Why We're So Excited About Our First "Close Reads on the Road" Event

Hey y’all,

Our first Close Reads on the Road event is happening in just over two weeks and I wanted to share a little bit about why we’re so excited for this event. (Yes, we do have some space left, so if you’ve always wanted to discuss books in person with Heidi, Tim, Sean, and I then you still can.)

Truthfully, this event is a bit of an experiment. We’ve done events like the annual Close Reads retreat, but we would like to see whether there is also an appetite for slightly larger events at a lower price point that don’t take a whole week of your summer. If so, our goal is to host enlivening, contemplative conversations about the best books the literary world has to offer.

This time, it’s some truly incredible short stories that all contemplate, in some way, the notions of faith and home and the way they’re connected. These themes are as intricately woven into Southern culture as any, but there fundamental to all human souls, which is probably why the literature of the American South is beloved worldwide.

This event will feature a mix of podcast-style conversations with conference talk-style presentations, plus a special live episode recording (more on that momentarily) of an episode of the show. And, of course, it will also include dinner and a performance at the Atlanta Shakespeare festival. But what we’re most excited about is getting to meet so many of our listeners. It’s going to be a delight to meet people in person, to put voices and personalities to social media profile pics. To come to know you in richer, more, well, real ways.

But real friendship happens through conversation and laughter—through camaraderie. And we can’t wait to see the Close Reads community come together in person after so many years of doing it primarily online. To hear real laughter! Real voices chatting about great ideas. Real friendships continuing to blossom.

Will you be joining us? Hope so!

(Oh yeah, we’ll also be concluding the event by presenting a live recording of our annual episode in which we choose the books for 2024. That’s right, if you come you’ll get to listen in person as we endure The Great Winnowing in real life.)

Whether you want to watch from the background or jump into the conversational fray, we think this event is going to be a great experience for any lover of books. If that’s you, we’d love to see you there. And in the meantime, happy reading!

P.S. If finances are an issue, you can use the code ALLSOULS to get 35 off the registration. We hope that helps a little bit at least.

P.P.S. You may want to bring a Close Reads bingo card. Seems likely Heidi is going to talk duty and desire, for example, or that I’m going to discuss craft. Just a note.