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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
Power Play – F. Ethan Repp
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Democracy doesn’t just happen, it takes dedicated citizens continuously fighting to preserve it. Elected officials will get away with as much as they can and if no one picks on them for a long time, they … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Political fiction
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Shadow Truth (a Novella) – Bill Larkin
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…the elimination of costly criminal trials, freeing the truly innocent, simplifying background checks, and making society as a whole more honest. Other than curing terminal diseases, can you think of anything more important?” What personal liberties … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
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Sufferstone: Book I of the Dolvia Saga – Stella Atrium
(Reviewed by Melanie Hamilton) What does it mean to call a place home? What are the consequences of commitment? These are some of the questions raised in the conflict between being alien and feeling the land as home. A soldier … Continue reading
Posted in Sci-Fi/Speculative/Fantasy/Mythology
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Crossroads: A Camino Tale – F. R. Merrill
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “As they stood before a large stone crucifix of the body of Christ carved in a three-dimensional form she pulled out her syringe. When she moved toward Amanda to complete the deed, her sister Margie stepped … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Travel
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Hollywood Clown – Jason Lassen
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “What’s worse than an out-of-work actor? An out-of-work actor who dresses up like Santa for a month for Hollywood power players and is reminded he’s a lonely depressed, out-of-work actor dressing up in costumes all year … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Humor & Satire
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The Seer’s Explanation – Larry Gottlieb
(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) Dante’s Hell had a sign over the gate: “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” Larry Gottlieb’s book could have a similar sign: “Abandon all ideas of who you are and what the world is, ye … Continue reading
Posted in Non-fiction, Philosophical reads, Reviewers' Top Picks
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A Medium’s Guide to the Paranormal – June Lundgren
(Reviewed by Melanie Hamilton) One tricky thing about reviewing a book on the practice of mediums and moving in the circle of the paranormal is recognizing one’s own biases. Another is finding a way to talk about something that is … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs
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French Quarter Drinking Companion – Allison Alsup, Elizabeth Pearce, and Richard Read
(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) Imagine hitting every watering hole in New Orleans and soaking in the ambiance and the cocktails! These writers must have had a lot of fun doing research for this book. French Quarter Drinking Companion takes you … Continue reading
Posted in Non-fiction, Travel
Tagged cocktails, New Orleans, travel
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Soy Sauce for Beginners – Kirstin Chen
(Reviewed by JD Jung) One pushed me to return to America, the other urged me to pull out the knife, let the wound heal, and remain in Singapore. But I was done choosing sides, pleasing one over the other. From … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Modern Literary Fiction, Travel
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