Newsmax Rising Bestsellers – Week of April 29, 2024

This week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers certainly suggests “faith can move mountains, and show us the way,” both as a nation but especially individually, and at the same time prepare for the future. One selection describes how two nations were able to lift themselves from abject poverty into thriving economies through free markets, and another compares the Book of Revelation to the events of today. A third uses the writings of a famous rabbi and philosopher of the Middle Ages as a guide for conducting one’s life today, while the fourth does the same, using a book in the Bible’s New Testament. For fiction, readers can examine the first of series of mystery novels.

“Murder by Lamplight,” by Patrice McDonough (Kensington)

This is the first book in a new series centered on trailblazing female physician Dr. Julia Lewis, set in Victorian-era London. In this one, Lewis and a Scotland Yard detective team up to unravel a series of murders committed by a sadistic killer — two decades before Jack the Ripper and amid a cholera pandemic. “I really liked the cast of characters, especially the main characters, Dr. Julia Lewis and Inspector Detective Richard Tennant,” said Rachel, reviewing for GoodReads. “Their pasts, personalities, and their working (and maybe personal) chemistry was spot on. I am really looking forward to the next book and how it will explore this relationship.” [Fiction]


“How Nations Escape Poverty: Vietnam, Poland, and the Origins of Prosperity,” by Rainer Zitelmann (Encounter Books)

The dramatic turnaround from poverty to prosperity is explored in Poland and Vietnam since 1990. Both countries, first devastated by war, were nearly completely ruined afterward by socialist policies. “How Nations Escape Poverty” analyzes how each country was able to rise from the ashes to become the prosperous, thriving economies they are today, through the application of economic freedom, as heralded in Adam Smith’s 1776 treatise, “The Wealth of Nations.” “Focusing on case studies of strong relative improvement, as opposed to the more conventional focus on the “best in class,” is an interesting approach,” concluded the Institute of Economic Affairs in its review of the book. “It shows how escaping the worst forms of poverty and underdevelopment does not even take all that much. Countries do not need to get things absolutely right to attain a degree of prosperity. They just need to avoid suffocating the entrepreneurial spirit of their populations.” [Nonfiction]


“Revelation 911: How the Book of Revelation Intersects with Today's Headlines,”

by Paul Begley & Troy Anderson (Salem Books)

How can one make sense of today’s devastating headlines depicting war, famine, urban decay in a world with the possibility of nuclear war? There moral decay as well, evidenced by gender fluidity, men infiltrating women’s sports, the introduction of pornography in elementary schools, cancel culture, and attacks on free speech.

In “Revelation 911,” biblical prophecy expert Paul Begley and former investigative journalist Troy Anderson combine their talents and compare today’s events with the Book of Revelation to try to make sense of it all: Is this the end of the world or is it something else altogether? Is this “The Final Countdown” or is it the dawning of “The Age of Aquarius?” “Easy to read. I like the way every inch of prophecy taught is backed up by a scripture and reference,” said Elaine Baker, reviewing for Amazon. “Very cleaver, reader-friendly format. My eyes get a little tired, I have stigmatism, so an (a)udio version would be phenomenal. Great Book! Great message. The Great Commission of Go and Tell will be much easier after learning how to compare each unfolding event to proo(ve) it’s all in God's hand and foretold in the Bible. You will want to get extra to give to friends.” [Nonfiction]


“Rules to Live By: Maimonides' Guide to a Wonderful Life,” by Jeffrey Katz (Humanix Books)

In today’s confusing and challenging times, author Jeffrey Katz suggests the reader look to the teachings of Maimonides, a medieval Jewish philosopher and rabbi. He was born in Spain but moved to Morocco when his family was expelled for refusing to convert to Islam. He combined tradition with innovation to become one of the most prolific and influential scholars of the Torah during the Middle Ages. Katz has done the hard work of pouring over and dissecting Maimonides’ 12th century writings to create 21st century set of rules to live by. “Did you ever wonder what the great philosopher, physician, and spiritual leader Maimonides would preach if he were alive today?” asked Jack Fruchter, in his Amazon review. “Jeffrey Katz has done a great job in answering that question. From countless sources, Katz has gleaned what Maimonides would advise on lifestyle, family relations, diet, and a host of other topics. A must read!” [Nonfiction]


“Whatever Happens: How to Stand Firm in Your Faith When the World Is Falling Apart,” by Robert J. Morgan (Thomas Nelson)

Author Robert Morgan suggests that God gave us the Book of Philippians precisely for confusing and unpredictable times like those all of us are living in today. Although written millennia ago, these rules transcend the ages, he says. Some of the lessons readers will learn are:

• Use prayer to energize their life;
• Make today about others;
• Stay as cheerful as possible in all circumstances;
• Let others lean on their strength;
• Start everything with praise and end everything with prayer.

“Pastor Morgan offers incredible biblical insight and practical wisdom in this book. He had me hooked in Chapter 1 when speaking about God’s will for our lives,” wrote Cindy Tang for Amazon. “The history, the practical applications and his personal transparency is what gives the book 5 stars! He really unpacks and takes a deep dive into the Book of Philippians. No doubt you will be encouraged and inspired in your walk of faith after reading this. I highly recommend this book! You won’t be disappointed!” [Nonfiction]