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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.
Tag Archives: American History
The Promise of America: Reflections On Our Enduring Ideals – National Constitution Center
(Reviewed by JD Jung) For readers interested in American history, and the ongoing debate over the meaning of the founding documents, this collection of essays from the National Constitution Center offers an insightful and balanced examination of the principles behind … Continue reading
Seventy Times Seven: A True Story of Murder and Mercy – Alex Mar
(reviewed by Ann Onymous ) What can you not forgive? Who should be forgiven? (more…)Read More →
Posted in History, Non-fiction
Tagged American History, death penalty, true crime
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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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A Must Read Now! -On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump – Jeffrey Goldberg
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Why do so many politicians and public servants continue to support a man who has little regard for the military, no regard for the Constitution, and holds dictators in such high regard? Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor in … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged American History, American politics, Donald Trump, heroism, military
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Revisited, but still holds true- Ratf**ked: Why Your Vote Doesn’t Count – by David Daley
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “America is the only major democracy in the world that allows politicians to pick their own voters. And since the 2010 election, the system has been gamed to create an artificial –but foolproof—Republican majority in … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged American History, American politics, Gerrymandering, house of representatives, redistricting, state legislatures
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America – Jeffrey Rosen
(reviewed by JD Jung) “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is a well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence. But what did the “pursuit of Happiness” mean to the founding fathers? American legal scholar, Jeffrey Rosen uncovers … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged American History, happiness, philosophy, racism, slavery
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The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America – Jeffrey Rosen
(reviewed by JD Jung) “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is a well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence. But what did the “pursuit of Happiness” mean to the founding fathers? American legal scholar, Jeffrey Rosen uncovers … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, History, Non-fiction, Philosophical reads
Tagged American History, happiness, justice, philosophy, racism, slavery
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Hotel Splendide – Ludwig Bemelmans
(Reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned The comical 1941 out-of-print memoir of author and illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans (1898- 1962) has just been re-released by Puskin Press. Bemelmans would later write the Madeline children’s book series. However, this memoir covers his few … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, History, Immigration, Non-fiction
Tagged American History, humor, immigration, memoir, New York
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Jazz Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from America’s Roaring Twenties – Cecelia Tichi
(Reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned On January 16, 1920, the Volstead Act was enacted, which established Prohibition in the United States. Of course, people found a way around it and alcohol consumption and bootlegging flourished. Jazz Age Cocktails takes an … Continue reading
Posted in History, Non-fiction
Tagged American History, cocktails, jazz age, Prohibition, WWI
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This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism – Don Lemon
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Racism is a cancer that has been metastasizing throughout this land ever since Columbus showed up. It’s persisted because the right people had the luxury of ignoring it. Not anymore.” In fact, Donald Trump, a blatant … Continue reading
Posted in American Politics, Bios and Memoirs, History, Non-fiction, Politics and Social Justice, Social Justice
Tagged American History, racism, Social change, social justice
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