Good guys and bad guys, cops and robbers are the focus of this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. From one man’s journey from crime to cop; another that emphasizes the importance of a nation of “good guy” leaders; still a third that describes how big government, NGOs, and large corporations are working against Americans’ interests; and a finale that gives us the lowdown on Antifa, a militant group that’s been in the news lately. And for fiction, there is a novel of the week on the same theme — about the rise and fall of a fictional crime family.
“Bad to Blue: The True Story of a Chinatown Gangster Turned NYPD Detective,” by Mike Moy (Blackstone Publishing, Inc.)
This is Mike Moy’s memoir describing his journey from crime to cop, from gang member to a member of New York’s finest — and eventually rising up to New York Police Department detective. Moy grew up on the mean streets of Manhattan’s Chinatown, and fell under the influence of the local gangs. He eventually realized that gang members usually ended up either dead or in prison. The final straw came when NYPD Officer Steven McDonald forgave the young gunman that turned him into a paraplegic. Moy knew then that his true desire was to emulate McDonald’s morality and compassion, to become one of the “good guy’s” in order to properly shape America’s future. "Mike Moy's journey from 'bad to blue' is a graphic exposition of the complexity of what we all are: a mixture of good and bad and the choices we make in the balance of those conflicting dispositions,” wrote Michael Lau, NYPD deputy inspector. “The rigid world of gangsters and cops share many similarities, and Mike exposes both dichotomies in a sincere, humanized approach. Read it.” [NonFiction]
“Be The Weight Behind The Spear,” by Dr, Josh McConkey (Wisdom House Books)
Josh McConkey uses his experience as both a military officer and emergency room physician to stress the importance of creating a nation of leaders comprised of good guys, in order to shape America’s youth and assure our future. Those leaders can be great and small, from business and government, to parent, teachers, and coaches. "A renewed emphasis on ‘family values, integrity, leadership, and accountability, the author suggests, offers the promise of a new dynamism to help propel the American spear into the future,” according to Kirkus Reviews. [Nonfiction]
“They're Coming for You: How Deep State Spies, NGOs, and Woke Corporations Plan to Push You Out of the Economy,” by Jason Chaffetz (Broadside Books)
Former Republican congressman Jason Chaffetz of Utah sounds the alarm that there are a whole host of “bad guys” out there after our money and our freedom. Some of them, in the form of non-government organizations (NGOs), were uncovered by President Trump’s unique Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. But there are more NGOs out there, as well as the government and large corporate interests, who are working, often together, to invade individual privacy and push ordinary Americans out of the economy. “While Americans consider privacy a foundational right, privacy has become the luxury of the future,” wrote bestselling author Carol Roth. “In ‘They’re Coming for You,’ Jason Chaffetz exposes how the government has subjugated your rights and privacy, using Americans’ personal data as both a soft social credit score exercise and to amass power for themselves. Chaffetz arms us with the data, stories, and proposed changes so that we can protect our privacy from the government and their collaborators and conspirators.” [Nonfiction]
“Unmasked: Inside Antifa's Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy,” by Andy Ngo (Center Street)
This book is a few years old but gained added prominence when President Donald Trump declared antifa to be a domestic terror organization last month. Journalist Andy Ngo, while writing for the Post Millennial, has written extensively (and fearlessly) on antifa’s activities, especially in the Portland, Oregon, area. And he’s been physically attacked by the group’s members for it. Ngo includes his own personal experiences, along with interviews with former antifa followers, as well as interviews of others who’ve been targeted by the group, in order to write the definitive work on antifa. Democrats often claim that antifa is merely an idea. Ngo has the scars to prove otherwise. “A must read for anyone of any sensible political persuasion, right or left (Why Biden doesn't admit Antifa are domestic terrorists amazes me!),” wrote Scott for GoodReads. “This excellent insight reveals Antifa not to be the 'anti fascists' they claim to be, but the true (fanatical, brainwashed, far left) fascists of our time. Their quisling name 'antifa' suggesting the exact opposite of what the stand for. Well done Andy! Looking forward to the next book!” [Nonfiction]
“Crooks: A Suspenseful Multigenerational Saga of a Crime Family's Dark Legacy,” by Lou Berney (William Morrow)
Who doesn’t like a good crime family story — “The Godfather,” “Goodfellas,” to name a few. Now we can add “Crooks” to the list, a sweeping tale that follows the fictional Mercurio family over the course of four decades. After being forced out of the glittering sin city of Las Vegas, they end up in Oklahoma City, a locale they see of easy marks, and they open a club. But eventually, each of the family’s five children decide to strike out on their own — and not necessarily to continue in the family tradition of crime. “‘Crooks' is a smart and funny crime novel with a big, big heart,” bestselling author Jason Rekulak wrote. “The characters are so easy to love, and Lou Berney's writing is alive with wit and warmth and joy. He's such a gifted stylist and a terrific storyteller. I've read all of his books, and this is my new favorite. I would recommend Crooks to just about anyone. Don't miss it!" [Fiction]
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