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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: Café Unfiltered – Jean-Philippe Blondel (Author), Alison Anderson (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Freedom of movement is what I want more than anything—particularly after eighteen months of restrictions.” Cafes just started to reopen after the release of the Covid-19 vaccines, and José, the waiter at Le Tom’s Café is … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged COVID-19, French literature, Paris
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Red Lily – Janice Graham
(Reviewed by JD Jung) If you’re a fan of novels where nothing is as it seems—where every character harbors a secret and the truth lies buried beneath layers of deception, then Red Lily is for you. What begins as an … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged communism, cozy mystery, espionage, Paris, Soviet Union
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The Illegals: Russia’s Most Audacious Spies and Their Century-Long Mission to Infiltrate the West: Shaun Walker
(Reviewed by Christopher J. Lynch) Plenty of people love to read crime novels. Others are fans of true crime. Some tastes tend toward the spy thriller genre. But what about a true spy story? The Illegals, by Journalist Shaun Walker, … Continue reading
Posted in History, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice
Tagged cold war, Russia, Soviet Union, spy
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Lonely Planet Women Travel Solo: 30 Inspiring Stories of Adventure, Curiosity and the Power of Self-Discovery – Lonely Planet
(Reviewed by JD Jung) From traveling solo on a container ship, walking the Camino de Santiago, hiking Mt. Etna, biking from Paris to Geneva, blackwater diving, and so much more, these women relate their experiences traveling alone. Unfortunately, many read … Continue reading
Posted in Non-fiction, Travel
Tagged camino de Santiago, diversity, sustainability, travel
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An UnderratedRead Revisited-Nein, Nein, Nein!: One Man’s Tale of Depression, Psychic Torment, and a Bus Tour of the Holocaust – Jerry Stahl
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Why stay in this country, listening to mere Proud Boy-esque neo-Nazis, when you could go to the source, to Poland and Germany, and experience the birthplace of actual Nazi-Nazis? How better to soak up fascist antibodies?” … Continue reading
An UnderratedRead Revisited: That Librarian – Amanda Jones
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “We are just collateral damage to them in their quest, and so are the students who do not fit into the mold of what they deem acceptable which is white, straight Christians. I pray for the … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged book banning, censorship, Christian, homophobia, memoirs, racism, social justice
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Willie – Rum Running Queen: Based on the true story of Willie Carter Sharpe – Louella Bryant
(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 … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction
Tagged betrayal, depression-era, Prohibition
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The Both of Us: A Psychological Thriller – Dan Lawton
(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 … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged marriage, suspense
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A Timely UnderratedRead Revisited: Wait – Gabriella Burnham
(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 … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged Brazil, class, immigration, undocumented, United States
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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
(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 … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged American politics, Crime, January 6, law enforcement, memoirs, police, PTSD
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