Underrated Reads

Stone the Devil – Jac Simensen

Posted on March 3, 2013 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by J.D. Jung) They say that money is power, so what would happen if an American billionaire decided to take international affairs into his own hands? Specifically, what if he could change the balance of power in the Middle East? Now that’s a scary thought. However that’s exactly what happens in Jac Simensen’s fast-paced…

Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers | Comments Off

Paris I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Ways. – Ruth Yunker

Posted on February 19, 2013 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by J.D. Jung) “…if one comes back often enough and stays long enough, the Parisian precision, their prickliness, and the inability to play fair, will begin to matter less and less-“ Few Americans can appreciate the subtle cultural differences between Paris and let's say, New York, or any U.S. city for that matter. Even…

Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Travel | Comments Off

Too Bright to Hear Too Loud to See – Juliann Garey

Posted on February 12, 2013 by J D Jung

(reviewed by Renée Kay) Greyson Todd, a very successful studio executive, suffers from bipolar disorder. Todd detested his own father whose manic episodes created tremendous chaos both financially and emotionally for the family. On the other hand, he adored his mother who had to tolerate this life. In spite of his childhood he goes to Stanford,…

Posted in Modern Literary Fiction | Comments Off

Where’s the fiction?

Posted on January 12, 2013 by J D Jung

Attention, readers. I must apologize for not posting more fiction. It's not that I haven't been reading; it's just that, well, I haven't found much worth posting. I’m not saying that what I've read isn't good; after all, it's very personal. You see, I'm craving something unique, edgy, or something with depth. I just haven't…

Posted in Let's talk | 2 Comments

16 Seasons in Hell: The Definitive Western Account of The WWII Campaign on The Eastern Front – Daniel Bennett

Posted on January 3, 2013 by J D Jung

Reviewed by Glenda Anderson Daniel Bennett’s book is monumental, written with a keen understanding and insight. It encompasses a detailed research and piecing together of thousands of minutiae gleaned from histories, military documents and memoirs, affording an exceptional eagle’s eye view over the whole conflict. Beginning with a brilliant preface, Bennett presents an overview of…

Posted in History, Reviewers' Top Picks | 2 Comments

Fifty-Fifty, The Clarity of Hindsight – Julie L. Kessler

Posted on December 30, 2012 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by J.D. Jung) "...forgiveness led to compassion, which in turn led to empathy. Very often empathy, as hard as it may be to extend it to one who has wronged you, is the very best shield of self-protection and emotional preservation. Holding on to your own anger can do far more emotional long-term harm…

Posted in Bios and Memoirs | 2 Comments

Tales of Tomasewski – Del Staecker

Posted on December 20, 2012 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by J.D. Jung) No one remembers your accomplishments, only your last mistake. And it was a whopper. In fact it would plague Jan Tomasewski (aka Jake Thompson) for his entire career in the Chicago PD. While busting a Guatemalan ring of thieves, Jake made a slight hesitation that cost him his career. He was…

Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers | 3 Comments

The Stonecutter – Camilla Läckberg (Translated by Steven T. Murray)

Posted on December 9, 2012 by J D Jung

(reviewed by Renée Kay) I came across The Stonecutter by Camilla Läckberg while at the library picking up another book I had reserved. What caught my attention was that is was yet another Swedish mystery, which I can’t seem to get enough of. Was I in for a fascinating, yet unnerving read! The current story begins…

Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Scandinavian Literature, World Literature | Comments Off

Dodging Machetes: How I Survived Forbidden Love, Bad Behavior, and the Peace Corps in Fiji – Will Lutwick

Posted on November 21, 2012 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Julie L. Kessler) Sometimes you come across a book by a first-time author that wholly by surprise thoroughly transports you to another time and to another place. And the best part is that you are able to go along for an utterly amazing ride possessing neither a plane ticket nor a passport. No…

Posted in Bios and Memoirs | 3 Comments

One Eyed Jack – Christopher J. Lynch

Posted on September 24, 2012 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by J.D. Jung) < I love a good villain…at least in novels. So when I came across extortionist John Sharp, I just had to get to know him better. John, or “One Eyed Jack”, as they call him knows how to keep a secret…for a price. Let me add that he has no problems…

Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Modern Literary Fiction | 4 Comments