Joseph Rauch
@josephrauch.bsky.social
Author of "The Last of the Mentally Ill," Founder of The Rauch Review - populist, half Lebanese + half Ashkenazi atheist from San Diego
As someone who has struggled with chronic illnesses since I was 12, this type of memoir is always really inspiring to me. Check out "Walking on Pins and Needles: A Memoir of Chronic Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis" by Arlene Faulk > https://amzn.to/4pqV9GT
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
amzn.to
January 7, 2026 at 10:47 PM
As someone who has struggled with chronic illnesses since I was 12, this type of memoir is always really inspiring to me. Check out "Walking on Pins and Needles: A Memoir of Chronic Resilience in the Face of Multiple Sclerosis" by Arlene Faulk > https://amzn.to/4pqV9GT
At the Rauch Review, we use the rating system of five stars, but our star ratings have specific meanings. Before we read a book, we think of it as five stars. While reading, we look for mistakes that justify knocking its rating down. To understand the system, read more >> https://bit.ly/3L110ol
Our Philosophy on Book Star Ratings
Unlike the typical system, however, our star ratings have specific meanings that are informative for readers and fair to authors.
bit.ly
January 5, 2026 at 9:45 PM
At the Rauch Review, we use the rating system of five stars, but our star ratings have specific meanings. Before we read a book, we think of it as five stars. While reading, we look for mistakes that justify knocking its rating down. To understand the system, read more >> https://bit.ly/3L110ol
This week I’m looking for a hidden gem illustrated novel or memoir to promote in my newsletter. We include manga, manhwa, etc. Please leave recs!
January 2, 2026 at 4:48 PM
This week I’m looking for a hidden gem illustrated novel or memoir to promote in my newsletter. We include manga, manhwa, etc. Please leave recs!
Rather than trying to cancel all the authors whose views we disagree with, I asked a key question: If I buy or read books written by "problematic" authors, am I potentially contributing to the victimization of innocent people and the degradation of communities? > https://bit.ly/4pch58z
Is It OK to Buy Books by These Problematic Authors?
Rather than trying to cancel all the authors whose views we disagree with, I decided to make this list about authors who have allegedly and/or admittedly harmed innocent people and communities with their actions, books or words.
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December 31, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Rather than trying to cancel all the authors whose views we disagree with, I asked a key question: If I buy or read books written by "problematic" authors, am I potentially contributing to the victimization of innocent people and the degradation of communities? > https://bit.ly/4pch58z
On my list ever since my wife took me to the Philippines for the first time many years ago. While touring Intramuros, our guide educated me on José Rizal, who died because of this book. Check out José Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere" > https://amzn.to/4pbstl1
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
amzn.to
December 29, 2025 at 3:45 PM
On my list ever since my wife took me to the Philippines for the first time many years ago. While touring Intramuros, our guide educated me on José Rizal, who died because of this book. Check out José Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere" > https://amzn.to/4pbstl1
I’m looking for underappreciated memoirs to promote in my newsletter. Please comment!
December 26, 2025 at 4:25 PM
I’m looking for underappreciated memoirs to promote in my newsletter. Please comment!
Another stop on my journey to better understand and appreciate the craft of poetry. Take some time at the end of this year to explore some poetry. Check out Jenny Xie's "Eye Level" > https://amzn.to/49p4jyK
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
amzn.to
December 25, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Another stop on my journey to better understand and appreciate the craft of poetry. Take some time at the end of this year to explore some poetry. Check out Jenny Xie's "Eye Level" > https://amzn.to/49p4jyK
My novel writing process is a combination of unplanned inspiration and detailed planning. Life, observation and eavesdropping inspire the core idea. Once the premise of the book fully reveals itself to me, I frantically jot down as many notes as possible. Read more > https://bit.ly/4pToGtG
Inside My Novel Writing Process
My novel writing process is a combination of unplanned inspiration and detailed planning.
bit.ly
December 24, 2025 at 4:05 PM
My novel writing process is a combination of unplanned inspiration and detailed planning. Life, observation and eavesdropping inspire the core idea. Once the premise of the book fully reveals itself to me, I frantically jot down as many notes as possible. Read more > https://bit.ly/4pToGtG
What are some underrated books by famous authors?
