Smarties I have a revolutionary idea. I think every book club should plan a retreat together. The qualifications are simple. Book club goes somewhere new to spend a weekend hanging out together, they may or may not read, and they will have a ton of fun! I just went away with a few of my friends from book club and I can’t recommend it enough. Why go on a Book Club Retreat?
Time away
Life moves so quickly these days and as parents it seems to go in fast forward. Taking time away to be around other like minded adults for rest, relaxation, an uninterrupted meal, and conversation that doesn’t revolve around diapers or dinner is good for everyone. Absence makes the heart fonder, right? Possibly true but in reality, getting away from normal life (ahem and your kids) usually is a nice thing.
Time together
My book club chose a weekend away in the mountains at a cabin next to a river. We did very little reading but plenty of talking and it was nothing short of rejuvenating and inspiring. I’m guessing that the people you’re in book club with also happen to be your friends and if that’s the case a weekend away together will be lovely. We spent hours eating snacks, wandering down a dirt road admiring the scenery, and enjoying being together. There was no pressure to hurry home to make lunch or carpools to run off to, we had unlimited time (until we had to check out) and we spent it together.
Time to learn
I didn’t anticipate learning anything during our retreat, but I came home understanding myself more than I have in a long time. I realized how hard it is for me to sit still at home and how rarely I give myself the chance to do it. It took active mental effort to do nothing other than what I wanted. I kept feeling like I was supposed to be doing more than I was. I grew closer to my friends and felt more like myself than I had in years.
Book clubs are a fabulous way to spend time with people in similar life stages, but they are also a unique way to be around people you may not know otherwise. Planning a retreat gives your club the opportunity to have extended time together to grow closer and inspire each other. Where would you go for your book club retreat?
