Newsmax Rising Bestsellers – Week of Sept. 9, 2024

Two famous political families come into focus in this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers while another two offer ways for one to prepare for the future. The examination of the political families include a mid-20th century powerhouse with the second from early America that resulted in a father-son presidency. Additionally, there is a suggestion for what God has in store for us through and beyond this decade, while another will prepare the reader for that ultimate outcome: the death of a loved one. A fiction offering is the latest misadventures of an old literary friend.

“Dog Day Afternoon: An Andy Carpenter Mystery,” by David Rosenfelt (Minotaur Books)

Retired lawyer Andy Carpenter reluctantly gives in to the request of Marcus Clark, his longtime friend and colleague, to represent someone accused of mass murder. The accused is a former troubled youth named Nick that Marcus took in. Nick is accused of murdering six coworkers where he is employed. He was identified by a coworker through Nick’s sneakers and tattoo. The fact that the murder weapon was discovered near Nick’s home didn’t help. “Another great installment! I was really happy with where this story took us. I was getting tired of the mafia links in this series and this story went in a different direction,” wrote Kristie, reviewing for GoodReads. “I really did enjoy this one. As usual, this can be read as a standalone, but you will miss out on the background of all the characters. It has been fun to watch them over time.” [Fiction]

“Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed,” by Maureen Callahan (Little, Brown and Company)

Throughout the 1960s, there was no name more prominent name in political circles than that of the Kennedys. But underneath the mystique, the glitz, and the glamour lay a dark side — one that was often whispered but never fully revealed in what Megyn Kelly calls “the must-read book of the summer.” The Kennedy men’s reputation as womanizers extended to the point of physical and psychological abuse, according to the author. The names of the abused include Jacqueline Onassis, Marilyn Monroe, Mary Jo Kopechne, and more, with a chapter dedicated to each. “This book is well researched and well written. I found it absolutely fascinating,” wrote Pamela Byrd, reviewing for Amazon. “The sections on Jackie Kennedy were superior to the biographies of her that I have read. The author doesn’t let celebrity get in the way of her insights. Highly recommended.” [Nonfiction]

“John Quincy Adams: A Man for the Whole People,” by Randall Woods (Dutton)

Historian Randall B. Woods chronicles the life of John and Abigail Adams’ firstborn son — his childhood during the American Revolution, his mentoring by his father in both law and politics, and his eventual rise to become the sixth president of the United States. While his own father was U.S. envoy to France, U.S. minister to Britain and finally president, John Quincy’s education included hanging out with royalty and statesmen, breaking bread with luminaries like Benjamin Franklin, and discussing politics with Voltaire at the opera. The book also delves into John Quincy’s sometimes troubled relationship with his own three sons and his British-born wife, Louisa. After his presidency, he returned to politics by serving in Congress, where he became the chamber’s most vocal opponent of slavery. “As [Randall] Woods writes, Adams ‘identified completely with Shakespeare’s fallen angel’ [Hamlet] and viewed the play as a cautionary tale for the country,” wrote Andrew DeMillo for The Associated Press. “Whether or not readers view Adams’ life as a cautionary tale, Woods’ biography is a sweeping look not just at his life but at the early years of the republic.” [Nonfiction]

“Revelation The Good News: Understanding God’s Timeline Into 2030 And Beyond,” by Bo Polny (Harvest Creek Publishing)

Let’s face it. America is in a mess with open borders, rampant crime, rising prices while real income declines. This and more, meanwhile, is all taking place against a backdrop of extreme political division. And most of the rest of the world is even worse off, with British authorities imprisoning citizens for writing Facebook posts critical of their own immigration policies. One can’t help but wonder: Are we at the end of times? Author Bo Polny offers hope and good news as he reveals his own spiritual insights into how God moves to protect people of faith. “Bo Polny is a financial genius and his book is amazing. He called the top on gold in the month of September of 2011 and was featured on multiple financial programs as a result. I’ve been following Mr. Polny for the past four years,” wrote Marlene McGinnis for Amazon. I never miss a chance to listen to him on podcasts. Well worth it!!! Bo knocked it out of the park with this book. It is obvious that God has His hand upon Bo.” [Nonfiction]

“Who Will Kiss Me Goodnight?,” by Judi Sheeks (Independently published)

When author Judi Sheeks lost the love of her own life, she discovered there was no “how-to” manual to teach widows and widowers how to not merely cope with the grief, but also how to wade through the mountain of legalities involved. So, she set out to write one, based on a diary she kept during the three-month period her husband lay on his death bed and the months following his demise. Tracy Beanz, editor-in-chief of Uncover DC called the book “mandatory reading for anyone, really,” adding, it “teaches us what is important both in life, and after you have lost a loved one.” Beanz wasn’t alone in her assessment. “I have waited for this book, because I found myself in a similar situation,” said Linda Rinker in her Amazon review. “No one told us how complex and time-consuming home care is. You’re not just a wife…Nurse, pharmacist, scheduler, insurance overseer, etc. Thank you, Judi for sharing. Not just a diary/memoir, but a useful resource book. Congratulations!” [Nonfiction]