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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
Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Lost Innocence, Modern Day Slavery & Transformation – Barbara Amaya
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “I was a survivor. A survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of my loved ones. A survivor of human trafficking under the belt of one of the most evil men I had ever met. A … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction, World Issues
Tagged autobiography, drug addiction, human trafficking, memoirs, prison, rape, Sexual abuse
2 Comments
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows – Balli Kaur Jaswal
(Reviewed by Ishita RC) Everyone sees Nikki as the wayward daughter without any responsibility, but the truth is far from it. With visions of emancipating the women of the Sikh community she left behind as a self-important teenager, Nikki is … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Indian Literature, World Literature
Tagged book reviews. fiction, women's fiction
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Adua – Igiaba Scego (Translated from the Italian by Jamie Richards)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “In Somalia I was a young girl who was full of dreams and wanted to see the world. In just a few months they’ve manipulated, abused, used, transformed me. It feels like years, not months, have … Continue reading
Posted in African Literature, Historical Fiction, Immigration, Italian Literature, Reviewers' Top Picks, World Literature
Tagged Africa, colonialism, Ethiopia, fiction, Somalia
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Elle – Philippe Djian
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “It’s this other me coming out, though I fight it tooth and nail. It’s a me that invites confusion, flux, unexplored territories. I don’t know. I can’t screw open my head and take a look inside.” … Continue reading
Posted in French Literature, Modern Literary Fiction, World Literature
Tagged family dysfunction, French literature, infidelity, women's fiction
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The Big Book of Rants – Rich Siegel
(Reviewed by Don Jung) Why is author Rich Siegel ranting? He relates his love/hate relationship with his life-long career in the advertising industry. This work of fiction based on real-life experience gives us an insider’s view of the industry. As … Continue reading
Posted in Humor & Satire
Tagged Advertising, careers, Mad Men
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The No-Nonsense Guide to Globalization – Wayne Ellwood
(Reviewed by JD Jung) The “integration of the global economy” began over five centuries ago with European colonization, but has accelerated over the past thirty years with the increase of technology to move goods and capital. This has not taken … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Philosophical reads, Politics and Social Justice, Social Justice
Tagged economics, environmentalism, Globalization. WTO. NAFTA, IMF
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The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations – Jaime Kurtz
(Reviewed by JD Jung) What is happy travel? According to Jaime Kurtz, an Associate Professor of Psychology at James Madison University, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, it is “travel that is pleasurable, meaningful, and engaging. “ Sounds nice, but there can be … Continue reading
Posted in Non-fiction, Travel
Tagged psychology, travel, vacations
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Engadine Aerie: A Hardy Durkin Travel Mysteries series (Hardy Durkin Travel Mystery Book 5) – Bluette Matthey
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Engadine Valley, a quiet remote Alpine resort, is about to host a popular ski marathon. However, right before the event, a man is murdered on the slopes and this has international implications. Najib, who was sent … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged Crime, mystery, Switzerland
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Time Travel for Love and Profit – Jeff Abugov
(Reviewed by Don Jung) If given the opportunity to go back in time to change the decisions you made in life, would you take it? Growing up in foster homes and in an environment where crime is the only way … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Humor & Satire
Tagged American History, Historical fiction, time travel
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