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UnderratedReads is devoted to discovering underrated books and under-represented authors. We highlight hidden gems from around the world–honest reviews only, never pay-to-play.
Author Archives: J D Jung
An UnderratedRead Revisited- American Refuge: True Stories of the Refugee Experience – Diya Abdo
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “When refugees leave, it is rarely, if ever, happy. And it is never something they choose to do. Their bodies, finding no other way to survive, split themselves from their souls, wave goodbye to them, on … Continue reading
An UnderratedRead Revisited: Sign of the Cross: A Religious Conspiracy Thriller – Glenn Cooper
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Sign of the Cross is a gripping religious thriller that blends suspense, historical conspiracy, and theological intrigue. Calvin Donovan, a Harvard Divinity School professor who wrote a book on the history of Stigmata, was asked by … Continue reading
Pereira Maintains – Antonio Tabucchi, translated by Patrick Creagh
(Reviewed by JD Jung) When I picked up Pereira Maintains at Paperback Exchange in Florence, Italy, I had no idea how relevant this novel would feel today. Set in Portugal in the summer of 1938, during the rise of fascism … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Italian Literature
Tagged fascism, Italian literature, political fiction, Portugal
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The Ingredients of Emotional Maturity: How to become more self-aware and resilient -The School of Life
What I appreciate about The Ingredients of Emotional Maturity is its emphasis on understanding ourselves rather than constantly trying to “fix” ourselves. The authors explain how much of our behavior, reactions, and inner dialogue can be traced back to childhood. … Continue reading
Joan of the Arcane – Alexandra Fleder
(Reviewed by JD Jung) What happens when a former punk-rock singer reaches her forties, her children have left home for college, and suburban life suddenly feels like a cage? That’s where Joan finds herself in this wonderfully original and often … Continue reading
Almost Blue -Carlo Lucarelli (Author) , Oonagh Stransky (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “That’s why I’m listening to the city tonight, with Chet Baker playing softly in the background.” Another book I picked up while visiting Bologna, Italy, was Almost Blue by Carlo Lucarelli at Feltrinelli Librerie. … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Italian Literature
Tagged crime fiction, Italian literature, noir
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Kindred Spirits: Thomas Merton, Jack Kerouac, and Zen – Edward C Sellner
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Edward C. Sellner’s Kindred Spirits brings together two unlikely figures—Trappist monk Thomas Merton and Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac. This well-researched biography explores how Buddhist thought influenced each man’s spiritual journey. Both men battled depression, wrote … Continue reading
Buyer Beware – Catherine Ryan Howard
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Set on the outskirts of Dublin in 2025, Buyer Beware follows Ellie as she moves into the first home she’s ever owned. Unfortunately, it’s cold, filthy, and falling apart, and with little money to spare, she can … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Irish Literature, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged Irish literature, murder
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From Lompoc With Love – Haris Orkin
Reviewed by Don Jung) From Lompoc With Love is the sixth in a series of spy thrillers that is fast paced with nonstop action that takes you around the world. James Flynn is a retired “secret agent” who is trying to … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged espionage, spy thriller
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