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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
Another UnderratedRead Revisited: Affections: A Novel – Rodrigo Hasbún , Translated by Sophie Hughes
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Affections is an intriguing work of historical fiction based on true events following the once- close Ertl family. Hans, the patriarch, was a Nazi propaganda cinematographer, and the family fled Munich and arrived in La Paz, … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Latin American Literature
Tagged Historical fiction, Latin American Lit
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The Presence of Men – Francesca Marciano
(Reviewed by JD Jung) This novella immediately drew me in with its quiet emotional depth and evocative Italian setting. Starting over after divorce captures what it really means to rebuild a life. —messy, uncertain, and deeply personal. . Lara used … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Italian Literature, World Literature
Tagged emotional, short books
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Dear Monica Lewinsky – Julia Langbein
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I’ll admit—long before the MeToo movement reframed sexual injustice, I had a soft spot for Monica Lewinsky. I empathized with the twenty-four-year-old intern who was attracted to the most powerful man in the world, and then … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Humor & Satire
Tagged humor, sexism, Social satire
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My Dreadful Body – Egana Djabbarova (Author), Lisa C. Hayden (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Author Egana Djabbarova shares a story about identity, illness, and cultural expectations in her novel, My Dreadful Body. Set between Russia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, it follows a Muslim woman who feels like she belongs nowhere—not in … Continue reading
Posted in Slavic Literature, World Literature
Tagged culture, Muslim, mysogeny
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Breakthrough – John C. Robinson
(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) I was attracted to this book because it was described as a “fast-paced spiritual contemporary novel.” Intriguing, no? I’m a person on a path of spiritual growth. I think we all are, but some of … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged Spiritual/mystical
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Siphon – A. A. Medina
Reviewed by JD Jung) Hematopathologist Gary Phillips continually pulls all-nighters at the hospital and hates his job. He has no girlfriend or social life, though he has an infatuation with a female co-worker who is at least ten years … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged short books, thrillers
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Colored Pebbles – Del Staecker
Reviewed by JD Jung) Every once in a while, I come across a memoir that doesn’t try to impress—it simply asks you to slow down and reflect. Colored Pebbles by Del Staecker is that kind of book. Told through … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction
Tagged memoir
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An UnderratedRead Revisited – Job 2.0: God and Lucifer battle again for a single soul – Del Staecker
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “God really liked Lucifer, despite the bad jokes, the rancorous departure, all the efforts to misdirect humankind, and even his plan to take over Heaven. But God did not want to encourage Lucifer’s bad … Continue reading
Posted in Fiction, Humor & Satire, Revisited
Tagged humor, inspirational, short books
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The Other Auntie (The Auntie Diaries) – Valencia G Wallace
(Reviewed by JD Jung) If you’re searching for a fast-paced psychological thriller about addiction, manipulation, family secrets, and trauma, this short but powerful novel completely delivers. Initially I didn’t know what to expect with The Other Auntie but ended up finishing … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged dark fiction, family dysfunction, short books
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Cleaner – Jess Shannon
(Reviewed by JD Jung) If you enjoy dark humor and offbeat protagonists, Cleaner delivers a bizarre ride. The unnamed narrator—a master’s in fine arts graduate who drops out of her PhD program due to financial strain—returns home unable to find … Continue reading