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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
Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils – Sandra Jackson-Opoku
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I usually gravitate toward gritty thrillers rather than cozy mysteries, so I wasn’t expecting Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils to hook me the way it did. But this engaging culinary mystery quickly won me over. … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged cozy mystery, recipes
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We’re Here Again…An UnderratedRead Revisited: Mr. Siegel Writes to Washington – Rich Siegel
(Reviewed by Don Jung) (Editor’s note: With the political demise of Graham Platner, the actual demise of Lindsey Graham, and the questionable demise of Mitch MConnell, the United States Senate is back in the spotlight. Though written during Trump’s … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged American politics, humor
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Happy Life – David Foenkinos (Author), Sam Taylor (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Eric Kherson is forty years old, divorced, has little contact with his son, and is struggling to find meaning in his life. He makes a good living but feels disconnected from both his personal life and … Continue reading
Posted in French Literature, Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged French literature, life, purpose
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Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop – Alba Donati (Author), Elena Pala (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “People want stories; it doesn’t matter who wrote them, they need stories to take their mind off things, stories to identify with or to take them elsewhere. Stories that won’t hurt, that will heal a wound, … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Italian Literature
Tagged bookstores, Italian literature, memoirs
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Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt – Ben Reeves
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt offers a fascinating and deeply original perspective on death through the character of Travis Smith, who is death in human form. Rather than causing death or deciding who dies, Travis … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged death
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An UnderratedRead Revisited on this 4th of July:America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State – Randall Balmer
(Reviewed by JD Jung) For years Americans have taken for granted the most cherished and essential constitutional principles, one being the separation of Church and State. Historian and ordained minister Randall Balmer presents a timely, thoughtful, and deeply researched examination … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged American politics, Christian Nationalism, Religion
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Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain – Michael Paterniti
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I first heard about this book the way all the best recommendations happen — from a stranger in a secondhand bookstore. During a visit to Nashville, I ducked into Defunct Books and asked the bookseller for … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs
Tagged memoirs
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An Exceptional UnderratedReads Revisited: Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France – Craig Carlson
(Reviewed by J.D. Jung) “I spoke of my favorite city and how beautiful it was…How all it needed was an American breakfast joint, and then it would be perfect!” Former Hollywood screenwriter, Craig Carlson, wanted to live his dream and … Continue reading
An UnderratedRead Revisited: Selamlik – Khaled Alesmael (translated from the Arabic by Leri Price)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “I am so glad I was born in Syria and get to be young in Damascus, no matter the fear and danger. I love Damascus even if she is cruel to me.” Our narrator Furat lives … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged immigration, LGBTQ, Religion, Syria
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants – Orlando Ortega-Media
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “We were a family of emigrants, on the move from generation to generation. Forced to flee our homes because of intolerable situations imposed on us by those in power. The United States was meant to be … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged immigration, LGBTQ
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