Willie – Rum Running Queen: Based on the true story of Willie Carter Sharpe – Louella Bryant

Posted on May 6, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

 

Author Louella Bryant has always been fascinated with the illegal bootleg business during the Prohibition era. This has led her to bring the history to life in her captivating historical novel, Willie – Rum Running Queen, which is based on the true story of Willie Carter Sharpe.

Willie, who was born in 1903, worked on the family farm alongside her father and younger brother. And she was good at it. However, when she became a teen, her main passion was driving fast. As she became of age and married into a family of bootleggers, that love would be incorporated into the perfect job, with the ability to make lots of money. This was piloting bootleg runs, acting as a decoy for the actual vehicle that was transporting the liquor. Though the marriage didn’t last, her skill did. In fact, eventually she would be targeted by the law in every county in Virginia, West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky. Finally in the courtroom she had to decide whether to turn state’s evidence, a dangerous choice either way.

Bryant takes us through the Prohibition and Depression eras, painting the often dark and desperate mood of the time. As the book switches between the perspectives of herself and her younger brother, it adds further depth to the plot. Beyond the car chases, she also portrays a more vulnerable side of Willie, and the hurt that comes with love and subsequent betrayal.

Before reading Willie – Rum Running Queen, I was unfamiliar with Willie Carter Sharp. However, Bryant’s engaging storytelling makes her life not only accessible but quite engaging.

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The Both of Us: A Psychological Thriller – Dan Lawton

Posted on May 3, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Mark thought that he and his wife, Rachel, enjoyed a happy marriage. Then one day while channel surfing on his car radio, he hears a caller on a therapist’s show, and he recognizes the voice. Though she is going by the name of “Mindy from Indy”, it’s actually Rachel’s voice and Mark can’t believe what she is saying. She nervously tells the radio host that she is guarding a secret that will change her life if it ever comes out. The caller then hangs up.

Mark confronts Rachel when he gets home, and she denies it. They have two young daughters, and Mark is concerned about the fallout from this. As various events take place, we hear the perspectives of multiple characters and impatiently await to find out what will happen next.

The Both of Us kept me glued to every page. In fact, I couldn’t put it down. The author successfully structured this suspense novel to keep the reader engaged at every turn. Unfortunately, I solved the puzzle at the midpoint of the book. I kept eagerly reading, hoping that my theory was wrong. Who wants to figure out the suspense before the last twist?

Despite my disappointment, I think that readers will also be engrossed in The Both of Us. Even if you solve the mystery early on.

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A Timely UnderratedRead Revisited: Wait – Gabriella Burnham

Posted on April 30, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

 

“They threw me out of the country like I was a nothing.”

Wait delves into the intricate layers of family, identity, and the harsh realities faced by undocumented immigrants in the United States. Through the lens of protagonist Elise, who is American, we are drawn into a world where the promise of a bright future is overshadowed by the cruel hand of fate and the unforgiving nature of bureaucracy.

The story begins with Elise about to graduate from the University of North Carolina, but her mother and younger sister never show up. Afraid of what could have happened to them, Elise travels back to her childhood home in Nantucket to find that her mother, Gilda, has been deported back to Brazil by ICE, leaving her behind as well as her seventeen-year-old sister Sophie. This sudden separation forces Elise to confront the harsh realities of her mother’s undocumented status and the fragility of the life they have built in Nantucket.

Through flashback sequences, we are introduced to Gilda’s journey as an undocumented immigrant and single mother abandoned by her husband, living in the shadows of American society for over twenty years. Despite her contributions to her community and her unwavering determination to provide for her daughters, she is ultimately torn away from them by a system that values paperwork over humanity. As Elise and Sophie grapple with the devastating impact of their mother’s absence, they learn that friends and neighbors who they thought they had known for years, cannot be trusted.

Issues of class and entitlement are also important themes in this book, as both Elise and Sophie learn self-sufficiency due to the fact that they can only depend on themselves.

Through its compelling narrative and compelling characters, Wait sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of undocumented immigrants and challenges readers to confront their preconceived notions of belonging and identity.

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A Timely UnderratedRead Revisited: Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop’s Battle for America’s Soul – Michael Fanone and John Shiffman

Posted on April 27, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

“What sort of American tries to overthrow democracy? What kind of man becomes so consumed by a false belief that he drives across the country, storms the Capitol, and assaults police officers?”

Those are pressing questions from Metropolitan Police Dept. (MPD) Officer Michael Fanone, who was almost killed by rioters as he was guarding the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. In fact, he suffered a traumatic brain injury, a heart attack and was diagnosed with PTSD. As a street cop for close to twenty years, he thought that he had experienced all “cruel indifference to human life”, but nothing compared to the hatred he saw from the rioters on that day.

