The Reading Desk grew out of the same impulse that shapes Irrelevant Matters: curiosity, reverence for good books, and a belief that reading still matters in a world that scrolls too fast.
It isn’t a publication or a “content arm” — it’s a quiet corner of this site devoted to lists, recommendations, and rediscoveries. Each collection is curated by Jake Mura and guided by the same sensibility that informs his essays — philosophical, sometimes messy, always searching for what endures.
We’re not here to chase trends or optimize engagement. The goal is simpler: to help you find books that speak to the deeper parts of life — the ones that stay with you long after you’ve closed them.
Affiliate Transparency
Some of our reading lists contain affiliate links to help sustain this space. These links never determine what appears here; they simply make it possible for Irrelevant Matters to keep existing without intrusive advertising or paywalls. Every title we recommend has been chosen for its substance, not its sales potential.
If you choose to buy through one of those links — thank you. You help keep the lights on and the reading going.
Who’s Behind It
The Reading Desk is curated and maintained by Jake Mura, the writer and editor behind Irrelevant Matters. It exists under his editorial guidance and reflects the same independent, human-first approach.