Tag Archives: Los Angeles

Goldenseal – Maria Hummel

Posted on February 15, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) Lacey and Edith, ages seventy and seventy-one respectively, have been estranged for forty-four years. It’s now 1990, and Edith decides to travel across the country to visit her one-time best friend. Lacey, born in Prague, … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical Fiction, Modern Literary Fiction, Our Best | Tagged friendship, Los Angeles, relationships, socio-economic class, WWII | Comments Off

Song Noir: Tom Waits and the Spirit of Los Angeles – Alex Harvey

Posted on September 24, 2022 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned My first introduction to Tom Waits was in Jim Jarmusch’s 1985 film, “Down By Law”. I found him quite enigmatic, and as a singer/songwriter was drawn to his authenticity. While reading Song Noir, I realized … Continue reading →

Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Culture, History | Tagged beat generation, film noir, Los Angeles, music, songwriting | Comments Off

In Remembrance – Eve Babitz (1943-2021)

Posted on December 18, 2021 by J D Jung

(by JD Jung) Author Eve Babitz who wrote about the decadent 1960’s and 1970’s sub-culture of Los Angeles passed away December 17th. Her books were among the “highly recommended” on UnderratedReads. Revisit our reviews of her memoir “Slow Days, Fast … Continue reading →

Posted in What the...? | Tagged 1960s, Los Angeles | Comments Off

The Underbelly (Outspoken Authors Book 3)- Gary Phillips

Posted on August 10, 2021 by J D Jung

(reviewed by JD Jung) Mulgrew Magrady, an often-times homeless Viet Nam veteran is trying to get his life back on track. Though he is eight months sober, he is still suffering from his earlier impulsive actions. He abandoned responsibility for … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Noir-esque fiction | Tagged addiction, class, crime fiction, gentrification, Los Angeles, race, social justice | Comments Off

Pizza Girl: A Novel – Jean Kyoung Frazier

Posted on June 26, 2020 by J D Jung

(reviewed by JD Jung) An eighteen-year-old pregnant pizza delivery girl is lost, with no idea where she is headed in life. Even though she has a loving boyfriend who is excited about the baby, that isn’t enough. She has never … Continue reading →

Posted in Modern Literary Fiction | Tagged coming-of-age, dark humor, Los Angeles | Comments Off

An UnderratedRead Revisited: Rockin’ Through Troubled Waters: Memoir -Surviving the West Coast Music Scene 1966-1971 – Don Jung

Posted on March 11, 2020 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Cathy Carey) Wow! I want to thank the author for this sentimental journey. I was only on page 15 when I had already downloaded two albums from iTunes. Be prepared to have a whole new perspective listening to … Continue reading →

Posted in Revisited | Tagged 1960s, Doors, Janis Joplin, Los Angeles, rock music, Vietnam War | Comments Off

Rockin’ Through Troubled Waters: Memoir -Surviving the West Coast Music Scene 1966-1971 – Don Jung

Posted on June 25, 2019 by J D Jung

Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction | Tagged 1960s, Doors, Janis Joplin, Los Angeles, rock music, Vietnam War | Comments Off

Fight No More: Stories – Lydia Millet

Posted on May 3, 2019 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “South Africans were rumored to be rapists. The white ones especially.” Nina, a single real estate agent specializing in expensive Los Angeles homes was nervous about meeting a potential buyer. Little did she know that her … Continue reading →

Posted in Short stories | Tagged family, fiction, Los Angeles, short stories | Comments Off

Skin of Tattoos – Christina Hoag

Posted on February 26, 2019 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Christopher J. Lynch) When Cyco Lokos gang member Magdaleno (Mags) Argueta comes home to Los Angeles after serving prison time for a robbery, he wants nothing more than to start a new life. However, there’s one obstacle he … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers | Tagged crime fiction, gangs, Los Angeles | Comments Off