This week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers presents something of a mixed bag of politics, geopolitics, culture and a comedic look at (liberal) society. It ranges from a review of America that has been in decline during the 21st century but also is capable of bouncing back, to an argument that very little has changed in the psyche in the Russian Bear’s leadership in the last four centuries, despite two major systemic political shifts.
There is also a tome that suggests that the Trump family dynasty was predicted (down to its name) nearly two centuries ago, and a poking of a little fun at the woke left.
A fiction offering is the third in an exciting series.
“To Die For (6:20 Man),” by David Baldacci (Grand Central Publishing)
Travis Devine is sent to the Pacific Northwest to help the FBI protect an orphaned 12-year-old girl on her journey to meet with her uncle. The girl’s uncle is now seeking custody after the murder of her parents.
In return, the uncle is willing to testify against a terrorist organization with both the plans and capability of overthrowing the U.S. government. In addition, Devine once again crosses paths with the young woman who attempted to murder him on the 6:20 train from the first book of the eponymous series.
“'To Die For’ is book (No.) 3 in the Travis Devine series and in my opinion, the best. From start to finish, this is one amazing book. It is an action-packed story, with twists and turns throughout. At the same time it is emotional, with a little girl in danger,” said Mandy Whites for GoodReads. “David Baldacci always writes such compelling stories, with realistic characters that you will either love or hate. I can’t recommend his books enough. An absolute master for crime fiction.” [Fiction]
“Decline from the Top: Snapshots from America's Crisis and Glimmers of Hope,” by Matt Purple (Regnery)
If you sense that life in America was better in the 20th century than it is today, it’s not your imagination, according to Matt Purple.
Using any objective standard, the United States is in rapid decline. And it’s not coming from China, Russia, or any other foreign power — we’re doing it to ourselves. Following the Reagan years the economy was strong, crime was down, and we’d won the Cold War.
Americans were happy and confident in the future. But since then, Washington has become a government of, by, and for the government, and a series of largely self-inflicted crises have given the public a sense of malaise. But fear not. Purple reveals that what goes down can come back up.
“This is an important and enjoyable book. The political divide in the U.S. and globally is much discussed in the media, but rarely, if ever, addressed as eruditely as in ‘Decline from the Top.’ Mr. Purple’s essays of the sad, sequential, quixotic failures of government are leavened with tongue-in cheek humor that echoes William F. Buckley — a rare talent indeed,” wrote CA Hudson for Amazon. “The book ends brilliantly, the final uplifting chapter illuminating, in spite of challenges, the enduring strength of the Country. A true glimmer of hope.” [Nonfiction]
“Putin vs the World: Why Russia Has Not Changed in the Past 400 Years: The Russian Political System Throughout History,” by Vadym Denysenko (Independently published)
From the Romanov imperial dynasty, through the communist revolution that resulted in the Soviet Union, and the Russian republic of today, Vadym Denysenko, a Ukrainian expert on Russia, argues that very little has changes of the character of Russian leadership. That character is marked by the myth that "Russians never lose.”
He argues that knowing and understanding this and other myths “is essential to comprehending the Russian psyche.” “If you need an overview of the current situation in Eastern Europe and want to know what led to it, this is the right book for you,” said Franz Huber in his Amazon review. “The author explains the political situation in Russia using examples from the past, gives an overview of Putin's regime and talks about possible consequences for Europe and for the entire world. Probably the first book that helped me understand the war in Ukraine. Highly recommended!” [Nonfiction]
“The Trump Code: Exploring Time Travel, Nikola Tesla, and the Trump Lineage,” by Troy Anderson (Frontline)
Did a 19th century lawyer and novelist foresee the future Trump family and presidency? More than a century ago, Ingersoll Lockwood wrote a series of novels titled “The Baron Trump Collection,” and the similarities between the novel and the Donald Trump family legacy go uncannily far beyond the name.
The reader will finish the book realizing the accuracy of the famous observation made by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain), that “truth is stranger than fiction.” “‘The Trump Code’ is an interesting look at our current political state, set against the backdrop of prophecy, revival, and the need for understanding,” wrote a verified Amazon Customer. “This book will encourage you to look at our world in a new way, so that your eyes will be opened to the coming times.” [Nonfiction]
“The White Privilege Album: Bringing Racial Harmony to Very Fine People…on Both Sides,” by A.J. Rice (Post Hill Press)
Described as “part satire, part journalism, part truth serum,” A.J. Rice’s latest, “The White Privilege Album” is a sequel to runaway bestseller “The Woking Dead.”
It’s both a comedy and a tragedy centered on what has become the Holy Grail’s trinity for leftists: race, wokeness, and cancel culture in today’s America.
The author uses humor to eviscerate the left, much in the manner of the late Rush Limbaugh. “Rush always repeated that his job was to ‘use irreverent humor to illustrate truth’ and that is what I am trying to do with ‘The White Privilege Album.’”
“After the (No.) 1 bestseller ‘The Woking Dead,’ Rice returns with a satirical sequel that blends wit, observation, and truth,” wrote Hugo McCall for The Book Review. “’The White Privilege Album’ is a great book for people who want to laugh while also making strong social points. This book is one of the best examples of modern satire because A.J. Rice takes on today's most controversial topics without fear and makes them funny.” [Nonfiction]
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