We Champion the Culture of Reading
The Reader's Compass was founded on a simple belief: that literature enriches our lives, fosters empathy, and provides a vital space for reflection in a fast-paced world.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be a trusted guide in the vast world of literature for thoughtful readers. In an age of information overload and fleeting digital content, we advocate for the deep, immersive experience that only books can provide. We aim to move beyond simplistic ratings and algorithmic suggestions, offering instead nuanced, intelligent, and passionate criticism and commentary. We believe that by connecting readers with meaningful stories and the authors behind them, we can help foster a more curious, empathetic, and intellectually engaged society.
We are committed to quality, integrity, and independence. Every article, review, and interview is crafted with care by our team of dedicated writers and editors who share a profound love for the written word. We strive to create a welcoming space for both seasoned bibliophiles and those just beginning their literary journey, providing content that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating. Our goal is not just to recommend books, but to enrich the entire reading experience, sparking conversation and inspiring a lifelong passion for literature.
Our History
The Reader's Compass began in 2018 as a personal blog by our founder, Eleanor Vance, a former literature professor who was concerned about the decline of long-form reading. She wanted to create a space online that celebrated the intellectual and emotional depth of books, particularly for adults who felt their reading habits had been displaced by the demands of modern life. The blog quickly gained a following of readers who shared her passion and were hungry for high-quality, thoughtful content about books and authors.
By 2020, the project had grown beyond a solo endeavor. Eleanor brought on a small team of writers and editors to expand the scope and frequency of content. We officially launched as The Reader's Compass portal, transitioning to a professional platform with a mission to support literary journalism through a community-funded model. Today, we are proud to be a leading independent voice in the literary world, serving thousands of readers across the globe who turn to us for guidance, discovery, and a shared appreciation for the power of stories.
Our Values
Curiosity
We believe reading is an act of exploration. We champion intellectual curiosity, encouraging our readers to venture into new genres, discover diverse voices, and engage with challenging ideas that broaden their perspectives on the world.
Integrity
Our recommendations are born from genuine passion and critical analysis, free from external influence. We are committed to honest, independent, and thoughtful criticism that our readers can trust to be authentic and well-informed.
Community
We believe literature is a conversation. We strive to build a community around the shared love of reading, fostering respectful dialogue and connecting readers with authors, ideas, and each other in a meaningful way.
Meet Our Team
We are a small, dedicated group of writers, editors, and bibliophiles.
Eleanor Vance
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
With a PhD in Comparative Literature, Eleanor founded the portal to share her lifelong passion for stories. She oversees the editorial direction and contributes essays on classic literature and the importance of reading in the digital age. Her vision guides every piece we publish.
Benjamin Carter
Senior Critic
Ben is our lead reviewer for contemporary fiction and literary non-fiction. A former journalist, he has a keen eye for compelling narratives and emerging literary talent. His reviews are known for their sharp analysis, wit, and deep understanding of cultural context.
Olivia Chen
Author Relations & Features Editor
Olivia manages our author interviews and feature articles. She has a talent for connecting with writers and drawing out fascinating insights into their creative processes. She is passionate about showcasing diverse voices and exploring the intersection of literature and life.
Samuel Jones
Community Manager & Events Correspondent
Sam is the bridge between our portal and the wider literary world. He covers book festivals and cultural events, and manages our community engagement. He ensures that the conversation we start on the page continues with our readers through various platforms.