This lifelong Republican describes how he was betrayed by Congress (and he reveals names), The MPD, city administration and worse, the police union. Also, fellow officers turned against him. He also feels that the media was complicit. Journalists twisted his words to fit their narrative and Fox News refused to let him speak on their network.

Michael Fanone’s memoir Hold the Line isn’t just about the January 6 insurrection, but what brought him to serve in law enforcement. He speaks of the unlikely alliances he developed while working undercover vice, like his friendship with a Black transgender sex worker. He also gives his opinions on crime, policing, and training.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I began reading Hold the Line. Most memoirs that I have read tend to be filled with insignificant detail, and the authors tend to lack the ability of self-reflection. This is not the case with this one. I found each element interesting and integral to his life story. This book was difficult to put down.

Though he takes us through his life, he never forgets his mission: to bring “respect for officers who responded to defend the Capitol on January 6, and accountability for those responsible for all those involved in the insurrection.”

Since these rioters and insurrectionists have since been pardoned, I can only imagine how betrayed Michael Fanone now feels.

A “must-read”.

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A Billion Butterflies: A Life in Climate and Chaos Theory -Dr. Jagadish Shukla

Posted on April 22, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Meteorologist and climate scientist Dr. Jagadish Shukla was a climate-change skeptic for years. What led him to change his mind? He recalls this and his life in his autobiography, A Billion Butterflies: A Life in Climate and Chaos Theory.

His interest in weather forecasting stemmed from a practical need. Growing up in a rural village in India, life depended on the weather. The monsoon rains had a great impact on everyone’s economic well-being. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to accurately forecast when the rains would hit, how long they would last and how wet they would be?

Studying in the United States provided such as culture shock to him. I found this story as fascinating as his journey as a climate scientist. However, this book is more than an autobiography. Shukla explains the history of weather forecasting, and his own discoveries. I found this too detailed for my taste, but still informative. He learned to make seasonal predictions based on ocean and land-boundary conditions. If they could predict an El Niño, then they could save lives and livelihoods just like predicting monsoons.

He shares to the reader how he eventually became a climate change believer. Through his research, he realized how devastating climate change could be. This is from many sources, such as massive deforestation, and carbon dioxide pumped into the air. He was demonized by many, which is a warning on how far reaching the influence of the fossil-fuel industry is.

True to its title, A Billion Butterflies introduces readers to Chaos Theory and the Butterfly Effect—concepts that underscore the interconnectedness of global weather patterns and small environmental changes. Though the depth of these concepts may appeal to a niche audience, the general message should appeal to all of us.

 

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: From Savagery – Alejandra Banca, Katie Brown (Translator)

Posted on April 19, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Exceptional

“Being a migrant means feeding yourself on loss, on what could have been, the infinite possible nuances of that history which will forever remain hidden but present.”

Seven million Venezuelan’s left their country since the mid-2010s due to violence, scarcity and desperation. The twelve fictional stories in From Savagery, remind us of the plight of these people from the perspective of the individual. Most deal with emigrating from Caracas to Barcelona. Some of these immigrants are legal, some illegal, but most live in the shadows. From a prostitute to food/delivery riders on bikes to a drug dealer back in Caracas. Some cannot even afford to feed themselves, though they are always working.

Though all the stories are riveting, one heart wrenching story features women who demonstrate beauty products. Their employer takes advantage of them, including telling male customers when they will be off work. He has the upper hand since his employees are working illegally. But when one goes missing, her friend is ridden with guilt.

When crimes are committed against the undocumented, they are afraid to go to the police because of their immigration status. Of course, this problem exists throughout the world, and the author reminds us in these personal stories.

Issues of class are also explored. In “I Already Know”, one reoccurring protagonist Nanda, meets a friend from a wealthy family who keeps trying to find herself. Fighting for her latest cause, she becomes a “okupa” (squatter). Nanda questions these youth protesters as she feels that they don’t understand or care about the real issues.

We meet some of these individuals several times throughout the book, as they depend on friends for their emotional support. The stories are real and raw; nothing is sugarcoated.

Make sure you read “A Note From the Translator” at the end of the book. Translator Katie Brown provides crucial context for the stories. She not only offers a history of the current Venezuelan crisis but also delves into the political and social dynamics of Barcelona, shedding light on the specific challenges these immigrants face in the city.

From Savagery is a haunting, must-read read that gives a voice to those who are often voiceless. Through these stories, Venezuelan author Alejandra Banca reminds us of the human cost of displacement and the resilience of those who, despite everything, continue to strive for a better life.

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Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love: A Coffee Travel Guide – Steven P. Unger (Author), Ruth St. Steven (Photographer)

Posted on April 15, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

For those who consider coffee more than just a morning ritual, Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love is a rich and aromatic journey through time, culture, and continents. Blending travel writing with photography, history, and a deep love for coffee, author Steven P. Unger and photographer Ruth P. Unger deliver a truly unique guidebook.

