Attempting to answer the question of what America is as a nation – what it stands for, what it considers worth fighting for, and how it identifies itself -- dominates this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers.
Two were written by Newsmax TV contributors. In one the author sounds the alarm that the disease that is destroying California may infect the nation, and the other warns that the Islamic terrorism being waged abroad is being felt on the streets of mainstream America in the form of antisemitism. Among the others, one was written by one who arrived in America as a youngster, served with distinction as a Navy SEAL and is now every bit an American as a candidate for the U.S. Senate. The final nonfiction selection is a warning that “wokeness” is trying to take away the most basic identity of women — their womanhood. And then there is a fictional tale by a New York Times No. 1 bestselling author.
“Mind Games,” by Nora Roberts (St. Martin's Press)
After 12-year-old Thea and her brother are dropped off at their grandmother’s Kentucky hill-country home for their annual two-week stay, she discovers that she and “Grammie” share a terrifying ability to look into the hearts and souls of others. In this case they share the vision of the murderer of Thea’s parents. The killer is caught, tried, convicted, and sentenced, and years later while he’s sitting in prison, Thea realizes that he has the same ability — to read into her heart, soul and mind — and that’s when the “Mind Games” begin. “As I began reading Mind Games, I was reminded of how much I enjoy Nora Robert's writing,” said Debra, reviewing for GoodReads. “This book had a little bit of everything that I enjoy in books – family, mystery, growth, drama, and romance. This book is full of great characters, and I especially enjoyed Grammie for her quiet strength, wisdom, and guidance.” She concluded, “Well written, well thought out, gripping, and captivating!” [Fiction]
“As Goes California: My Mission to Rescue the Golden State and Save the Nation,” by Larry Elder (Bombardier Books)
Conservative radio talk show host and Newsmax TV contributor Larry Elder knows California. The Golden State is his home, and he has witnessed it sink into chaos and ruin through extreme liberal policies that have failed its citizens — especially minorities.
After his surprisingly strong but failed 2021 run in the recall attempt of California Gov. Gavin Newsom that highlighted the rising tide of crime, homelessness, substance addiction, failing education system and spiking energy costs, he now sounds the warning that the United States may be about to duplicate the same failed policies.
“In ‘As California Goes,’ Larry Elder, talk radio star and ‘Black face of white supremacy,’ has written a compelling book about California’s decline, race relations, families, crime, and homelessness,” wrote a guest reviewer for the California Republican Assembly website. “If you need one more reason to either leave California or to stay and fight, Elder has it. He knows who is obstructing a better California and America and has proposals on how to fix them. Elder joins the legacies of Frederick Douglass, Thomas Sowell, Walter Williams and Clarence Thomas.” [Nonfiction]
“Call Me an American,” by Hung Cao and April Cao (Republic Book Publishers)
Hung Cao legally immigrated to the United States as a Vietnam refugee and showed his gratitude by graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and completing the rigorous Navy SEAL training, before retiring as a combat-hardened veteran captain. If there’s anyone deserving of the description “American” it’s Cao. He’s now running for the U.S. Senate in Virginia in response to several disturbing trends he witnesses in his adopted country. Washington politicians no longer see themselves as servants of the people, and America is turning its back on the very principles that elevated it to greatness. “I thoroughly enjoyed this book about a great American who has given over half of his life to this place we call America!” said Samuel Brasfield for Amazon. “What is so encouraging is that he and his family have not stopped serving! Not only are the stories inspiring but he gives a very thoughtful response to what is currently going on in our country. No matter where you stand on the political spectrum you should read this book and consider his points.” [Nonfiction]
“I Am a Woman: Taking Back Our Name,” by Jennifer Strickland (Regnery Faith)
With men increasingly invading women’s spaces and claiming titles in everything from sports to beauty pageants – all in in the name of “diversity, equity and inclusion” – the author argues that it’s long past time for real women to take back their most basic dignity and birthright — their womanhood. “What makes me pay so much attention in this book is how honest the author is about her life. And what a powerful real-life story!” wrote Paula Guedes in her Amazon review. “This book is such a powerful instrument of God, especially when you pray before, asking that the Holy Spirit will make you live the truth that the book talks about. Another point that is so cool is that you cannot read it if you don’t have a Bible by your side. So, it is all about the only truth that is in Jesus Christ!” [Nonfiction]
“War Against the Jews: How to End Hamas Barbarism,” by Alan Dershowitz (Hot Books)
This is one of those books you wish wouldn’t think would ever have to be written, yet here we are. Contrary to the founding principle of the country that “all men are created equal,” antisemitism is spiking in the United States, as it is worldwide. Harvard Law professor emeritus, constitutional scholar and Newsmax TV contributor Alan Dershowitz argues that this latest onslaught is rooted in the Middle East — specifically by Hamas which invaded Israel Oct. 7 and slaughtered and tortured its civilians. Yet the world has converted these barbaric acts into some justified or even heroic Palestinian “struggle for existence,” and Jews around the world are being targeted because of it, Dershowitz writes. “Every human being with a brain needs to read this. I've read his other books as well and it’s so thought provoking,” wrote Ange in her GoodReads review. “He provides credible sources for everything he says on every page, so you can’t argue against anything. Super proud to be Jewish and this book was heartbreaking and also gave me a lot of confidence. Simple to read and understand. Love his writing ability.” [Nonfiction]