December 19, 2025 at 6:13 PM
What are some underrated books by famous authors?
When I was editing a review of “O Beautiful” by Jung Yun, I noticed she gave herself a five-star rating on Goodreads. I was aware of this feature that allows an author to rate and/or review their own books, but she was the first I saw exercise this privilege. Read my take > https://bit.ly/49bycm1
Should Authors Rate and/or Review Their Own Books on Goodreads?
Before this instance, I had assumed all authors would decline the self-review option because of the risky optics.
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 6:17 PM
When I was editing a review of “O Beautiful” by Jung Yun, I noticed she gave herself a five-star rating on Goodreads. I was aware of this feature that allows an author to rate and/or review their own books, but she was the first I saw exercise this privilege. Read my take > https://bit.ly/49bycm1
A gothic suspense thriller infused with rich historical intrigue, romance, and the dark secrets of an ancient curse, recommended to us on Threads when we connected with the author. Check out "Terror in Tuscany: The Crimson Vines" by Kirsten Pistorius > https://amzn.to/4oQUyhd
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
amzn.to
December 15, 2025 at 3:58 PM
A gothic suspense thriller infused with rich historical intrigue, romance, and the dark secrets of an ancient curse, recommended to us on Threads when we connected with the author. Check out "Terror in Tuscany: The Crimson Vines" by Kirsten Pistorius > https://amzn.to/4oQUyhd
What’s your favorite literary fiction title right now? Maybe we can promo it in our newsletter.
December 12, 2025 at 6:50 PM
What’s your favorite literary fiction title right now? Maybe we can promo it in our newsletter.
With the exception of small plot holes and underdeveloped minor characters, the novel is well-written. If you like literary fiction, environmental stories, thrillers or tragic romance, you’ll find “Wild Dark Shore” worthwhile. See our review of Charlotte McConaghy's novel > https://bit.ly/4pYvO7S
‘Wild Dark Shore’ Review: Island Thriller Meets Climate Activism
Whether you like literary fiction, environmental stories, thrillers or tragic romance, you’ll likely find “Wild Dark Shore” a worthwhile read.
bit.ly
December 11, 2025 at 6:52 PM
With the exception of small plot holes and underdeveloped minor characters, the novel is well-written. If you like literary fiction, environmental stories, thrillers or tragic romance, you’ll find “Wild Dark Shore” worthwhile. See our review of Charlotte McConaghy's novel > https://bit.ly/4pYvO7S
This memoir hits differently knowing how much of her poetry circles around exile, displacement, starting over. Here, she tells her own story, moving between Iraq and America, with the same clarity that makes her poetry powerful. Check out Diary of a Wave Outside the Sea > https://amzn.to/4pQSpmA
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
amzn.to
December 9, 2025 at 9:28 PM
This memoir hits differently knowing how much of her poetry circles around exile, displacement, starting over. Here, she tells her own story, moving between Iraq and America, with the same clarity that makes her poetry powerful. Check out Diary of a Wave Outside the Sea > https://amzn.to/4pQSpmA
Every week I promote one literary fiction and one nonfiction book (usually memoir or political) in my newsletter. Drop yours here, and I’ll consider it. We prioritize hidden gems and self-published authors.
December 5, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Every week I promote one literary fiction and one nonfiction book (usually memoir or political) in my newsletter. Drop yours here, and I’ll consider it. We prioritize hidden gems and self-published authors.
A beautiful a collection of poems, essays, and visual art inspired by Saeed Jones and Maggie Smith’s conversations in the wake of the 2024 election. Suggested to us by a follower on Threads! Check out The People's Project: Poems, Essays, and Art for Looking Forward > https://amzn.to/4iEo3Sg
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
amzn.to
December 4, 2025 at 6:23 PM
A beautiful a collection of poems, essays, and visual art inspired by Saeed Jones and Maggie Smith’s conversations in the wake of the 2024 election. Suggested to us by a follower on Threads! Check out The People's Project: Poems, Essays, and Art for Looking Forward > https://amzn.to/4iEo3Sg
When evaluating writing quality, many of us focus on subjective measures. What we enjoy is “good.” What we don’t enjoy is “bad.” Dig through these subjective layers, however, and you discover a foundation of objective quality. So what exactly defines good writing? Read more > https://bit.ly/4axujZE
What is Good Writing? — The Beauty of Effort
Generally speaking, we can agree that effortful writing tends to be better than lazy writing.
