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book[ed]. &
bold
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For readers who crave stories driven by bold, unforgettable women. book[ed]. & bold is all about strong, unapologetic heroines who take charge of their lives, hearts, and destinies. Stories that inspire, thrill, and make you cheer out loud. This weekend is for readers who crave daring, clever women who break the rules, shake things up, and leave a mark, on the page, and in the world. A celebration of courage, resilience, and unforgettable characters that stay with you long after the last page.
This retreat has already written its chapter, but the story doesn’t end here. Discover what’s coming next, or reach out to plan a custom retreat just for you.
*Before booking, please read our Booking Terms.
At The Painted Lady in Birmingham, boldness isn’t a theme, it’s the foundation. Once home to Louise Wooster, a woman who rebuilt her life on her own terms, this former boarding house and brothel was a refuge for women long before the world celebrated them.
Her story; resilient, complicated, unapologetically her own; sets the tone for book[ed]. & bold.
We’re gathering in a space shaped by a woman who refused to fade quietly and to celebrate the heroines who do the same. The ones who take charge, defy expectations, and rewrite their lives with grit and fire.
At book[ed]. & bold, strong female leads don’t just live on the page. They live in the walls.
What to expect when you're book[ed].
No assigned reading.
No scheduled discussions.
No group pressure.
Just beautiful places, good books, and a community that gets it.
The book[ed]. society has exclusive use of the property & amenities for the duration of the retreat.
🔑 Can't get in until Friday? No problem, get in touch for pro-rated pricing.
Day 1
Morning
Arrive and settle in.
Evening
Welcome reception followed by a movie screening—with snacks!
Day 2
Morning
Breakfast 8-11AM, followed by reading & leisure time.
Evening
Happy Hour 5-7PM, followed by a movie screening—with snacks!
Day 3
Morning
Breakfast 8-11AM, followed by reading & leisure time.
Evening
Happy Hour 5-7PM, followed by a movie screening—with snacks!
Day 4
Morning
Breakfast 8-11AM. Departure at 12PM.
The Painted Lady
The Painted Lady is a 22-room and suite boutique hotel, occupying the old Eyer-Raden Building in the Automotive Historic District. Legend has it that the “Louise Curtis” who operated a “boarding house” in the upper floors of this building was Louise C. Wooster, sex worker and brothel owner turned local celebrity when her selfless work as a nurse in the city’s cholera wards went public in the 1870’s.
Before her death, Louise recast her life and her story in her memoir, "Autobiography of a Magdalen," that was equal parts reminiscence, fable, cautionary tale, and poetic ramble. Despite her profession, Birminghamians remember Lou fondly to this day. The Painted Lady is a gentle nod to Louise, and to our building’s onetime use as a boarding house and brothel.
Stay solo, or share the story.
From cozy corners to curated cuisine—it's all included:
*The book[ed]. society has exclusive use of the property & amenities for the entire duration of the retreat.
Got a special request? Want your books waiting by the bed? Upgrade your stay with custom add-ons when you check out—we love a little extra.
Registration price.
At checkout, please note the name of the person you will be sharing a
room with.
You Dream It,
We Plot It
Have a vision for your ideal retreat? We’ll bring it to life—genre, location, vibe, and all. It’s the getaway you’ve all been meaning to plan, minus the stress and spreadsheets.
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