Celebrate Jólabókaflóð with Silent Book Club
Upgrade to get early access to our Iceland Reading Retreat
Our next Reading Retreat destination has just dropped and it’s pure Nordic winter magic: thick wool sweaters, steaming cups of coffee, good books, and even better company. We’ve designed our Iceland retreat (Nov 8-14) to be slow and intentional, opting out of the rush of typical tours and embracing the rhythm of Jólabókaflóð—the Icelandic tradition of gifting books and reading by the fire.
This is an itinerary custom built for adventurous introverts and women seeking a balance of breathtaking nature and cozy refuge. Wander through iconic bookstores in Reykjavík, then escape to the country to chase the Northern Lights.
Explore waterfalls, volcanic black sand beaches, and bright blue glacier ice during the short daylight hours, then return to the warmth of well-appointed boutique hotels with hot tubs, saunas, and dark skies for stargazing. If you want to soak in geothermal pools, browse local Bókakaffið (book cafes), or simply sit in silence with your book, this retreat for you.
This isn’t just a sightseeing trip; it’s a chance to settle into a different pace of life. You’ll be surrounded by fellow readers who understand the need for both connection and solitude, coming together for meals and adventures, then drifting back into the comfort of your own story. It is a week to breathe deeply, explore softly, and experience the raw beauty of the North with kindred spirits.
Discounted early bird tickets go on sale next FRIDAY, APRIL 3 for paid newsletter subscribers and previous retreat attendees. Public tickets go on sale TUESDAY, APRIL 7. If you want to be on the list for early access, upgrade your subscription today!
Vote for Silent Book Club
Speaking of reading retreats, this week Scary Mommy nominated us for their 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Reading Retreat. If you have a moment, we’d be forever grateful if you could vote for us. No sign-up required!
Last call for March SBC Reads Giveaway!
As we close out Women’s History Month, we want to give a shoutout to our friends at Quite Literally Books who (re)introduced us to forgotten women authors like Dorothy Canfield Fisher, Jessie Redmon Fauset, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman.
Don’t miss your chance to save 20% off of these beautiful editions with promo code READWOMEN, and enter to win a book bundle and tote bag! Entries close March 31 and winners will be notified by email. (U.S. only)
Bookmarks
A round-up of literary links and good stuff we’re reading online
Five of our greatest novelists on what it takes to write something true Harper’s BAZAAR
Authors Guild haunches "Human Authored" certification program Authors Guild
Watching Heated Rivalry in Russia (illegally, in secret) Los Angeles Review of Books
Literature professors on AI: It’s antithetical to the development of human intelligence The Guardian
Shortlist announced for the 2026 Women’s Prize For Non-Fiction LitHub
What are public libraries worth? Australia did the math (it’s hundreds of millions, fyi) ABC Australia
Self-published books increase nearly 40% in 2025 compared to a 6.6% increase in traditionally published books Publisher’s Weekly
Take a tour of poet Maggie Smith’s writing space LitHub
How math and literature are unexpectedly connected CBC
Read a preview of Ariel Sullivan’s next book (our SBC Reads April pick!) TODAY
SBC in the news
Book clubs combine food, wine, and community Sonoma Magazine
The Rise of Silent Book Clubs Alta Online
Silence is golden for South Africa’s book lovers The Mail & Guardian
Whatever you’re into in Las Vegas, there’s a book club for that Neon
Silent Book Club Tulsa creates a relaxed space for readers to connect and unwind News on 6
Come as You Are... as Long as You Have a Book Belmont Vision
Silent Book Club Ramsgate gathers for relaxed reading South Coast Herald
Culver City Book Festival welcomes literary lovers The Argonaut
Ice cream and books Eagle News Online
Shelter cats await their purr-fect home Duncan Banner
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