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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
The Third Hotel: A Novel – Laura van den Berg
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “The foundation of horror is a dislocation of reality, a dislocation designed to reveal the reality that has been there all along, and such dislocations happen all the time. “ That was according to the fictional … Continue reading
Posted in Dark/Sordid/Bizarre, Horror, Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged cinema, Cuba, death, grief, Havana, Latin America, noir, surrealism
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Absinthe: A Thriller – Guido Eekhaut
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “His methods are unconventional at best and border on illegal at times. And his opinion of women, well, I won’t go into that topic.” This is what AIVD Chief inspector Alexandra Dewaal has to deal with … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Political fiction, World Issues, World Literature
Tagged Crime, European fiction, Netherlands, politics, Russia
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From Cold War to Hot Peace: An American Ambassador in Putin’s Russia – Michael McFaul
(Reviewed by Cathy Carey) “I have spent the greater part of my life trying to deepen relations between Russia and the United States. But in 2014 all these efforts seemed for naught. Heightening my sense of frustration, I was banned … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged cold war, diplomacy, Obama, Putin, Russia, treason, Trump
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Serial Killers: Horror and Murder: Scary and True Stories of the Most Terrifying Serial Killers the World has Ever Seen! – Frank C. Chastain
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Don’t be fooled by the book cover! You may think it was taken right out of a tabloid headline. No, Serial Killers takes a mostly objective look at some of the world’s darkest and most notorious … Continue reading
Posted in Dark/Sordid/Bizarre, History
Tagged Crime, murder, psychopaths, serial killers
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Fardwor, Russia!: A Fantastical Tale of Life Under Putin – Oleg Kashin (Author), Max Seddon (Introduction), Will Evans (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Fardwor, Ruissa!” The girls at the mental hospital mean “Forward, Russia!”, but it doesn’t come out that way, and as everything else, is blown out of proportion. That is one aside but amusing part of the political satire, … Continue reading
Crook’s Hollow – Robert Parker
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “You should have got on with it.” Those were the only words that twenty-five year old Thorton “Thor” Loxley remembered from his assailant. But that would not be the only attempt on his life. Thor didn’t … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged England, fiction, mystery
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Trump’s Trojan Horse – Lawrence Ferlinghetti
Legendary poet and long-time defender of free speech, Lawrence Ferlinghetti reads his new poem “Trump’s Trojan Horse”. Check it out below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29N5HqBAkeU When you’re in San Francisco, visit City Lights Booksellers & Publishers which he co-founded in 1953. Then wander … Continue reading
Posted in Let's talk, Poetry
Tagged beat generation, poetry, San Francisco
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If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your But’s: A No-Nonsense Guide to Happiness and Success – Mark L Wdowiak
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Are you stuck in your life? Are you bored with your job or want to connect with people? Do you just want more out of life? Mark L Wdowiak gives a convincing and motivational guide to … Continue reading
Posted in Your Best Self
Tagged responsibility, self-awareness, self-help
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A dedication to those seeking a better life: My (Underground) American Dream
As our final review from our “Revisited” series on Immigration, we will highlight a book that is particularly relevant to Americans. We at UnderratedReads hope to discover more heartfelt books about refugees and those seeking a better life for their … Continue reading
Dark Chains – LaTasha “Tacha B.” Braxton
(Reviewed by Jeyran Main) Sometimes what we lose or do not achieve in life does not necessarily set us back. We strive forward and if in fact, we fail in receiving love, given the situation, we love back more. This … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Your Best Self
Tagged child abuse, family dysfunction, memoirs
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