Underrated Reads

Shadow Truth (a Novella) – Bill Larkin

Posted on April 26, 2014 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…the elimination of costly criminal trials, freeing the truly innocent, simplifying background checks, and making society as a whole more honest. Other than curing terminal diseases, can you think of anything more important?” What personal liberties are we willing to sacrifice in exchange for a safe society? Will these sacrifices preserve…

Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers | Comments Off

Busted Valentines and Other Dark Delights – Frank De Blase

Posted on March 16, 2014 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) "'Twas the night before the night before Christmas and Jack Frost was pissed." That's the intro to my favorite story, "The Night Before the Night Before Christmas" in Busted Valentines and Other Dark Delights. But what does that holiday story have to do with Valentines? Let's just say that all of…

Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Short stories | Tagged noir | 2 Comments

Sufferstone: Book I of the Dolvia Saga – Stella Atrium

Posted on March 5, 2014 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Melanie Hamilton) What does it mean to call a place home? What are the consequences of commitment? These are some of the questions raised in the conflict between being alien and feeling the land as home. A soldier is persuaded to open a textile mill on a planet only accessible through a wormhole--with…

Posted in Sci-Fi/Speculative/Fantasy/Mythology | Comments Off

Crossroads: A Camino Tale – F. R. Merrill

Posted on February 18, 2014 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “As they stood before a large stone crucifix of the body of Christ carved in a three-dimensional form she pulled out her syringe. When she moved toward Amanda to complete the deed, her sister Margie stepped out from behind the crucifix…” Each of the seven women had her own reasons for…

Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Travel | Comments Off

Hollywood Clown – Jason Lassen

Posted on February 13, 2014 by J D Jung

(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 round for Hollywood power players who, out in the real world, wouldn't piss on him…

Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Humor & Satire | 1 Comment

The Seer’s Explanation – Larry Gottlieb

Posted on January 28, 2014 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) Dante’s Hell had a sign over the gate: "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” Larry Gottlieb’s book could have a similar sign: “Abandon all ideas of who you are and what the world is, ye who read this.” And, instead of leading us into hell, Gottlieb shows us how to…

Posted in Non-fiction, Philosophical reads, Reviewers' Top Picks | Comments Off

A Medium’s Guide to the Paranormal – June Lundgren

Posted on January 27, 2014 by J D Jung

(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 intensely individual while being able to help others find their way in. June Lundgren does both…

Posted in Bios and Memoirs | Comments Off

French Quarter Drinking Companion – Allison Alsup, Elizabeth Pearce, and Richard Read

Posted on January 18, 2014 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) Imagine hitting every watering hole in New Orleans and soaking in the ambiance and the cocktails! These writers must have had a lot of fun doing research for this book. French Quarter Drinking Companion takes you along on the trip, letting you know what you’ll see, what you’ll hear, and what…

Posted in Non-fiction, Travel | Tagged cocktails, New Orleans, travel | Comments Off

Soy Sauce for Beginners – Kirstin Chen

Posted on January 15, 2014 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) One pushed me to return to America, the other urged me to pull out the knife, let the wound heal, and remain in Singapore. But I was done choosing sides, pleasing one over the other. From here on out, I would find a way to please myself. But what would make…

Posted in Culture, Modern Literary Fiction, Travel | Comments Off

Visualize Yourself: Designing the Outcome of Your Life, One Issue at a Time – Aileen Nealie

Posted on December 31, 2013 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) #CommissionsEarned “This is you breaking free from your current reality. Dare to expand. Dare to grow. Design your path. You have a say in everything.” Reading Visualize Yourself by Aileen Nealie is like giving your mind a long, cool drink of the purest water on a blazing hot day. In our…

Posted in Your Best Self | Tagged depression, mental health issues, spirituality, visualization | Comments Off