An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants – Orlando Ortega-Medina

Posted on October 14, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)


“We were a family of emigrants, on the move from generation to generation. Forced to flee our homes because of intolerable situations imposed on us by those in power. The United States was meant to be the last stop on that journey.”

Such is the case of thirty-six-year-old attorney and recovering addict Marc Mendes. His father is Rabbi Gabriel Mendes who fled Aleppo, Syria with his grandmother in the late 1930s to escape violence against Jews. They ended up in Cuba, and twenty-three years later his parents left Cuba due to religious intolerance and settled in Los Angeles in a Sephardic community.

Marc later moved to San Francisco with his partner, paralegal Isaac Perez, a refugee from El Salvador (which is a heart-breaking story of itself). In 1997, six years into their relationship, Isaac is threatened with deportation. Will Marc help him fight it, or move back with him to El Salvador, or possibly request asylum in another country? Remember, this is before same-sex marriage was legal in the United States.

There’s more to it though. A handsome former client stalks Marc and challenges his relationship with Isaac as well as his sobriety. But Marc carries another dark, painful secret that we slowly learn the truth about.

There are so many layers that add depth to this story. It may sound like there’s a lot here, but all elements are interwoven flawlessly. From religion to addiction to immigration, to social commentary, they’re all deeply thought out. This is especially true of the family dynamics that play out in unexpected ways. And we can’t forget that’s it’s also a riveting thriller.

Author Orlando Ortega-Media started writing a memoir but came to the realization that “a memoir forced in anger made for an unpleasant read.” Twenty years later he reimagined it as a novel. Perhaps this is the reason that the story seems so personal.

In any event, The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants is a must-read for those who wish to delve into the human condition, as well as enjoying an exciting thriller.

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The Propagandist – Cécile Desprairies, translated by Natasha Lehrer

Posted on October 10, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)


Our protagonist had to navigate between truth and lies, reality and denial for her entire childhood. Now as an adult and a historian, she must face these truths and the role her mother played in Fance during the German occupation.

Growing up in the 1960’s, she remembers her mother Lucie gossiping with family members and other women, but also speaking in soft voices about the past. What she later discovers is that her mother was nicknamed “The Propagandist”, for designing Nazi pamphlets and posters and demonstrating solid dedication to the cause.

Our historian tries to learn why her mother became antisemitic and embraced Nazi ideology. She remembers her fondly reminiscing about her earlier life and Friedrich, her first husband. As we read further, we discover that he studied genetic biology and was fascinated with racial science. He maintained “Jews, no better than laboratory mice.”

This autobiographical novel will keep readers glued to each page. We learn the family dynamics, such as how some family members promoted the Nazi cause, but would have been the first to be exterminated, and how our protagonist’s father Charles showed no resentment of his wife’s continual love for Friedrich.

Our protagonist tries to remain objective as her role as historian, but we see glimpses of this cracking. From her account, I saw her mother as evil, but I don’t know if that was her intent. Still, how does a daughter reconcile how her mother betrayed her Jewish neighbors and felt no remorse decades later, even at the point of stealing their property?

Author Cécile Desprairies is a historian specializing in the Nazi occupation of France. Readers of WWII history will find The Propogandist fascinating; however, the personal views of these conspirators and how it impacted the lives of those close to them will be of even greater interest.

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Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World – Anne Applebaum

Posted on October 7, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Exceptional

“The autocracies want to create a global system that benefits thieves, criminals, dictators, and the perpetrators of mass murder. We can stop them.”

Historian and journalist Anne Applebaum, suggests what democracies can do to save their political systems and why we should fear these present-day autocracies in her latest book, Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World.

Totalitarian governments have changed since the last century. The world economy is so much more complex now. Today’s dictators have become allies regardless of ideology –both communist and fascist – with the quest to destabilize democracies throughout the world.  These kleptocracies realize that by working together they can gain constant wealth for their leaders. They don’t care how they are perceived throughout the world; the goal is self-enrichment. Many countries have governments that are not complete democracies or autocracies, but their leaders are not immune from this behavior. Look at Erdogan of Turkey and Orbán of Hungry, and specifically Erdogan’s involvement with Maduro of Venezuela.

Though I have just summarized this, Applebaum provides in-depth, well-researched history with specific examples. She explains how countries, such as Russia, China, Venezuela, and Iran collaborate to achieve their goals. She reveals the tactics used such as money laundering, smear campaign. Also, she provides proof of how these often-legal acts continue to negatively affect countries such as the United States and Britain. Her proposed solutions are solid and make sense.

