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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.
Category Archives: Non-fiction
Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop – Alba Donati (Author), Elena Pala (Translator)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “People want stories; it doesn’t matter who wrote them, they need stories to take their mind off things, stories to identify with or to take them elsewhere. Stories that won’t hurt, that will heal a wound, … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Italian Literature
Tagged bookstores, Italian literature, memoirs
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Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain – Michael Paterniti
(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
Inspiration Porn: Essays – Ryan O’Connell
(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
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The Royal We – Roddy Bottum
(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
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The Promise of America: Reflections On Our Enduring Ideals – National Constitution Center
(Reviewed by JD Jung) For readers interested in American history, and the ongoing debate over the meaning of the founding documents, this collection of essays from the National Constitution Center offers an insightful and balanced examination of the principles behind … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice
Tagged American History, American politics
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Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef – Brigid Washington
(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
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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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The Lion Beneath the Fade – Sebastian Bastian
(Reviewed by JD Jung) In this practical and motivational business guide, Bahamian entrepreneur Sebastian Bastian shares the mindset and strategies that helped him rise from modest beginnings to becoming a millionaire by the age of nineteen. Drawing from his personal … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Non-fiction
Tagged Business, memoir
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Hey Yang, Where’s My Thousand Bucks?: And Other True Stories of Staggering Depth – Andrew Yang
(Reviewed by JD Jung) If you want to understand the mindset and motivations of entrepreneur-turned-politician Andrew Yang, Hey Yang, Where’s My Thousand Bucks? And Other True Stories of Staggering Depth offers an accessible and surprisingly candid look. The book … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs
Tagged American politics, memoir
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Freedom Lost, Freedom Won: A Personal History of America – Eugene Robinson
(Reviewed by JD Jung) With the teaching of Black History being eliminated in many school districts, journalist Eugene Robinson is demonstrating its relevance and importance in his new book, Freedom Lost, Freedom Won: A Personal History of America. Through deep research, … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, History, Reviewers' Top Picks, Social Justice
Tagged black history, Jim Crow, memoirs, racism
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