Confronting adversity is a common subject in several selections in this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. There is the use of prayer by one of WWII’s most famous generals to overcome the challenges of battle, to a more contemporary fight by a leading advocate for women’s sports, to ordinary people harnessing the samurai spirit to surmount their future obstacles. A fourth nonfiction selection describes the huge hoax of making “woke” investments that is in danger of taking over Wall Street. And for fiction aficionados, there is 34th installment in a bestselling author’s series of novels.
“Toxic Prey,” by John Sandford (G.P. Putnam's Sons)
This is the latest of John Sanford’s “Prey” series of novels. In this one, protagonist Lucas Davenport and his daughter Lefty are following the trail of a dangerous scientist who could destroy the world’s population through a tropical infectious disease. “I loved this book! It’s a big story – a terrifyingly plausible possibly world-ending story and I was so there for it,” wrote Outlaw Poet for GoodReads. “Letty has definitely come into her own as a character and I’m all for it. She’s a complete badass, and I get a kick out of her relationship with her dad. The book moves along at breakneck speed, and I was sorry when it was over. I wanted more. Happily awaiting whatever comes next!” [Fiction]
“Patton's Prayer: A True Story of Courage, Faith, and Victory in World War II,” by Alex Kershaw (Dutton)
Unrelenting snow and cold slowed U.S. tanks, troops, and planes to a crawl in the Ardennes after Germans launched their offensive that resulted in World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. Gen. George S. Patton, desperate to pivot his attack and relieve the 101st Airborne Division surrounded in the Belgian town of Bastogne, reached out to his chaplain for a prayer — a prayer for a break in the weather that would allow his men to break through, get to the 10st and result in ultimate victory. “Alex Kershaw, in his new, scintillating history ‘Patton’s Prayer,’ displays his admiration for Patton, especially in his and his army’s exploits during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 – January 1945,” wrote Francis Sempa, reviewing for the New York Journal of Books. “The story of Patton’s and the 3rd Army’s role in the Battle of the Bulge has been told before, but Kershaw writes about it with verve, energy, and insight on every page of this book.” [Nonfiction]
“The Sustainable Investment Scam: The Progressive Plot to Take Over Wall Street and Control the Global Financial System,” by Paul H. Tice (Encounter Books)
This book draws back the curtain on the so-called “sustainable” theory of investing in progressive companies that emphasize environmental, social, and governance (or “ESG") factors to motivate their decisions. Although ESG investments are being plugged by Wall Street, Tice explains how its roots are actually globalist in nature through the United Nations,and amounts to a “Race to Zero.” “A lively, engaging and thoughtful read. It was perfect for someone like me, who doesn't have a brain for finance, but cares deeply about how I'm investing our retirement accounts,” said J. Norwich in his Amazon review. “I was hesitant to read a book by someone with Keeley's expertise and experience, assuming it would be beyond me. But his style is so lively and warm, he draws the reader close. And Keeley is able to impart complex information in a way that even a non-Wall Streeter like me could grasp. Highly recommended.” [Nonfiction]
“Swimming Against the Current: Fighting for Common Sense in a World That’s Lost Its Mind,” by Riley Gaines (Center Street)
Former leading University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines has now become the most outspoken advocate of a movement for women’s rights in sports. Mediocre male athletes now claim to have transitioned to identify as women and are claiming awards and athletic scholarships from deserving girls and women. And the Biden’ administration spearheading the rewrite of Title IX — which was intended to protect girls’ and women’s opportunities in sports. “I’m a mother of a daughter who plays sports. This subject is a huge concern for me especially as she gets older,” wrote Lauren Blackman for GoodReads. “I’m glad Riley is advocating for women’s sports. I hope others start speaking out about how insane this world is becoming. Biological men participating in women’s sports is unfair and misogynistic.” [Nonfiction]
“The Way of Ronin: Defying the Odds on Battlefields, in Business and in Life,” by Tu Lam (Hanover Square Press)
Decorated Green Beret Tu Lam’s memoir explains how he utilized the spirit of the samurai — “the Way of Ronin” — to succeed beyond his military career, including:
- Training citizens and law enforcement professionals all over the country;
- Providing aid to both active and retired soldiers with physical and mental health issues;
- Co-hosting the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire: Knife or Death;”
- Appearing in and contributing to the world’s bestselling video game, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.”
But “The Way of Ronin” isn’t merely amazing and entertaining — it can also be an inspiration and blueprint to help the reader break down his own barriers. The book “is a captivating story of resilience, personal mastery, and spiritual ascension,” wrote Clarence, reviewing for GoodReads. “I firmly believe that many readers, especially those on a path of self-discovery, will gain valuable insights into new healing modalities and be inspired by this compelling tale of duty and honor. I couldn't put this book down from the moment I opened it and am forever grateful for the author's insights.” [Nonfiction]