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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
It Takes a Lifetime to Learn How to Live: An Italian American story of coming home – Libby Cataldi
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Libby’s life was falling apart. Recently divorced, recovering from breast cancer, and struggling with her son’s heroin addiction, she felt lost and desperate for strength. Though she never got along with her own mother, she fondly … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs
Tagged family, Italy, memoir, relationships
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Fight Night 1939: The Champ, the Challenger, and a Portrait of America on the Brink – Joseph Monninger
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I had never heard of Tony Galento before reading this book—the rough-edged heavyweight best known for flooring Joe Louis in the third round of their championship bout. At first glance, his story might seem like a … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction
Tagged Boxing, culture, racism, society, sports
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An UnderratedRead Revisited – Jump: My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Boardroom – Larry Miller with Laila Lacy
(reviewed by Ann Onymous ) “Should I come clean? I was well aware of the risk of unburdening myself to the executive in a public accounting firm, but all signs indicated I was on the path to landing my first … Continue reading
An Exceptional UnderratedRead Revisited: Scale of Time: From the Beginning – Joseph Lanzara
(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, … Continue reading
Best Woman – Rose Dommu
(Reviewed by JD Jung) In times like these, when the world feels heavy and overwhelming, many of us crave a light and fun read. That’s what drew me to Best Woman. Yes, it’s light and humorous on the surface, but … Continue reading
Ham’s Heaven- Ori Gersht (Translated by Joanna Chen)
(Reviewed by Christopher J. Lynch) Ham’s Heaven was a tough book to get through – but not for the usual reasons: poor plotting, pacing, etc. It was tough because it was a very emotional story that needed to be … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Middle Eastern Literature
Tagged animal, NASA, space
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The Bolden Cylinder A Bruneau Abellard Novel – Norman Woolworth
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I was excited to read The Bolden Cylinder because of its promise of jazz and its New Orleans setting—two of my favorite things. What I got was so much more: a richly layered mystery involving arson, … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged friendship, history, jazz, New Orleans
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A Recommended Read for ‘No Kings Day’: Autocracy Inc. – Anne Applebaum
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “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 … Continue reading
An UnderratedRead Revisited : Wordsworth in Bogotá – Scott E. Sundby
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Colombian drug lord Diego Velasquez is facing financial ruin. It’s right after 9/11, and the U.S. borders are tightening, and corrupt officials are now refusing bribes. His two sons represent the family’s split identity: Carlos, … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged drug cartels, English literature, poetry, Wordsworth
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