Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
Wintering
Subtitle: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times
Author: Katherine May
Genre: Nonfiction, Self-improvement
Format: Digital Purchase (Kindle)
Publish Date: November 2020
Read: February 2021
Favorite Quote: We must learn to invite the winter in. We may never choose to winter, but we can choose how.
Synopsis: In Wintering, Katherine May looks at some of the slow, reflective, or painful moments life has in store as a season of our lives. Usually, a winter is brought on by something unexpected: a death, a loss, or a physical or emotional change. Sometimes, this can be acute and only in our small bubble of the world, and sometimes, it can be at a macro level, like the pandemic or a war. May encourages readers to accept the winters of our lives and know that spring is soon to arrive.
Why does this book beguile? Wintering is a beautiful book, both in its prose and its message. Katherine May perfectly conveys how important periods of sadness, rest, and respite are in our lives. Throughout Wintering, May describes burnout in addition to sadness. Almost always, these winters arrive when it’s least convenient, but too frequently are our winters caused by pushing ourselves too hard, too fast, and for too long. Our bodies force us into winter like autumn forces a tree into dormancy. The ongoing analogy between our health and the seasons is powerful and beautifully written.
Rating: 5/5
Link*: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
If you’re interested in this, read*: How to Be Sad by Helen Russell
Book Club Reading Guide:
Your Book Club Companion for Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May (Digital Download)
Calling all book clubs! Whether you're hosting your fifth meeting or your fiftieth, this book club reading guide is here to make your next gathering more thoughtful, connected, and fun.
Created especially for Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May, this guide includes everything you need to spark rich conversation, dig into deeper themes, and bring fresh insight to your group’s discussion.
Inside this digital reading guide, you’ll find:
Quick Recaps: Forgot what happened? No worries—we’ve got summaries to help you catch up before the meeting.
Discussion Questions That Get People Talking: Go beyond “did you like it?” with questions designed to unpack themes, explore emotions, and understand characters on a deeper level.
Context Corner: Discuss how you will apply what you’ve learned now that you’ve read the book.
Why Readers Love Our Book Club Guides:
No fluff—just thoughtful content made for real book club discussions.
Works great whether you’re meeting virtually or in person.
Designed to be flexible, easy to use, and accessible from any device.
Fillable PDFs – you can print and write by hand (a classic choice) or you can type on your device and easily note your thoughts!
Whether you’re leading the meeting or just showing up with snacks, this reading guide helps everyone feel more engaged and prepared. Let it be your secret weapon for hosting a book club that feels meaningful, welcoming, and full of discovery.
