Exploring Readme: A New Dating App for Literary Enthusiasts in New York City

Launch Party Vibes

On a sultry Thursday evening in September, I found myself darting through the vibrant scene of Chelsea, as my long-time fantasy of being part of New York's cultural whirlwind came to life. The streets buzzed with stylish attendees flaunting their rumpled linen and oversized glasses, each one adding to the palpable energy of the city. My journey continued to the Lower East Side, where I had my sights set on an exclusive party marking the debut of Readme, a daring new dating app targeting readers—yes, bookworms seeking love based on literary preferences. The interior of Funny Bar—the venue that hosted this gathering—was dark and enigmatic. I noticed a peculiar quirk: the books lining the shelves were turned spine-in, giving off an air of pretentiousness. Perhaps a misguided attempt by the event's designer to cultivate a vibe of intellectualism through a random collection of book spines. Nevertheless, I unearthed gems like Jia Tolentino’s *Trick Mirror*, Don DeLillo’s *White Noise*, and Gore Vidal’s *Myra Breckinridge*. Notably, a curious partygoer sported Amia Srinivasan’s *The Right to Sex* in their bag; whether it was a last-minute touch for want of conversation or a sneaky theft remained unclear. Amidst lemon drop cocktails, photo booth antics, and spirited ballpoint doodles on the paper-coated tables (“Cheers chairs stairs” and the like), a celebration was clearly underway.

The Team Behind Readme

This soirée, co-hosted by creative minds Emily Segal and Banu Guler—who is also the founder of the astrology app Co–Star—attracted a notable crowd. Together with literary figures and internet sensations like Caroline Calloway and Stephanie Wambugu, they created an inviting atmosphere resonating with artistic energy. While waiting for my drink, I struck up a conversation with a poet whose day job often led her into the world of mental health. She shared her brave story about taking a year off from dating after a traumatic breakup, and it underscored the event's blend of levity and profound personal histories. Fast forward a few days, and I was discussing the vision behind Readme with Guler and Segal over a video call. When I probed about integrating astrology into the app, Guler replied candidly that their focus was firmly on literary interests. While the allure of astrology is undeniable, they seemed intent on presenting a dating experience centered on more than just the celestial. Guler suggested that users might compare astrological alignments during a date, adding a layer of complexity to their interactions—an intriguing thought, albeit a secondary focus.

Readme's Unique Approach

The app is described as emblematic of the experience of finding love through literature. Guler encapsulated this beautifully, explaining that it strives to evoke the excitement of connecting over a shared book or poem—a stark contrast to the often superficial connections forged on more traditional dating platforms. Segal emphasized the importance of making Readme a “progressive” dating app, steering away from the clichés that often saturate this space. Her background as part of the K-HOLE trend-forecasting collective, known for coining terms like *normcore*, clearly influences the innovative direction of Readme. What truly sets the app apart is its integration of psycholinguistics into matchmaking. Users partake in a playful quiz, swiping between pairs of literary excerpts to shape their profiles. This is more than just a fun exercise; it taps into deeper connections between language preferences and romantic inclinations. Enter the app’s proprietary model—grounded in the theories of Jacques Lacan—which posits that language is central to our understanding of desire and, by extension, to love. This method feels a bit esoteric but intriguingly complex. By measuring how users respond to different styles of writing—balancing spare vs. elaborate language and navigating metaphor vs. metonymy—the app aims to craft meaningful matches. For those who find these ideas dense, plenty of light-hearted conversation starters are offered, such as “What did you eat for breakfast?” and “Can you tell me a joke?” While these may come off as slightly awkward, they may just surface genuine connections.

Conclusion: A Promising New Player

Having tested the app myself, I’d say Readme stands out by prioritizing quality interactions over sheer numbers. Guler and Segal were delighted to witness tangible connections forming at the party—real people matching and even making out. I regretted my initial judgments about the curated book collection that adorned the bar; it was precisely chosen to enhance the event. As Readme readies itself to capture the hearts of literary lovers, it joins a wave of dating platforms that recognize the allure of intellectualism. Engaging with books as a seductive aesthetic is now more widely accepted, aligning with the societal narrative that reading is both cool and sexy. At the launch, mingling over the last book each attendee had devoured reminded everyone of the romance intertwined with literature. In all, while my own experience didn’t involve swiping through profiles, I left feeling excited about what Readme represents—a thoughtful app that fosters genuine connections through shared literary passion.