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 7:40 PM
When evaluating writing quality, many of us focus on subjective measures. What we enjoy is “good.” What we don’t enjoy is “bad.” Dig through these subjective layers, however, and you discover a foundation of objective quality. So what exactly defines good writing? Read more > https://bit.ly/4axujZE
What have you been reading lately? Post it here. If it’s underappreciated and within our scope, we’ll promote it on our newsletter and other social channels.
November 28, 2025 at 6:19 PM
What have you been reading lately? Post it here. If it’s underappreciated and within our scope, we’ll promote it on our newsletter and other social channels.
Espada connected with us on Threads! While blending self-help, Espada's memoir follows her journey from Puerto Rico to Silicon Valley to NYC. Check out "A Renegade's Journey to Stillness" by Marita Espada > https://bit.ly/3KjdFlY
A Renegade's Journey To Stillness by Marita Espada - Review Copy | BookSirens
Join the review team for A Renegade's Journey To Stillness. Read it for free before the rest of the world does. Share your honest review. Discover hundreds of other books in your favorite genres.
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November 27, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Espada connected with us on Threads! While blending self-help, Espada's memoir follows her journey from Puerto Rico to Silicon Valley to NYC. Check out "A Renegade's Journey to Stillness" by Marita Espada > https://bit.ly/3KjdFlY
The Rauch Review published its list of the 10 Best Novels About Mental Illness: From Young Adult to Science Fiction. Are missing any hidden gem novels that deserve to be on this list? Check it out and let us know > https://bit.ly/3MmoPH6
10 Best Novels About Mental Illness: From Young Adult to Science Fiction
These writers skillfully navigate mental health challenges in a way that readers of all backgrounds can connect with and understand.
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 9:04 PM
The Rauch Review published its list of the 10 Best Novels About Mental Illness: From Young Adult to Science Fiction. Are missing any hidden gem novels that deserve to be on this list? Check it out and let us know > https://bit.ly/3MmoPH6
Who’s your favorite literary author right now? If I haven’t heard of them, I’ll consider adding their books to my newsletter promo list.
November 21, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Who’s your favorite literary author right now? If I haven’t heard of them, I’ll consider adding their books to my newsletter promo list.
My response was selected for this recent Forbes Communication Council article about how to combat misinformation. Check it out here >> https://bit.ly/4i1avQ8
20 Ways To Combat Misinformation Amid More And More Synthetic Media
Companies are facing growing pressure to take a stand on truth and transparency, especially when their own brand is being misrepresented.
bit.ly
November 19, 2025 at 5:38 PM
My response was selected for this recent Forbes Communication Council article about how to combat misinformation. Check it out here >> https://bit.ly/4i1avQ8
Nope, not the TV show. This 2015 novel is about a love triangle between anthropologists in the 1930s. Pretty different lol. Check out "Euphoria" by Lily King > https://amzn.to/49qHETo
November 18, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Nope, not the TV show. This 2015 novel is about a love triangle between anthropologists in the 1930s. Pretty different lol. Check out "Euphoria" by Lily King > https://amzn.to/49qHETo
Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, “Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice” unveils a life marred by sexual abuse and trauma. It was written before the author died, reportedly of suicide, last April. Find out more >> https://bit.ly/3JXopGm
‘Nobody’s Girl’ Review: Edits Made After Virginia Giuffre’s Death?
The two scenes where Donald Trump was mentioned as if he were the nicest guy in the world seemed like they were inserted out of nowhere.
bit.ly
November 13, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, “Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice” unveils a life marred by sexual abuse and trauma. It was written before the author died, reportedly of suicide, last April. Find out more >> https://bit.ly/3JXopGm
We were looking for unique memoirs via Threads, and we happened to connect with Janel. Check out "Between Farm and Fork: Journey to Find a True Path" >> https://amzn.to/4nNUf6o
Amazon.com
Amazon.com
amzn.to
November 11, 2025 at 9:46 PM
We were looking for unique memoirs via Threads, and we happened to connect with Janel. Check out "Between Farm and Fork: Journey to Find a True Path" >> https://amzn.to/4nNUf6o