In this episode of What to Read Next, Laura shares her personal journey of trying (and slightly failing) to create a Sunday reading retreat—and why a phone detox might be the key to getting back into a satisfying reading groove. From binge-watching Love Island UK to rediscovering how much joy a simple reading day can bring, Laura dives deep into creating your own reading retreat at home. She also dishes on Turkish TV drama, Dramione fanfic controversy, and why it might be time to rethink our relationship with social media.

Highlights:

• Laura’s attempt at a personal reading retreat and why it turned into a TV binge
• The joy of rewatching Love Island UK vs. disappointment with the USA version
• Updates on her Turkish TV Obsessed podcast, plus finishing As The Crow Flies on Netflix
• Latest bookish drama: Dramione fanfics being turned into books and the controversy around them
• Reflections on a past reading binge during a hurricane power outage — and why it was blissful without her phone
• How doomscrolling keeps us from reading (and how trauma can make stress feel "safe")
• Ideas to create your own reading retreat, including:
• Planning meals/snacks ahead
• Setting up a cozy space with candles, blankets, or ambiance music
• Trying a "try-on" session with different books — read first chapters and see what sticks
• Being okay with soft DNFs (“not right now”)
• Putting your phone on Do Not Disturb or out of sight
• Why it’s okay if your retreat means reading anything—from novellas to spicy books to cozy mysteries

Mentioned in This Episode:

📺 TV & Media:

• Love Island UK (and why Unseen Bits is the best)
• As The Crow Flies (Turkish series on Netflix)
• Early Birds Turkish novela fandom story

📚 Books & Bookish Talk:

• Rose in Chains (Dramione-inspired, darker political themes)
• Manacled and Alchemised (Dramione fanfics with heavy themes)
• Brief mention of Fourth Wing (not her favorite)

Favorite hurricane reading binge:

• Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
• Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
• Deep End (ARC) by Ali Hazelwood
• Only For One Night by Jessica James

Links & Resources:

👉 Visit whattoreadnextblog.com for daily updated book lists, from cozy mysteries to LGBTQ+ romances to beach reads for summer 2025.

👉 Sign up for the newsletter at whattoreadnextblog.com/newsletter to get even more book recs and updates.

Let’s Connect:

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe—it helps others find the show!

📩 Have thoughts on reading retreats or your own phone detox? Message Laura at [email protected], she’d love to hear from you!

Mentioned in this episode:

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