Author Archives: J D Jung

Final Transaction: Murder, Money & Real Estate – Diane Dickinson

Posted on May 29, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) This fast-paced real estate murder mystery pulls readers deep into Houston’s world of wealth, ambition, and secrets. When successful realtor Todd Drake — co-owner of Drake Properties and one of Houston’s top boutique real estate agents … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers | Tagged murder-mystery | Comments Off

Inspiration Porn: Essays – Ryan O’Connell

Posted on May 26, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) Inspirational Porn is one of the most honest, funny, and emotional memoir collections I’ve read in a long time. Known for the Netflix series “Special” and his television writing career, Ryan O’Connell infuses these essays with … Continue reading →

Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction | Tagged LGBTQ, memoirs | Comments Off

A Timely UnderratedRead Revisited: Shameless – Republicans’ Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy – Brian Tyler Cohen

Posted on May 21, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “You can’t understand the Trump phenomenon unless you understand the role that independent media on the right has played in terms of social media, in terms of amplification of his message, in terms of getting … Continue reading →

Posted in Revisited | Tagged American politics, democracy | Comments Off

An UnderratedRead Revisited : Great Again – Bill Day

Posted on May 18, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) Ex-Marine Jack O’Mally is divorced and estranged from his adult daughter. He just can’t accept that she is married to a black musician and living in California. Jack is captain of his New Jersey neighborhood watch, … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction | Tagged immigration, racism, undocumented | Comments Off

The Royal We – Roddy Bottum

Posted on May 15, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) It’s the early 1980’s and San Francisco is a city of non-conformity, tolerance, and acceptance in contrast to Los Angeles, where most try to conform. That along with the abundance of drugs is part of what … Continue reading →

Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction | Tagged LGBTQ, memoirs | Comments Off

KOSTYA – Scott Zimmerman

Posted on May 8, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Don Jung) This powerful World War II novel delivers a deeply personal and harrowing account of survival, resilience, and the human spirit under unimaginable conditions. Based on a true story, it follows Kostya, a seventeen-year-old Ukrainian boy captured … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical Fiction, Reviewers' Top Picks | Tagged WWII | Comments Off

Good News – Alexa Yasemin Brahme

Posted on May 5, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) If you enjoy character-driven fiction about identity, ambition, and messy personal growth, Good News delivers a captivating and relatable story. Maggie, a woman in her late twenties pursuing her MFA, feels caught between her artistic dreams … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, More fiction, Romance | Tagged artists., emotion, immigration | Comments Off

The Shy Assassin – Clara Usón, translated by Lily Meyer

Posted on May 1, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading The Shy Assassin by Clara Usón, but it completely surprised me. What begins as a curiosity about the mysterious death of Spanish “erotic” actress Sandra Mozarowsky … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, More fiction, Spanish Literature | Tagged philosophy, suicide | Comments Off

Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef – Brigid Washington

Posted on April 28, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) This heartfelt culinary memoir follows Brigid Ransome, a Trinidad-born writer and cooking aficionado, as she rebuilds her life after heartbreak. Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction | Tagged memoir | Comments Off