Why Speechify Might Be the Ultimate Book Club Hack

Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, social commitments, and the never-ending list of things we should be doing, finding time to sit down with a good book can feel nearly impossible. Yet reading remains one of the most powerful ways to learn, grow, and unwind.

Enter Speechify: the app that’s changing the way millions of people consume books, articles, PDFs, and more. What started as a tool designed to help people with dyslexia has evolved into one of the most popular text-to-speech platforms in the world, allowing users to turn virtually any text into an audiobook.

For Officially HER Book Club members, Speechify may be the secret weapon that helps you finally tackle that growing TBR (to-be-read) list.

What Is Speechify?

Speechify is a text-to-speech app available on mobile devices, desktop computers, and as a browser extension. The platform allows users to upload books, articles, PDFs, emails, and webpages and have them read aloud using AI-generated voices.

The app was created by founder Cliff Weitzman, who developed the original version to help him manage reading assignments while navigating dyslexia. Today, Speechify serves tens of millions of users worldwide.

Why Book Lovers Are Obsessed

Turn Any Book Into an Audiobook

Have a stack of physical books on your nightstand? Speechify can scan pages using your phone’s camera and convert them into audio. That means the novel you’ve been meaning to start can suddenly accompany you during your commute, workout, or afternoon walk.

Read More in Less Time

One of Speechify’s most popular features is adjustable listening speed. Users can increase playback speed well beyond normal reading pace, helping them consume more content in less time.

Multitask Without Missing a Chapter

Imagine “reading” while folding laundry, driving to work, getting ready in the morning, or taking your daily walk. Speechify allows busy women to fit books into moments that would otherwise go unused.

Better Accessibility

For readers with dyslexia, ADHD, visual impairments, or anyone who struggles to stay focused while reading traditional text, listening can make information easier to process and retain. Speechify was originally created with accessibility in mind and continues to be a valuable tool for many users.

Is It Worth It?

Like most apps, Speechify offers both free and premium options. The free version provides basic text-to-speech functionality, while premium subscriptions unlock additional voices, faster playback speeds, and expanded features.

Whether it’s worth the investment depends on your reading habits. If you’ve ever purchased an audiobook subscription, struggled to finish your monthly book club pick, or wished you had more hours in the day to read, Speechify may quickly pay for itself in convenience alone.

Our Officially HER Take

We’re not suggesting you abandon physical books. There is still something magical about turning pages, highlighting favorite passages, and displaying beautiful covers on your bookshelf.

But if your goal is to read more, learn more, and finally get through that ever-growing stack of books you’ve been saving “for when life slows down,” Speechify is worth exploring.

Because sometimes the best way to read more isn’t finding more time—it’s finding a smarter way to fit reading into the life you’re already living.

HER Book Club Challenge

This month, try listening to one chapter of your current book club selection while walking, driving, or getting ready for the day. You might be surprised how many extra pages you finish before the month is over.

Happy reading—and listening.