a sanctuary.

Now that you’ve set the scene, it’s time to set boundaries with distractions. Unplug from digital noise by switching your phone to Do Not Disturb or leaving it in another room. You wouldn’t check your phone every time a date pauses mid-sentence—so why do it to your book?
If you’re struggling to focus, clear mental clutter by journalling before diving into the pages.

This retreat is about honouring your time with your books—letting them be the focus rather than something squeezed into the margins.

Deepening your engagement with your reads through reflection and ritual can be a wonderful tool to connect further. Mark passages with sticky notes, underlines, and bookmarks. Journal about how you feel after reading certain chapters and note key takeaways.

Now that you have clear intentions, it’s time to make a packing list. Keep the atmosphere you are building in mind and create a packing list that includes your carefully chosen stack of books, a journal and pens, comfortable clothes and blankets, tea and snacks, noise-cancelling headphones or a reading-friendly playlist, and aromatherapy or grounding rods for added comfort.

At its core, a reading retreat is about allowing yourself to disconnect to reconnect, honouring a great story and the curiosities that led you to buy that book in the first place. It’s about slowing down and engaging in self-reflection. Blending what you need and what you desire. Whether you spend a weekend in the woods or a quiet afternoon in a café, the gift of uninterrupted reading time is one worth giving yourself.

So, answer the call of those books waiting on your bedside table. Go on that date. Retreat—not away from the world, but deeper into it, one page at a time.