In Praise of Retreat offers readers a fairly comprehensive look at what the book's blurb promises. We get a history of what it means to retreat in different eras and cultures and the modern personal experiences of the author, interwoven throughout to create a thought-provoking narrative.

I was looking forward to listening to this book - personal retreat, pilgrimage, the need for quiet alone time, spirituality vs. religion - it seemed relevant and like a timely topic as so many are burnt out due to the last 18 months of the COVID pandemic. But as an audiobook, I couldn't get into it. The book feels like an academic assessment of these topics, rather than storytelling. The audiobook reader has a voice like you'd expect from a white yoga/meditation teacher - soft and gentle. I used it to help me fall asleep at night 😬. I might give this book another try in physical form (DNF at 50%) or simply look for a podcast interviewing this author to get the main points without the academic assessment of these topics.

Thanks Netgalley for the audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

A very interesting book about the topis of retreat!
I loved listening to this...it is true though, we are all so caught up in mundane worlds of work and business but when we slow down and take time to retreat it is so beneficial.
The narrator's voice was calming and soothing, making this book enjoyable to listen to on my way to work.

This audiobook is something that I needed. I am all into a retreat right now. Out from the city in nature, to eliminate city sounds and only listen to sounds of nature, that's my goal.

The beginning felt a bit slow, but then I fell in love with this audiobook. The whole book is way more interesting than its beginning. It is a mix of personal stories with facts and history about retreats and retreaters, hermits, monks, pilgrimage, and more. The author mentions a lot of real people and places. I wanted to keep notes, but unfortunately, I didn't write them all down. I will listen to it again to research more about all the interesting people, places, and various facts.

The narrator is great, and her calm and soothing voice is appropriate for this kind of book. I listened to it in the evenings or before sleep. I rarely do that. For me - because of its calming content and narration - it was perfect for this time of the day.

In Praise of Retreat was a very informative and also calming experience for me. I would recommend it to all who are interested in retreats, pilgrimage, and calming activities.

Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to listen to this! All opinions are my own.

What a wildly interesting book! I wish I had started a page in my bookish journal when I started listening to this audiobook, because about halfway through, I realized there were so many quotes, names and books I wanted to research.

It’s interesting to read this book after a year of retreat. It’s not a retreat people went on deliberately, for spiritual solace, development, etc. I could see myself reading this book on a deliberate retreat -- a vacation, a stepping away.

What I love:

The history: I didn’t expect to read so much history on pilgrimages, hermits, monks, nuns and people who traditionally retreat. It was a great surprise and I learned a lot about people I hadn’t heard of.

The bibliography: So many books to add to my list for further reading.

Poetry: Love that the author mentioned Mary Oliver several times. Oliver is a great poet.

The narrator, Lynn Bradford: A very soothing, soft voice. I also like how I could hear the smile in her voice sometimes.



What I would have loved:

OK, so I know the audiobook format isn’t conducive to this, but I would have loved to have a list of all the books MacLeod mentioned. Either that, or a mention of a link online where I could find the list of books.

Overall, a fascinating journey into the past and the history of those who have stepped away from society, for many different reasons.

Thank you to Netgalley, OrangeSky Audio and ECW Press, for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook.

I actually read this book last year or the year before (the pandemic has severely skewed my sense of time), and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to revisit it, so I was stoked to see that there was an audiobook. Kirsteen MacLeod takes an in depth look at the history of retreat from monks to the Romantic poets. Peppered with personal experiences, it offers practical experiences for adapting this ancient practice to modern day, and ultimately making it work for the reader.

It’s so difficult to disengage today. From social media to texting and 24-hour availability, we always have to be “on,” but this book reminds us that retreat is necessary to be our best selves. Rest is important. Time to one’s self is important, even though our society tells us that we must be available and productive 24/7.

I really enjoyed listening to MacLeod’s own journey as well as learning about the history of those who have practiced retreat throughout history for many reasons including creativity, peace, and the opportunity to improve themselves and gain perspective.

I’ve already personally recommended this book to one friend and now that it’s available in audio, there are more people who I think would benefit.

This study of retreat was just what I needed to slowdown and fully take in the beautiful changes of Spring. From the opening, I could tell I was in for a treat. Kristeen MacLeod is a skillful and creative writer. Her work is evocative and thoughtful. I was fully transported to Beaver Creek, the Scotland Highlands, and many other retreat sites.This book reminded me of Tara Brach's work and was a wonderful invitation to step away and take in the peace of solitude.

Lynn Bradford was the perfect narrator for this book. Her voice is soothing and inspiring in all the right ways. She brought me out to the forrest from the quiet of my back garden. Stunning work!