Raves

Our first Books on the Nightstand retreat was held in April 2011 in Manchester, Vermont. We had some fabulous press, and raves from those who attended.  Publishing newsletter Shelf Awareness sent intrepid reporter Bob Gray, who wrote not one, not two, but three columns about the weekend, and cemented the weekend’s nickname, “Booktopia.”

Those columns :
Cool Idea of the Year–BOTNS Readers’ Retreat
‘Booktopia’ at the BOTNS Readers’ Retreat
A Little Author Love for BOTNS Readers’ Retreat (this one is my favorite, and makes me cry every time I read it).

Did you attend the first Books on the Nightstand weekend retreat? If so, please feel free to leave your comments below, so that readers who are undecided about attending might make an informed decision. Thanks.

 

  • http://twitter.com/bibliosue Suzanne Weiner

    I’ve always been a “quiet” reader, as very few people I knew read as diversely or as widely as I. When I discovered Books on the Nightstand my world opened up, and when I attended the Readers’ Retreat I found it blissfully challenging to keep up with the discussions of books others loved as much as I did and of the books I must add to my never ending TBR pile. A weekend meeting many like-minded souls — it was paradise on earth.

  • Chris Koliander

    If you love books, then you are going to love the Books on the Nightstand retreat! You will be surrounded by people just like you! If you are on the fence about going, just do it, I promise you won’t regret it! There is something for every book lover, Ann and Michael are the BEST hosts, and it will be a weekend you will remember for many years to come. I don’t have a lot of “bookie” friends at home and for me, this was like old home week, just talking the whole time about BOOKS! It was a truly joyful weekend!

  • Paul Maltais

    A spectacular spring weekend and a terrific location only added to what would have been a memorable three days whatever the setting. Surrounded by perceptive readers, I had the opportunity to meet several great authors with whom I was not familiar (Matthew Dicks is now one of my favorites), engage in exciting conversation and make many new friends. In addition, Ann & Michael were great hosts. They expended much effort in scheduling authors and events, finding the perfect location, arranging accomodations and working with the fabulous Northshire Bookstore to maximize the experience for their listeners. My advice – go, go, go! It will be an experience that will enrich your life.

  • Linda

    Oh, my gosh! So many bookish people in one place at one time. Everyone (from the bookstore to the inn keepers to the authors and the host and hostess) were warm, friendly, helpful and social. We could drop in or drop out according to the whims of our brains or our eyelids. I know I made friends that I want to see every year. I drove with a friend from Ohio to Vermont and when I told her Booktopia 2 would be taking place, despite having incredibly limited funds, we are saving to attend again. We are still enjoying the high from the last one and looking to a boost by the next one. Thanks so much Ann and Michael for making this all possible.