A personal glimpse at an American conservative icon and a fresh new look at the nation’s road to greatness, along with advice to keep us on track, highlight this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. There is also an offering that suggests Israel, arguably America’s greatest ally, must be “One Jewish State,” and another describes, with detail, the fall of the Ivy League. And as for fiction, our novel of the week is co-written by America’s No. 1 storyteller along with a former U.S. president.
“The First Gentleman: A Thriller,” by James Patterson & Bill Clinton (Little, Brown and Company)
Yep, you read that right: co-written by Bill Clinton — that Bill Clinton. And who better to co-write a book titled “The First Gentleman” than someone who lived in the White House for eight years, and later nearly became “The First Gentleman” himself. In this one, while Madame President is deep in her reelection campaign, her husband, the first gentleman and former pro football star, is on trial for murder — not exactly a ringing endorsement for “four more years.” Meanwhile two crack investigative journalists are on the case and trying to get to the bottom of what’s really going on. “The former president teams up again with the industrial-strength tale-spinner to deliver an action-packed mystery,” according to Kirkus Reviews. “For all the tangled threads, Clinton and (James) Patterson turn in a taut yarn that’s satisfyingly stuffed with red herrings, a neatly engineered conspiracy, and more than a few dead bodies. … Carefully constructed, entertaining escapism with a political edge, and just the thing for beach or airplane reading.” [Fiction]
“American Impresario: William F. Buckley, Jr., and the Elements of American Character,” by Lawrence Perelman (Bombardier Books)
Many of us remember William F. Buckley Jr. as a giant of conservative thought throughout the last half of the 20th century and well into the 21st — the razor-sharp witted host of PBS’s “Firing Line,” and the founder and editor of National Review.
But “American Impresario” exposes a never-before-seen personal side of Buckley, a talented classical musician who appreciated such talent in others. And that’s what led a teen-aged son of Russian Jewish immigrants to invite a middle-aged Buckley to his own piano recital, which led to a lasting friendship. “This probably was the most interesting, informative, and emotional nonfiction book I have ever read,” wrote Michael Beckman for GoodReads. “If you admired or respected, William F Buckley Jr. or his ‘Firing Line’ series (whether you agreed with him or not) OR if you like classical music, this is a MUST read. I recommend this book highly!” [Nonfiction]
“Gems of American History: The Lecturer's Art,” by Walter A. McDougall (Encounter Books)
“Gems of American History” is more than a mere history book. While it describes, with clarity, how the remarkable American experiment came to be, the collection of 12 essays also explains how to keep the bell of liberty ringing loud and clear so that we may preserve what has been handed down to us. Historian Walter McDougall manages to accomplish this by analyzing the most pivotal figures and events in U.S. history — those that have paved the road to greatness. But he also reveals how the foreign policy of early 20th century leaders like Woodrow Wilson have been chipping away at our identity. “This collection of essays by one of our great and most engaging historians gives the reader an opportunity to gain solid knowledge of the American past in order to have serious insight into the present time,” wrote Chip Prehn for Amazon. “With humor, wit, and sound observations resulting from hard work, McDougall shows how practical are the ideals but how dangerous they become when they half-life into an arrogant idealism. … This is rare indeed.” [Nonfiction]
“One Jewish State: The Last, Best Hope to Resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict,” by David Friedman (Humanix Books)
With a foreword by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the author, who served as U.S. ambassador to Israel during Trump’s first term in the White House, argues that the two-state solution where Israel and Palestine live as neighbors, is unworkable. As proof one has only to look to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel’s civilian population, resulting in both trauma and clarity. But David Friedman goes beyond making the case that there must be “One Jewish State.” He explains how, God willing, that goal can be achieved. In a world made of numerous Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu countries, not to mention 49 Islamic nations, he argues that there must be “One Jewish State.” “Ambassador Friedman presents a strong argument for ending all discussions over the two-state solution and moving to supporting an Israeli annexation of Judea and Samara,” wrote Uri Pilichowski for Amazon. “If you have an open mind, are intellectually honest, and are looking to learn about Judea and Samaria from an insider, this book is for you. If you don’t consider yourself any of the above, then this book is really for you.” [Nonfiction]
“Slacking: A Guide to Ivy League Miseducation,” by Adam Kissel, Rachel Alexander Cambre, & Madison Marino (Encounter Books)
The Ivy League, once the epitome of higher education and the goal of many young scholars, can no longer be trusted. A quick glance at their course catalogs proves that they’ve traded wisdom in for woke. With an Ivy League degree starting at over $300,000, students can do way better. But if a student insists that he go that route, the authors dedicate a chapter to each of the eight Ivy League schools and recommend specific courses of study to get the most out of their experience. “‘Slacking’ is a troubling tale of curricular decline, moral relativism, and missed opportunities at the Ivies,” wrote Jon Parrish Peede, former chairman, National Endowment for the Humanities. “The co-authors address these shortcomings concisely without cant or condescension. They also highlight dozens of intellectually rigorous gen-ed courses. I cannot fathom my reading life — or our democracy’s development — separate from nearly four centuries of Ivy League wisdom. This book maps out how students can reclaim this rich heritage from the inside.” [Nonfiction]