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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: Politics and Social Justice
My Part of Her – Javad Djavahery, Preface by Dina Nayeri, Translated by Emma Ramadan
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “For what reason did the people take to the streets to demand the Shah’s departure? I assure you that if we asked the question today, the majority of Iranians wouldn’t know how to respond. For liberty? … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Middle Eastern Literature, Political fiction, World Literature
Tagged Iran, Islamic revolution, Tudeh party
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Root and Branch – Preston Fleming
(Reviewed by Jeyran Main) Root and Branch is a political thriller written about Rogers Zorn, who is a security contractor. He learns that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been using his companies’ discoveries in order to achieve … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Political fiction
Tagged political thriller
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A Short History of Presidential Election Crises: (And How to Prevent the Next One)- Alan Hirsch
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “The health of any democracy, no matter what its type of status, depends on a small technical detail: the conduct of elections.” – Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset. Unfortunately, the United States electoral system has … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, History, Politics and Social Justice
Tagged American History, elections, Electoral college, President
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An UnderratedRead Revisited due to Necessity:The Trouble with Reality: A Rumination on Moral Panic in Our Time – Brooke Gladstone
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “American history is picked with ferment, battles and brawls over with is true. But at this moment, the nation seems to waging Civil War over reality itself. It is thrilling to watch, and tough to sit … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice
Tagged American politics, COVID-19, Donald Trump
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You’re Fired: The Perfect Guide to Beating Donald Trump – Paul Begala
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “The object of a campaign is not to answer the other candidate’s attacks; it’s to make him answer yours. ” As the first of the presidential debates draws nearer, chief strategist for the 1992 Clinton campaign, … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, Politics and Social Justice
Tagged American politics, Democratic Party, Donald Trump
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You Can Keep That to Yourself: A Comprehensive List of What Not to Say to Black People, for Well-Intentioned People of Pallor – Adam Smyer
(reviewed by JD Jung) “Your good intentions used to be enough. But in these diverse and divisive times, some people would hold you accountable for your actions. You were not raised for such unfairness. You need help.”Your black co-worker Daquan, … Continue reading
Posted in Politics and Social Justice
Tagged humor, race relations, short books
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Last Chance for Justice – Eugene E. Siegel
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations which dare already to challenge our government in a trial of strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.” – … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, History, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice
Tagged Roe v. Wade, Supreme Court
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Have Black Lives Ever Mattered? – Mumia Abu-Jamal
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “The unity of the people is the greatest weapon against the silence, fear, and oppression imposed by the system.” “…organizing makes a difference, protest has impact; for without the pressure of protest, there would be no … Continue reading
Posted in History, Social Justice
Tagged Black lives matter, BLM, police, racism
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Truth Has a Power of Its Own: Conversations About A People’s History – Howard Zinn, Ray Suarez
(reviewed by JD Jung) “I think we should be de-emphasizing the attention paid in traditional history to great military heroes, to presidents, to Supreme Court justices, to members of Congress, because our history generally has been history pulled from top … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, History, Non-fiction, Social Justice
Tagged American History, American politics, social justice
Comments Off on Truth Has a Power of Its Own: Conversations About A People’s History – Howard Zinn, Ray Suarez