The light and darkness of America, from the inspiration the of the democratic experiment, to the pall that took over country during the COVID-19 pandemic, are mused and reviewed in this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. Examining freedom — which defines America — in a wholly new way is the thrust of one offering, while another tells the stories of how U.S. military members survived conflicts from World War I to the present day through their unwavering belief in God. On the dimmer side is a pediatrician’s battle to protect his patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, and one woman’s struggle during that same medical crisis throughout her participation in the vaccine trials. And for fiction, there is the latest installment in a new series, co-written by America’s most read novelist.
“The Texas Murders,” by James Patterson & Andrew Bourelle (Little, Brown and Company)
This third book in the Texas Ranger series of thrillers, co-written by No. 1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson, centers on the famous lawmen’s pursuit of the most dangerous killer in the Lone Star State. The action begins when the death of a native woman leads to a cold case, prompting Texas Ranger Rory Yates to team up with Tigua Tribal police officer Ava Cruz, an expert archer. The investigation soon leads the pair to some of the roughest and most desolate country Texas has to offer. “‘The Texas Murders successfully builds on the foundation of the previous books by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle while breaking new ground in terms of complexity and social awareness,” wrote The Bookshelf Elf in his review. “It’s a worthy addition to the modern Western thriller genre that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.” [Fiction]
“Freedom Revealed: A Simple Elegant System,” by Don Wilkie (BookBaby)
From before the time that God’s “Chosen People” were enslaved by the pharaohs of Egypt to the present day, humans have sought and discussed freedom. Guided by the works of Benjamin Franklin and Richard Feynman, author Don Wilkie submits that to better understand freedom, one should consider it more of a mechanical system rather than a philosophical concept. The United States was, of course, founded on the “self-evident” truth of freedom — “that all men are created equal.” But freedom is easily lost, especially in difficult times. “It is time to end the endless blather about freedom. Freedom is not a philosophical concept or emotional feeling, it’s a mechanical system that can be replicated anywhere. Like any system, it is built on simple, fundamental, and self-evident elements,” Wilkie wrote for BizPac Review. “In the final analysis, freedom is ours to keep or destroy. Understanding how a ‘system of freedom’ works is essential for keeping it.” [Nonfiction]
“The Most Dangerous Man In Washington,” by Scott Miller (Writer Cosmos)
The most dangerous man in Washington hasn’t been a villainous politician. He wasn’t a rogue military general, or a Capitol Hill rioter. No, it turned out that the most dangerous man in Washington was a pediatric physician, a medical practitioner who only wanted to offer the best advice and perform the best treatment he could for his patients. And that placed him squarely in the crosshairs of D.C. public health officials and Big Pharma. And in return for becoming a reluctant hero during a time of medical crisis, he faced personal loss, professional trials, and relentless adversity. But in challenging the system he was able to do what was important — he saved lives. “Great reading. Thanks to people like Scott Miller who wasn't afraid to speak truth and to do what is right,” wrote Chad Rexin in his GoodReads review. “I enjoyed the personal stories and snippets of those who Scott was able to help save along with some of the snippets of his own life.” [Nonfiction]
“Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops,” by Emily Compagno (Harper Influence)
In this inspiring instant No. 1 New York Times bestseller, Emily Compagno gives firsthand accounts of how faith and belief in God has saved U.S. service members from World War I to the present day. As a woman of faith and a descendant of American army and naval veterans, she has a deep personal interest as well as a unique perspective of the subject matter that blends the personal with the historic. “Emily Compagno’s ‘Under His Wings’ is more than a book about faith — it is a tribute to the bravery, resilience, and spirituality of American troops,” wrote The Moving Words in its review. “By sharing stories of faith on the front lines, Compagno sheds light on an integral yet often hidden aspect of military life. For readers seeking inspiration or a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those who serve, this book offers a powerful and moving account.” [Nonfiction]
“Worth a Shot?: Secrets of the Clinical Trial Participant Who Inspired a Global Movement ― Brianne Dressen's Story,” by Caroline Pover (Skyhorse)
When COVID-19 invaded the shores of the United States in early 2020, Utah mom and preschool teacher Brianne Dressen wanted to do what she believed was her civic duty by rolling up her sleeves to participate in the COVID mRNA clinical trials. But from that point it all went south for her, according to this riveting combination memoir, medical mystery, and social commentary. Dressen discovered the dark side of Big Pharma, which led her to question its control of physicians, drug trials, and even over her freedom of speech. “This book provides documented decisive facts which speak for themselves,” wrote Dr. Noel D. Collis in his Amazon review. It “will undoubtable be controversial- because the facts presented crystallize the reality of COVID in a manner we can all understand. If anybody reads only one book/year – this is a choice you will not regret.” [Nonfiction]