They Were Exactly
Where You Are
Three IvyReader members who went from struggling to finish one book to reading dozens — in their own words.
Important disclosure: The stories below reflect the real experiences of IvyReader members who volunteered to share their journeys. Results are not guaranteed and vary based on individual reading habits, consistency, and engagement with the platform. See our Refund Policy.
I stopped pretending I’d get to it eventually.
Sarah Chen was the VP of Marketing at a 200-person SaaS company when she joined IvyReader. She’d been saying “I’ll read more this year” every January for six years straight.
“I had 47 unfinished books on my Kindle,” Sarah says. “Every Sunday I’d tell myself I’d read that week. By Wednesday it was forgotten.”
The accountability partner was the key. Within her first month, Sarah finished two books — more than she’d completed in the previous six months combined.
“My partner didn’t let me hide. When I missed a Sunday check-in, she texted me. That’s the difference between an app and a person.”
Sarah Chen, VP of Marketing
My reading habit became a competitive advantage.
Marcus runs a 40-person SaaS company. He knew the best founders were voracious readers — but between fundraising, hiring, and product decisions, reading always fell off the priority list.
“I’d buy whatever book someone recommended on a podcast, read 30 pages, then lose it in the stack,” Marcus says. “My bookshelf was more aspirational than educational.”
His Elite accountability partner — another founder — changed the dynamic completely. Weekly Sunday check-ins became a non-negotiable part of his routine.
“Two board members have asked me what changed. I’m making better strategic decisions because I’m actually reading, not just buying books.”
Marcus Thompson, Founder & CEO
I rediscovered who I was before I became a lawyer.
Jennifer Walsh stopped reading for pleasure the day she started law school. Seven years later — now a senior associate at a top firm — she’d forgotten what it felt like to read something she actually chose.
“Billable hours consumed everything. The only reading I did was briefs and contracts. I missed the person who used to read novels on the subway.”
Jennifer chose Premium for the curated reading lists and community access. The Reader Society introduced her to books she’d never have found on her own.
“The Reader Society is full of people who are genuinely smart and well-read. The discussions are better than any book club I’ve tried — and I’ve tried a lot.”
Jennifer Walsh, Senior Associate
More from Our Members
I read 8 books last year and felt like that was good. Nine months into IvyReader, I’m at 19 and on track for 30. The weekly rhythm makes all the difference.
I was the person who "wasn’t a reader." Eight months in, I can’t imagine not having a book going. The community keeps me honest.
The partner matching is legitimately impressive. They matched me with someone with completely opposite reading tastes, and it works perfectly. I’ve discovered genres I never would have touched.
These testimonials reflect individual experiences. Results vary and are not guaranteed. All reviewers are verified IvyReader members.
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