No one is unaffected by these dictatorships, Autocracy, Inc. We must resist any politician who praises autocrats, or believes that they can do business with them. This book is a must-read for all who care about their neighborhood, country and the world they live in. A real eye-opener!

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White Robes and Broken Badges: Infiltrating the KKK and Exposing the Evil Among Us – Joe Moore

Posted on October 4, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Christopher J. Lynch)

Exceptional
I’ll admit that as a crime writer, I’m a sucker for ‘under the radar – dual life’ narratives, and Joe Moore’s, White Robes And Broken Badges, certainly hit the mark for me.

An ex-Army sniper with a valuable skill set, Mr. Moore found himself in a unique position of being accepted into – and being able to infiltrate, one of the most notorious organizations in America: the Ku Klux Klan. I won’t give away the key accomplishments of Mr. Moore’s years-long penetration into this secretive society, other than to say that several people’s lives were saved due to his efforts. And, that history could have been written very differently had he not intervened.

I learned a lot from this book: FBI protocols (of whom Mr. Moore was working undercover for), the Klan’s hierarchy and its ceremonies, as well as assessment and situational awareness techniques courtesy of Mr. Moore’s training as a sniper.

But what I enjoyed most about the book was the palpable tension that the author so beautifully crafted into the prose. During some of the dicier moments of the book, the ones where Moore literally found himself in situations where his cover could have been blown and his life abruptly ended, you can almost feel the sweat trickling down your back as your turn the pages.

I hope to read many more books from this author.

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The Scale of Time: From the Beginning – Joseph Lanzara

Posted on September 30, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Pat Luboff)

“The underlying mission of this book is to render, with accuracy, unimaginably long lengths of time and incredibly vast distances in space, conceivable at a glance.”

You’ll note that instead of listing just the author’s name, I have included the phrase as he has it on the front of his book. This isn’t just a book you sit down and read. It is a creation that is meant to convey the history of the universe from its start to today, with a glimpse into billions of years of the possible future. It comprises graphics, a book-length timeline, pages that read one way and then upside-down and the other way. It’s fun, it’s chock-a-block with facts. Names are dropped: Woody Allen, Stephen Hawkings, Raquel Welch, Clarence Darrow. How do all these connect? You’ll have to get the book to find out!

How many zeros in a googol? How far is a light year? What are the chances that two snowflakes would be alike when one septillion (1 + 24 zeros) flakes fall in a winter? These and many other juicy questions are answered in the book. The creator delivers a huge amount of information in 67 pages (127 when you turn it around and read it the other way), in easy-to-follow language, with a touch of whimsy here and there.

I love this book, the idea of it and the execution. It would make a great gift to anyone interested in science, including yourself. I watch a lot of YouTube videos on the latest in science, including quantum physics and space exploration. Even though some of the information here was not new to me, the presentation and the concentration of it all in one place kept me interested throughout.

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Tales from Beyond the Closet – Dalton Primeaux

Posted on September 25, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Exceptional

These sordid tales of horror are weird. Not in a Trump/Vance creepy way, but in an eclectic, frightening, and entertaining way.   The kind of weird I like.

There are stories encompassing sci-fi and lots of horror: a haunted wooden coffee table, a strange boba shop, wicked wigs, killer vines, and retaliating trees. A once tolerant community that all of a sudden becomes violently homophobic. Let’s not forget perhaps the most unsettling for me, the seven-year-old girl who becomes a serial killer. After finishing one story, I couldn’t wait to read the next.

Why is author Dalton Primeaux so successful in capturing the shock and tone of the horror genre? He explains in the “Author’s Note” chapter, “I felt the pain of the villains because I lived my whole life being villainized. I was always the bad guy in other people’s stories.” As a gay teenager, this was how his peers, family and church treated him.

He further writes,
“I became comfortable and familiar with the devil and the monsters that I was supposed to live out eternity with. They didn’t scare me like everyone else because they were me.” Readers will also learn his motivation for creating some of these stories.

This chapter is near the middle of the book, instead of the end. Make sure you read it to further discover his motivations for writing some of the stories, before embarking on the following two must-read pieces.

Primeaux weaves in some social commentary is these tales, from accepting your true self, to acknowledging the kindness of strangers versus the intolerance of one’s own family.

Most of these well-written disturbing tales feature those from the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, he dedicates the book to these youths, though I wouldn’t recommend this book to children.

Tales from Beyond the Closet is a collection that will be difficult for readers to put down. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Safekeep – Yael van der Wouden

Posted on September 21, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

It’s 1961, almost twenty years after the war, and it would appear as if the Netherlands has recovered. However, scars linger beneath the surface in unimaginable ways.

