“The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” was a notable western. It also accounts for what constitutes this week’s nonfiction topics in the Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. The good comes in the biography of America’s current first lady, while the the bad recounts the history of the American Mafia. Then a noted lawyer and Newsmax contributor explains about combatting the ugly — antisemitism that has spread in many parts of the country and world. A final offering suggests how to live a meaningful life. For fiction, there is the latest mystery co-written by America’s most prolific and successful novelists.
“Holmes Is Missing,” by James Patterson & Brian Sitts (Little, Brown and Company)
In this instant New York Times bestselling second volume of James Patterson’s and Brian Sitts’ new series, a New York-based private investigation firm led by Brendan Holmes, “the brain;” Margaret Marple, “the eyes;” and Auguste Poe, the “muscle;” set off to solve a rash of child abductions. Then Holmes goes missing. Before the new PI firm with the famous literary names can cement its reputation as a “can-do” organization by solving the series of abductions, it must first solve its own internal mystery — where is Holmes? “Patterson and his co-author, Brian Sitts, pull back the curtain on different forms of human trafficking — another case also packs an emotional punch, all of which leads to a shock ending that certainly leaves the door open for the ‘greatest crime-solving team of the twenty-first century’ to return sooner rather than later,” wrote Ryan Steck, the Real Book Spy. [Fiction]
“Melania Trump Biography: The 2024 Memoir,” by Stephanie Johnson (Grapevine)
Melania Trump once again returned glamour to the White House, the likes not seen since the early 1960s when Jacqueline Kennedy was the nation’s first lady and brought the enchanting quality of Camelot. Coming from humble beginnings in Slovenia, she rose through the ranks in Europe’s fashion industry as she challenged her mind by learning four languages in addition to her own according to Stephanie Johnson. Then Melania caught the eye of a billionaire businessman and future U.S. president. This is her incredible journey. “Melania Trump’s ability to handle challenges with poise is beautifully captured in this biography,” wrote Clifton Moran for Amazon. “Johnson’s writing emphasizes her strength, elegance, and commitment to her family and public duties. It’s an inspiring account of a unique life journey.” [Nonfiction]
“Red Hook: Brooklyn Mafia, Ground Zero,” by Frank Dimatteo & Michael Benson (Citadel)
From the original 1932 film “Scarface” through the “Godfather” series, Americans have always been fascinated with the Mafia. “Red Hook” tells the real story about the Italian mob that took over the streets of Brooklyn back in the day. And within Brooklyn, the Red Hook docks and neighborhood was the mob’s “ground zero,” where they could murder their enemies and dump the bodies with impunity. “Red Hook” tells the story of a time covering a century when mobsters with colorful nicknames such as “The Mad Hatter,” “The Executioner,” “Wild Bill,” and “Peg Leg” ruled the streets. And Al “Scarface” Capone? He may have made his reputation in Chicago, but he got his start in Red Hook and acquired his nickname as the result of a Brooklyn bar fight. “The history of the people was amazing. A lot of details and again, made you feel like you were there/know them. You get attached to them and go through an emotional rollercoaster when something happens to them,” wrote Sydney Marker for GoodReads. “This was a great book and great story. I'm interested in reading more and I'd definitely recommend this to anyone.” [Nonfiction]
“The Ten Big Anti-Israel Lies: And How to Refute Them with Truth,” by Alan Dershowitz (Skyhorse)
This book comes at a time when antisemitism is mounting in a land in which religious liberty is supposed to be guaranteed. With it, anti-Israel and pro-Hamas demonstrations are seen on college campuses despite that Israel holds the high ground in its fight against Hamas, Dershowitz argues. Dershowitz, the famed Harvard law professor emeritus and frequent Newsmax contributor, offers a well-pointed rebuttal to 10 of the most often repeated canards with documented, historical, and empirical evidence. “The most brilliant humans are able to succinctly explain complex subjects to others,” wrote Southern Girl in Illinois for Amazon. “Alan Dershowitz has created a short book which masterfully explains the facts and refutes the lies used to demonize Israel. This book filled in gaps in my knowledge. I recommend it to all who want to understand the true history behind the ongoing Israel-Palestinian tragedy.” [Nonfiction]
“Viktor Frankl and the Psychology of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Meaning and Emotional Wellness,” by Daniel Schonbuch (Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, LMFT)
Complementing Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning,” his “Psychology of the Soul” is a guide for those who may be suffering from depression, anxiety and trauma, or who are simply looking for order in an upside-down world. The book gives readers the power to live a life enriched with meaning, using real-life case studies. It includes a life-changing “30-Day Search for Meaning Workbook” to help them meet their goals. “A very enlightening book that really delves into the meaning and purpose of life through spiritual practices and Jewish wisdom,” wrote Lindsay DeRollo for GoodReads. “This is a very authentic and compassionate guidebook that teaches people how to apply these concepts to their lives, using his own experiences and real-life examples. This book will promote peace, well-being, and a deeper understanding and appreciation of life.” [Nonfiction]
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