Author Archives: J D Jung

Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt – Ben Reeves

Posted on July 7, 2026 by J D Jung

(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 →

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An UnderratedRead Revisited on this 4th of July:America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State – Randall Balmer

Posted on July 4, 2026 by J D Jung

(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 →

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Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain – Michael Paterniti

Posted on July 1, 2026 by J D Jung

(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 →

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An Exceptional UnderratedReads Revisited: Pancakes in Paris: Living the American Dream in France – Craig Carlson

Posted on June 28, 2026 by J D Jung

(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 →

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Selamlik – Khaled Alesmael (translated from the Arabic by Leri Price)

Posted on June 25, 2026 by J D Jung

(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 →

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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Fitful Sleep of Immigrants – Orlando Ortega-Media

Posted on June 21, 2026 by J D Jung

(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 →

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Lisette – Clare Castleberry

Posted on June 16, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) I’ll be honest — erotic horror isn’t usually my genre. But after enjoying Clare Castleberry’s Bound by Blood, I gave Lisette a chance, and I’m glad I did. Set against the gritty backdrop of New Orleans … Continue reading →

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An Excellent UnderratedRead Revisited:The Riddle of the Sphinx – Alexandre Montagu

Posted on June 13, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung)   Eric (Keyvan) fled Iran as a child during the Islamic revolution and grew up in Paris. He later studied Comparative Literature at Princeton. That is one scenario. What would have happened if he was forced … Continue reading →

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An Author’s Dozen: Thirteen Short Stories – Christopher Amato

Posted on June 9, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) If you enjoy literary short story collections that explore the complexities of human nature, then An Author’s Dozen is well worth your time. The thirteen stories are remarkably original, taking readers across different locations, time periods, … Continue reading →

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Precious Friends: Murder in Sag Harbor – Frank Spinelli

Posted on June 6, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) This suspenseful mystery pulls you into the glamorous world of New York’s gay elite. Forty-eight-year-old JB Pulaski, a Columbia professor, has been married to Mike for seventeen years, and together they are raising their adopted son, … Continue reading →

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