Tag Archives: Los Angeles
Goldenseal – Maria Hummel
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Lacey and Edith, ages seventy and seventy-one respectively, have been estranged for forty-four years. It’s now 1990, and Edith decides to travel across the country to visit her one-time best friend. Lacey, born in Prague, … Continue reading
Posted in Historical Fiction, Modern Literary Fiction, Our Best
Tagged friendship, Los Angeles, relationships, socio-economic class, WWII
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Which Side Are You On – Ryan Lee Wong
(Reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned Why did Reed’s grandparents want him to have the best education? “His answer: “So I could participate in the great American ladder climb, where East Asians hoard resources and try to become white at the … Continue reading
Posted in Culture, Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged Asian American, Los Angeles, New York, political activism, race relations, social justice
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Song Noir: Tom Waits and the Spirit of Los Angeles – Alex Harvey
(Reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned My first introduction to Tom Waits was in Jim Jarmusch’s 1985 film, “Down By Law”. I found him quite enigmatic, and as a singer/songwriter was drawn to his authenticity. While reading Song Noir, I realized … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Culture, History
Tagged beat generation, film noir, Los Angeles, music, songwriting
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In Remembrance – Eve Babitz (1943-2021)
(by JD Jung) Author Eve Babitz who wrote about the decadent 1960’s and 1970’s sub-culture of Los Angeles passed away December 17th. Her books were among the “highly recommended” on UnderratedReads. Revisit our reviews of her memoir “Slow Days, Fast … Continue reading
Posted in What the...?
Tagged 1960s, Los Angeles
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The Underbelly (Outspoken Authors Book 3)- Gary Phillips
(reviewed by JD Jung) Mulgrew Magrady, an often-times homeless Viet Nam veteran is trying to get his life back on track. Though he is eight months sober, he is still suffering from his earlier impulsive actions. He abandoned responsibility for … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Noir-esque fiction
Tagged addiction, class, crime fiction, gentrification, Los Angeles, race, social justice
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Pizza Girl: A Novel – Jean Kyoung Frazier
(reviewed by JD Jung) An eighteen-year-old pregnant pizza delivery girl is lost, with no idea where she is headed in life. Even though she has a loving boyfriend who is excited about the baby, that isn’t enough. She has never … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction
Tagged coming-of-age, dark humor, Los Angeles
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An UnderratedRead Revisited: Rockin’ Through Troubled Waters: Memoir -Surviving the West Coast Music Scene 1966-1971 – Don Jung
(Reviewed by Cathy Carey) Wow! I want to thank the author for this sentimental journey. I was only on page 15 when I had already downloaded two albums from iTunes. Be prepared to have a whole new perspective listening to … Continue reading
Posted in Revisited
Tagged 1960s, Doors, Janis Joplin, Los Angeles, rock music, Vietnam War
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Rockin’ Through Troubled Waters: Memoir -Surviving the West Coast Music Scene 1966-1971 – Don Jung
(Reviewed by Cathy Carey) Wow! I want to thank the author for this sentimental journey. I was only on page 15 when I had already downloaded two albums from iTunes. Be prepared to have a whole new perspective listening to … Continue reading
Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction
Tagged 1960s, Doors, Janis Joplin, Los Angeles, rock music, Vietnam War
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Skin of Tattoos – Christina Hoag
(Reviewed by Christopher J. Lynch) When Cyco Lokos gang member Magdaleno (Mags) Argueta comes home to Los Angeles after serving prison time for a robbery, he wants nothing more than to start a new life. However, there’s one obstacle he … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged crime fiction, gangs, Los Angeles
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