Isabel, who is almost thirty years old, doesn’t have much of a social life. She’s rigid, and lives alone in the house she grew up in. It is owned by her uncle, and will go to her brother, Louis, upon his death. Next in line will be her younger brother, Hendrik. However, she sees this house as all she has in life.

The introduction of Louis’s lover, Eva, disrupts Isabel’s carefully constructed world. The problem is that Louis must go out of town for a few weeks on business and allows Eva to live in the family home with his sister. Isabel is furious and as kitchen items start to disappear, this confirms her anger and suspicions. However, she soon finds herself under Eva’s spell and this emotional manipulation truly challenges Isabel, marking a pivotal turn in the story.

What sets The Safekeep apart is its masterful character development, which extends beyond the protagonists to encompass a rich tapestry of supporting characters, each imbued with depth and complexity.

As the story unfolds, the plot twists and turns with a gripping intensity that defies anticipation. As I was reading, I had preconceived notions of how the story would proceed, but I was continually surprised by the unforeseen developments. This kept me engaged until the final page. Yet, despite the unexpected conclusion, I felt it satisfying, leaving no loose ends to ponder.

The Safekeep seamlessly blends intrigue with historical events in a tale that resonates long after the final chapter. Whether you’re drawn to its historical backdrop or its nuanced exploration of human nature, this is a novel that captivates from beginning to end.

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But Not for Me – Allison A. Davis

Posted on September 17, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)


It’s August 1958 and black renters, homeowners and business owners are getting kicked out of the Fillmore district of San Francisco due to redevelopment and urban renewal. Developers are using unfair tactics to enforce eminent domain. Leitisha Boone, owner of the restaurant and jazz club, the Blue Moon, is under such a threat.

Attorney Kay Schiffner works for a prestigious law firm at a time when female lawyers are still an anomaly. When she isn’t working, she loves to play jazz piano at the Blue Moon. Family and friends can’t understand why, being white, she loves to go to that part of town. She would love to help businesses, such as the Blue Moon, from losing their leases, but her firm forbids her from doing so.

Boone is constantly at odds with her landlord, prominent black businessman Marvin Wright. Trouble comes to a head when he threatens to evict her, and everyone can hear the shouting.

When Wright is found murdered, Boone seems to be the convenient suspect. Schiffner can no longer sit on the sidelines, but what is she to do?

Inspecter Thursday Zimpel, who cares about truth and justice, is assigned to the case; that is, until he gets too close to the truth. Yes, there are witnesses, but no white jury will believe a black witness. Add to that, there could be government corruption and even La Cosa Nostra could be involved.

This crime thriller takes us on a ride of twists and turns, but also explores issues of entitlement, racism, sexism and class. Those who love San Francisco, like I do, will enjoy the neighborhoods, landmarks, jazz and beat culture. I particularly enjoyed the supporting characters, and I can see a few in upcoming stories.

But Not For Me is the first novel in the Kay Schiffner Mystery Series. I hope there are more.

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From Savagery – Alejandra Banca, Katie Brown (Translator)

Posted on September 14, 2024 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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On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump – Jeffrey Goldberg

Posted on September 9, 2024 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)

Why do so many politicians and public servants continue to support a man who has little regard for the military, no regard for the Constitution, and holds dictators in such high regard? Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor in chief of The Atlantic gives us clues.

There are some though, who refuse to compromise their values, and their oaths to the Constitution. Goldberg provides us with examples, history and quotes from prior interviews in his recent book, On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump.

He begins the book by relaying his time with the late senator John McCain, who downplayed his service and years as a POW during the Vietnam War. The bulk of the book are essays, starting in 2019, of two military leaders: Defense Secretary James Mattis, who resigned in December of 2018, and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Mark Milley.
We learn how these heroes guided Trump to resist his worst impulses. Chairman Milley tried to teach Trump the difference between battlefield aggressiveness and war crimes, unfortunately to no avail. In fact, Trump’s idea of the military has not evolved since he became president. He continues to show contempt for soldiers, seeks to politicize the military and use them against American citizens. It says a lot when White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and Mattis made a pact with each other that one of them would always remain in the country, so that President Trump would never be left unmonitored.

I consider myself to be knowledgeable of current politics, but I learned so much more about the Trump presidency and the actions of these men to protect our country amidst chaos. Goldberg does not use broad generalizations; he provides specifics. The worries about the nuclear arsenal still resonate with me.

Personally, I am afraid of another Trump presidency where no heroes will be in the White House to provide these guardrails. At barely over a hundred pages, there is no excuse for any American voter not to read this book.

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