Beloved American celebrities offer advice on how to live a long, fulfilling life, and give a behind-the-scenes look at an exciting musical career in this week's Newsmax Rising Bestsellers.
Another chronicles how far the FBI descended, especially during the Biden years, and a fourth offers hope that, finally, "Woke Is Dead."
This week's novel places a renowned recovery agent on the trail of some priceless ancient artifacts.
"100 Rules for Living to 100: An Optimist's Guide to a Happy Life," by Dick Van Dyke (Grand Central Publishing)
Anyone growing up in the 1950s and '60s was well aware of actor, dancer, singer Dick Van Dyke from feature films like "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," to his portrayal of Rob Petrie in the popular TV sitcom "The Dick Van Dyke Show."
Van Dyke made it to triple digits on Dec. 13, and in his "100 Rules," he explains how he danced and laughed his way through that century of challenges and joy that shaped the star of stage, screen, and TV.
"Though far from the biggest star to emerge from Hollywood, he certainly seems like the happiest," wrote Justin Tate for GoodReads. "There are no rules in this game of life, but I'm struggling to think of someone who's playing it better. Well done, sir." [Nonfiction]
"Heart Life Music," by Kenny Chesney & Holly Gleason (William Morrow)
This instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller is country music legend Kenny Chesney's memoir of his years from a small east Tennessee town to sold-out tour dates all over the world.
"For anyone who's found a piece of your life in any of my songs, this is for you," Chesney said. "Open a cold drink, get out on your deck or your boat or wherever your happy space is, jump in, and live them along with me."
"In this down-to-earth memoir, Chesney traces his ascent from small-town Tennessee to country music stardom," wrote Publishers Weekly. "[He] takes care to honor his roots throughout, giving due to the industry professionals and 'road family' who helped him succeed." [Nonfiction]
"The Two FBIs: The Bravery and Betrayal I Saw in My Time at the Bureau," by Nicole Parker (Broadside Book)
Former FBI Special Agent Nicole Parker relates that when she left her cushy job in finance to serve her country in the bureau, she found that over the years it was made up of two parts.
The FBI she found when she began her service in 2011, assigned to the Miami field office, working in violent crime and human trafficking, consisted of honest, hardworking employees, dedicated to protecting America.
But that bureau was eventually overwhelmed another FBI, one dedicated to a two-tier justice system, where certain social-political classes were protected at the expense of others.
"'The Two FBIs' is a vital defense of the heroes who keep us safe, and an alarming chronicle of the forces that, for political gain, would destroy the readiness of law enforcement institutions," wrote former Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah. "Every American should read it." [Nonfiction]
"Woke Is Dead: How Common Sense Triumphed in an Age of Total Madness," by Piers Morgan (HarperCollins)
In this Sunday Times bestseller, social and political commentator Piers Morgan argues that while woke may still be kicking and screaming (primarily screaming), it is, for all intents and purposes, dead.
For a decade, woke ran riot, bringing with it virtue signaling, diversity, equity and inclusion, and men pretending to be women.
And if you dared say they were wrong by pointing out the obvious, cancel culture came into play. You were out. You no longer mattered.
This, they said, was the way of the future, for ever more.
But then corporate America discovered something. While the woke crowd may be the loudest voice in the room, the vast majority saw through the nonsense.
Soon, corporate America learned that going woke meant losing public trust. "Go woke, go broke."
"Great book to read. Extremely thought-provoking," wrote Jan F. for Amazon. "Such an enjoyable and insightful read. Backed by fact and riveting opinion. Well researched and considered. I laughed and cried. It's so good I've read it twice and bought a copy for a dear friend! I'm now keen to hear the words spoken by this interesting writer." [Nonfiction]
"The King's Ransom: A Novel," by Janet Evanovich (Atria Books)
This instant New York Times bestseller centers on master recovery agent Gabriela Rose, her ex-husband Rafer Jones, and Rafer's cousin Harley, the president of a large bank.
Rafer wants Gabriela to put her recovery skills to work.
Harley used a huge chunk of the bank's assets to invest in a large number of priceless ancient artifacts. Now they've gone missing, and if anyone can find them, it's Gabriela.
So she and Rafer set off on a globe-trotting investigation, encountering corruption, conspiracy, murder, and dark forces along the way.
"Fun and frothy," wrote Publishers Weekly in its review. "(Janet) Evanovich renders with dazzling precision. Gabriella is an ideal action protagonist: resourceful, daring, shrewd, and sexy. The result is a swift and enjoyable adventure that proves this series has legs." [Fiction]
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