The journey begins in the birthplace of coffee—Ethiopia—where Unger asserts that “the story of Ethiopia is the story of coffee.” From there we go to Little Petra in Jordan where coffee plays a major role in Bedouin culture. From Istanbul to Paris, Turin Italy, Israel, North and Central America, we learn each of the distinct coffees as well as the customs, past and present.

Unger shares how coffee has affected world history. He not only gives us historical context and cultural nuance to each destination but also provides practical insights—how to order coffee like a local, and how customs differ from place to place. For instance, readers may be surprised to learn how coffee culture in Italy contrasts with that of France. A chapter on Cuba stands out for its thoughtful exploration of Cuban history and identity, and the role that coffee has always played. Other locations include Kona Coast Hawaii, Costa Rica, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Miami.

This book is elevated by stunning photography and a thoughtfully designed format that enhances its readability. Each chapter concludes with a bonus: a mix of coffee and non-coffee recipes, as well as travel resources and recommendations to check out if you want to travel there; again, not all related to coffee.

Whether you’re an avid traveler or an armchair explorer, Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love offers a unique view on history and culture from the perspective of coffee. This gorgeous book will also make the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys coffee culture throughout the world.

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Earth Angel – Madeline Cash

Posted on April 11, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

I’m still trying to figure out why I enjoyed Earth Angel so much, and I suspect that might be part of my fascination with this offbeat collection. Seventeen weird, dark stories that seem to pull you in with a subtle yet undeniable grip. There’s something compelling about how these bizarre, often repulsive characters are presented as “normal” by the narrator. Even when the protagonists are wronged or subjected to absurd circumstances, their responses feel strangely… unremarkable. Like they’ve grown numb to the abnormalities around them.

The stories feature a range of quirky, unsettling situations: A PR firm that represents a terrorist group, a woman who hires a company to throw her a thirtieth birthday slumber party that descends into chaos, a CEO who destroys the environment and conducts dubious experiments on dogs (sadly, too close to reality in some ways), an eccentric man giving illegal Hollywood tours, and a famous child actor who grows into a sadistic adult. There’s so much more, and it’s difficult to name a favorite piece. You’ll need to remember these characters when you first encounter them, as some will reappear in other stories. Fortunately, they are so memorable, but in a bad way, that they won’t be difficult to track.

The writing is sharp, with a deadpan sense of humor that shines through the dark absurdity of each plot. You’re left with a mix of discomfort and fascination, as if you’ve uncovered something you can’t look away from, even if it’s far from pleasant. I love the irreverence, and it’s so weird in a way that keeps you hooked.

I found myself not wanting to put it down, even after finishing the book. Earth Angel feels like a rare gem that’s both strange and alluring. I’m eager for more from this author.

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Your Pasta Sucks: A “Cookbook” – Matteo Lane

Posted on April 4, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

“…my romance with pasta has been my longest and best relationship.”

What can you expect from a cookbook written by a gay Italian, Irish and Mexican American stand up comedienne from Chicago? Plenty!

Matteo Lane writes about his love for pasta in a personal and humorous manner in his cookbook, Your Pasta Sucks. As far as the recipes go, he admits that he is limited by his knowledge and preferences. Unfortunately, I love seafood, which he hates, so I was disappointed not to see any fish in the book. Not even my favorite: anchovies!

There is so much to love though, so I’ll let it slide. It’s not all about recipes (even dessert) that have been passed from generations, but he relates other cultural tidbits in a humorous way. How do you know if your grandma is Italian? How do you conduct yourself at an Italian dinner? What are the rules for ordering coffee in Italy? By the way, he’s been there numerous times.

I enjoyed the peeks into his life, and I look forward to trying some of the recipes. That’s especially true if my finished dish looks anything like the colorful, mouth-watering photos.

Get ready to laugh and cook as you indulge in Your Pasta Sucks.

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A Carnival of Atrocities – by Natalia García Freire, Translated from the Spanish by Victor Meadowcroft

Posted on April 1, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

 

Cocuán, a small town in Ecuador is doomed by a curse. Upon the death of Mildred Capa’s mother and the subsequent abandonment by her father, Mildred was intent on maintaining and working the farm. However, the parish priest and townspeople had other ideas, not to help sick Mildred, but to benefit themselves. They killed her beloved animals, set the house on fire, and sent Mildred to live at the monastery enduring the abuse of Father Santamaría.

After Mildred’s death, we learn from the perspective of those who wronged her and paid a price. We also discover the evil and repulsive character of the residents of Cocuán.

Though A Carnival of Atrocities is quick read, it is not an easy read. I had problems distinguishing the characters’ delusions from reality. However, the story is engaging, and the characters are well-developed. What I enjoyed the most are the gorgeous and vivid translated prose.

Yes, A Carnival of Atrocities will appeal to a niche audience, but I recommend this novel to those who enjoy fine literature.

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