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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: Bios and Memoirs
Sailor Man: The Troubled Life and Times of J.P. Nunnally, U.S. Navy – Del Staecker
(Reviewed by Glenda Anderson) Tremendously touching and skillfully written, Del Staecker’s Sailor Man is succinct yet powerful. And it stunned me. This is a true story of a sixteen-year-old so anxious to join the Navy in WWII and so patriotic to do … Continue reading
You Can’t Win – Jack Black
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “From the day I left my father my lines had been cast, or I cast them myself, among crooked people. I had not spent one hour in the company of an honest person. I had lived … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Lost and almost forgotten
Tagged beat generation, memoir, San Francisco
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Reeling Through Life: How I Learned to Live, Love and Die at the Movies – Tara Ison
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Nine months before my fiftieth birthday, I am sexually propositioned by a thirty-three-year-old young man (…he seems so Benjamin-boyish)…The next thing I think, delighted, is “Well, here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson.” I think of martini assignations in … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs
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Eddie: The Life and Times of America’s Preeminent Bad Boy – Ken Osmond and Christopher J. Lynch
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…unlike the warriors’ Valkyrie, the Hollywood version didn’t let you know that you were going to die immediately; you were baited, strung along, and then let down to die a slow, lingering death. And like every … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs
Tagged classic television, memoirs
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The December Project: An Extraordinary Rabbi and a Skeptical Seeker Confront Life’s Greatest Mystery – Sara Davidson
(Reviewed by JD Jung) A few months ago I attended a Writers Bloc event to see author Sara Davidson promote her new book, The December Project. The evening began with a live video chat with Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi from his … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction, Philosophical reads
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Small Moments: A Child’s Memories of the Civil Rights Movement – Mary M. Barrow
(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) I just discovered a treasure that you might not find if you’re depending on the mainstream bestsellers list for reading recommendations. I can’t say enough good things about Small Moments by Mary M. Barrow. Small Moments is … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged book reviews, civil rights, Non-fiction
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Hollywood Clown – Jason Lassen
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “What’s worse than an out-of-work actor? An out-of-work actor who dresses up like Santa for a month for Hollywood power players and is reminded he’s a lonely depressed, out-of-work actor dressing up in costumes all year … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Humor & Satire
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A Medium’s Guide to the Paranormal – June Lundgren
(Reviewed by Melanie Hamilton) One tricky thing about reviewing a book on the practice of mediums and moving in the circle of the paranormal is recognizing one’s own biases. Another is finding a way to talk about something that is … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs
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My Father, Humming – Jonathan Gillman
(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) I first opened My Father, Humming randomly to page 24, and read “Down the Stairs”. Then I wept, a deep long weeping. I was home for a quick stop of showering and gathering things before returning … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Poetry
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The Female Veteran – Ty Will
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “I expected a sense of honor and a sense of adventure with my first mission. What I got was not what I expected or would wish on any young female soldier. “ Ty Will served in … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs
1 Comment