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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
Room 23: A Secret Service Agent’s Story of Espionage and Intrigue -Sean Quarmby
(Reviewed by Christopher J. Lynch) If you like thrillers written by those who have ‘walked the talk,’ then ROOM 23 by ex-Secret Service Agent, Sean Quarmby, may be for you. (more…)Read More →
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged Action thriller
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HUMAN AGAIN: In the AI Age – J.D. Macpherson
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Since I started reading Human Again, I’ve been completely nerding out on ChatGPT—and I love it! (more…)Read More →
Posted in How do I do that?, Non-fiction, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged AI, ChatGPT, computers
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Job Junky – Rudy Ridolfo
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “What the hell d’you know about workin’? You were in the movie business.” (more…)Read More →
Posted in Bios and Memoirs
Tagged drugs, film industry, humor, memoir, occupations
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The Ferryman and His Wife – Frode Grytten, translated from the Norwegian by Alison McCullough
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Ferryman Nils Vik has spent decades carrying people across the fjord. Widowed for many years and the father of two grown daughters, he wants this crossing to be his last day on earth or sea. (more…)Read More →
Posted in Reviewers' Top Picks, Scandinavian Literature
Tagged death, life, Norwegian literature
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An UnderratedRead Revisited:The Sable Cloak – Gail Milissa Grant
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South, readers are first taken to Greenston, South Carolina, in 1934. (more…)Read More →
Posted in Revisited
Tagged African American history, family, Jim Crow, racism, segregation, St. Louis
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine – Alexander Vindman
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Without Ukraine, Russia is a country; with Ukraine, it’s an empire.” Without an independent Ukraine we will see an acceleration of authoritarianism. (more…)Read More →
Posted in Revisited
Tagged authoritarianism, democracy, Russia, Ukraine
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Happy New Year 2026
(by JD Jung) We at UnderratedReads wish all our readers a safe and happy New Year filled with health and love throughout 2026. Personally, I want to emphasize the importance of continuing to stand against fascism and authoritarianism. There is … Continue reading
Posted in Let's talk
Tagged authoritarianism, coffee, democracy, fascism, New Year, refugees, Russia, Ukraine
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The Silver Book – Olivia Laing
(Reviewed by JD Jung) It’s September 17, 1974, and twenty-two-year-old art student Nicolas flees London after the death of his older lover, Alan, sensing that staying would invite suspicion he cannot afford. Venice seems like the perfect place to begin … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction
Tagged Italian cinema, Italy, LGBTQ
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Grime – Thea Matthews
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I usually don’t read or appreciate this genre, but this collection completely disarmed me. From the opening pages, the poetry and poetic prose captivated me, pulling me into voices and lives that linger long after the … Continue reading
Posted in Poetry
Tagged addiction, Georgia, Las Vegas, New York City, pain, poetry, poverty, prison, San Francisco, South Carolina
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