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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: Reviewers’ Top Picks
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 … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, History, Reviewers' Top Picks, Social Justice
Tagged black history, Jim Crow, memoirs, racism
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HUMAN AGAIN: In the AI Age – J.D. Macpherson
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Since I started reading Human Again, I’ve been completely nerding out on ChatGPT—and I love it! (more…)Read More →
Posted in How do I do that?, Non-fiction, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged AI, ChatGPT, computers
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The Ferryman and His Wife – Frode Grytten, translated from the Norwegian by Alison McCullough
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Ferryman Nils Vik has spent decades carrying people across the fjord. Widowed for many years and the father of two grown daughters, he wants this crossing to be his last day on earth or sea. (more…)Read More →
Posted in Reviewers' Top Picks, Scandinavian Literature
Tagged death, life, Norwegian literature
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After the Last Border: Two Families and the Story of Refuge in America – Jessica Goudeau
(reviewed by Ann Onymous ) The subtitle of the book refers to “Refuge in America” but is there REFUGE to be found? They are REFUGEES but they are not experiencing the “condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, … Continue reading
Posted in Immigration, Non-fiction, Reviewers' Top Picks, World Issues
Tagged immigration, refugees
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The SILO – G. S. Heist, Greg Heist
(Reviewed by Don Jung) This psychological thriller happens in one day. Well- written with vivid character development, we see Frank Braun on his last day before retiring from the Police Department. He gets an unusual request to interrogate young Jacob … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged abuse, psychological thriller
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America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State – Randall Balmer
(Reviewed by JD Jung) For years Americans have taken for granted the most cherished and essential constitutional principles, one being the separation of Church and State. Historian and ordained minister Randall Balmer presents a timely, thoughtful, and deeply researched examination … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, History, Politics and Social Justice, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged American History, Christian Nationalism, Religion
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Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love: A Coffee Travel Guide – Steven P. Unger (Author), Ruth St. Steven (Photographer)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) For those who consider coffee more than just a morning ritual, Black as Hell, Strong as Death, and Sweet as Love is a rich and aromatic journey through time, culture, and continents. Blending travel writing with … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Food & Cooking, History, Reviewers' Top Picks, Travel
Tagged coffee, Costa Rica, Cuba, culture, Hawaii, history, Jordan, Miami, New Orleans, San Francisco, travel
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The Folly of Realism: How the West Deceived Itself About Russia and Betrayed Ukraine – Alexander Vindman
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Without Ukraine, Russia is a country; with Ukraine, it’s an empire.” Without an independent Ukraine we will see an acceleration of authoritarianism. This war is a fight between authoritarianism and democracy. So how did we get … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, History, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged authoritarianism, democracy, Russia, Ukraine
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The Sable Cloak – Gail Milissa Grant
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South, readers are first taken to Greenston, South Carolina, in 1934. We meet Big Will who upon turning eighteen, must join the neighborhood’s vigilante group to keep justice … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged African American history, family, Jim Crow, racism, segregation, St. Louis
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The Scale of Time: From the Beginning – Joseph Lanzara
(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) “The underlying mission of this book is to render, with accuracy, unimaginably long lengths of time and incredibly vast distances in space, conceivable at a glance.” You’ll note that instead of listing just the author’s name, … Continue reading
Posted in Non-fiction, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged history, physics, science, space
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