I’m Jessica, a mom, a confrontational introvert who wears big glasses & may sniff books. I’m just here because I really do love to read and share what I’ve learned or found interesting.
Rather Just Read is a place for nonfiction, big ideas, uncomfortable truths, thoughtful conversations, and the books that stay with you long after you’ve put them down.
I’m especially drawn to books about identity, culture, history, psychology, society, relationships, and the complicated ways people make sense of the world around them. I like books that teach me something, challenge what I think I know, or occasionally make me stare at the wall for a while.
You’ll find reviews and reflections here, but you’ll also find something a little less polished: my actual thoughts. I tend to write the way I talk. Sometimes that means a carefully considered review. Sometimes it means following an idea down a rabbit hole because a book made me curious. And sometimes it means simply saying, Okay, but what are we supposed to do with this?
I’m not trying to build a perfectly curated reading life. I’m interested in reading widely, thinking honestly, and having conversations about books that are worth talking about.
And yes, I still take pictures of actual books with my actual phone.
No elaborate book photoshoots. No pretending every book changed my life. Just books, thoughts, and a genuine love of reading.
For Publishers & Authors
Rather Just Read welcomes opportunities to consider advance copies and finished books for review.
If you’re a publisher, publicist, or author with a nonfiction title or a work of fiction that you think would genuinely fit what I read. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m particularly interested in books that have something to say: books that explore people, ideas, culture, history, identity, relationships, and the world we live in.
You can email hello@ratherjustread.com to inquire about review opportunities, advance copies, interviews, or other collaborations.
Thanks for stopping by.
Now, go find something worth reading.
