Reading sessions

Some of the best conversations start with a book.

A warm companion reads aloud from a book of your parent's choosing over Zoom or FaceTime — with pauses for conversation, memory, and reflection. It's the gentlest way we know into a real connection.

Ideal for book lovers, members with vision loss, and anyone who misses being read to.

What it is

Reading sessions are our signature offering — a virtual reading companion service for older adults.

Each 30-minute session pairs your parent with the same warm, trained companion week after week. The companion reads aloud from a book your parent picks, pausing for conversation and letting the story open up memories, ideas, and quiet moments of connection. Over months, they build a real friendship.

This isn't a lecture or a class. It's an old-fashioned pleasure — someone reading to you, and talking with you about what you both just heard.

How it works

Simple by design.

01

Pick a book

Your parent's choice. Novels, memoirs, poetry, scripture, biographies — anything they love or have always meant to read. We're happy to suggest, too.

02

Meet the companion

We match them with a companion who shares their pace and interests. Same person every week — that's what makes it a relationship, not a service.

03

Meet weekly

30 minutes over Zoom or FaceTime. Reading, conversation, tangents, laughter. You'll get a short note after each session.

Who it's for

Especially good for parents who…

Love books

Lifelong readers who miss the pleasure of a good story shared. Reading together brings back something they thought they'd lost.

Have vision loss

Members who can no longer read easily on their own. The companion reads their copy — your parent simply listens and joins the conversation.

Feel awkward on video calls

A book gives everyone something to focus on. The pressure to fill silence disappears — the reading fills it.

Have early memory challenges

Sessions don't rely on remembering last week. The story picks up where it left off, and every visit feels fresh.

"Mom fell in love with Willa Cather again at 84. Her companion reads it just the way she wants to hear it. It's not just about the book — it's what happens in between the pages."

— Elena R., Portland

Pricing

$60 per session. First one is free.

Weekly 30-minute sessions are $60. Save with a 4-session plan ($220) or a 12-session plan ($600). No card required for the first visit.

Book the free first session
Common questions

Questions we hear often.

What books do you read?

Whatever your parent chooses. Members read novels, memoirs, poetry, scripture, biographies, essays — and often re-read favorites from earlier in life. Our companions can also suggest books based on what your parent has enjoyed before.

What if my parent has vision loss?

Reading sessions are ideal for members with vision loss. The companion reads from their own copy, and your parent simply listens and joins the conversation.

How long is a session?

Standard sessions are 30 minutes, which most members find is just right. Longer 45- and 60-minute sessions are available if your parent enjoys longer visits.

Can I sit in on a session?

Of course — many family members join the first session to help with setup, and some join occasionally afterward. Most parents come to treasure the visits as their own private time.

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