Heaven’s reward and the abyss of Washington politics consume this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. One tells an amazing story of a modern-day miracle and renewal of faith, and another is a celebrated actor’s musings that he calls his "Poems & Prayers." Then there is a homespun, quotable U.S. senator, who makes the case that almost everyone in our nation’s capital is less than bright. A final offering is a behind-the-scenes look at an exception to Washington’s stupidity. The novel of the week is a legal thriller ripped right out of today’s headlines.
"The Book of Heaven: A Story of Hope for the Outcasts, the Broken, and Those Who Lost Faith," by Katie Asher & Houston Asher (Asher House)
For more than two decades, all the experts told Katie Asher that her son Houston was a lost cause. His extreme autism meant that he would never be able to speak, never understand others, and never function in society. She ultimately gave up on the experts and began believing in and praying for a miracle. And then the miracle happened. Houston showed his mother that belief and faith in God could move mountains. He showed her how God is everywhere and is a part of everything. "For anyone seeking proof that miracles still exist, that faith can carry us through unimaginable trials, and that love is the most powerful force we have — this book is a must-read," wrote Melissa McAllister for Amazon. "It’s the best $22 you’ll ever spend — because what you gain from it is priceless." [Nonfiction]
"Poems & Prayers," by Matthew McConaughey (Crown)
Although this No. 1 New York Times bestseller from Academy Award-winning actor McConaughey is faith-based, his "Poems & Prayers" also are filled with joy and at times hilarious, balancing emotion, reflection, and entertainment. "My prayers are my poems are my prayers," he explains. "Some are funny, some are jagged, many are uncomfortably honest." "That willingness to laugh at himself might be what gives 'Poems & Prayers' its unexpected charm," said Relevant in its review. "McConaughey isn’t selling solutions. He’s documenting a wrestle. And somehow, that honesty feels like the most convincing testimony of all." [Nonfiction]
"How to Test Negative for Stupid: And Why Washington Never Will," by John Kennedy (Broadside Books)
"How to Test Negative" has two things in common with "Poems & Prayers:" It’s both hilarious and a No. 1 New York Times bestseller. But from there the similarity ends.
Written by Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. — who Politico called "America’s most quotable senator," the Louisianan pol asserts that if it’s intellect you’re looking for, you should probably avoid Washington. Although the current occupant of the White House is one of the few notable exceptions to that rule, stupidity played a role in sending him there each time. Trump, Kennedy believes, won "because Hillary and Kamala kept finding new ways to be stupid, and there weren’t enough childless cat people to bail them out." "And, no surprise, he isn’t fond of DEI, transgender athletes, the press, China, the '1619 Project' — and, to all appearances, half of the voting electorate. No joke," wrote Kirkus Reviews. “If Stephen Miller is your idea of a stitch, this book is for you." [Nonfiction]
"A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump's Global Economic Revolution," by Mitchell A. Silk (Bombardier Books)
Author Mitchell A. Silk held a seat at the table as a senior U.S. Treasury official during Trump’s first term and witnessed, firsthand, one of the most dramatic shifts in U.S. economic policy in decades. He had a front row, behind-the-scenes chair to witness how Trump used:
- Tariffs and deregulation to bolster the U.S. economy.
- Trade negotiations to confront China.
- Fossil fuel production to achieve energy independence.
- Emergency powers to save air carriers during COVID-19.
"This isn’t just a policy book — it’s a story of conviction, creativity, and the free market at work," wrote Larry Kudlow, former director of the U.S. National Economic Council. "Mitch Silk helped shape key areas of one of the boldest reorientations of U.S. economic policy in decades, and 'A Seat at the Table' captures the mission and the man." [Nonfiction]
"The Proving Ground: A Lincoln Lawyer Novel," by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown and Company)
In this eighth book in the No. 1 bestselling author’s "Lincoln Lawyer" series, attorney Mickey Haller takes up public interest law to tackle something new — artificial intelligence (AI). He sues an AI firm whose chatbot told an impressionable teenage boy that killing his ex-girlfriend for being disloyal was perfectly reasonable. It’s a case of David versus Goliath as he takes on a billion-dollar information giant in order to get justice for the dead girl’s family. "'The Proving Ground' seems so ripped from the headlines. It feels as if [Connelly's] writing it as you read it," said the Tampa Bay Times. "Connelly keeps the tension and the stakes rising in this all-too-plausible story of the power and perils of AI." [Fiction]
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