A unique, business-oriented interpretation of the Gospel according to Matthew and three evaluations devoted to American leadership highlight this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. A memoir of a Vietnamese refugee who rose to the top, a fresh look at the U.S. presidents, and harrowing tale of a night of heroism during the second World War in the Pacific regale the reader of fascinating true stories. But, as always, there is a look at the latest in a popular mystery series of novels.
“25 Alive: A Women’s Murder Club Thriller,” by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (Little, Brown and Company)
As the title suggests, this is the 25th installment in James Patterson and Maxine Paetro’s popular “Women’s Murder Club” series of mystery-thrillers, centering on Sgt. Lindsay Boxer, medical examiner Claire Washburn, assistant district attorney Yuki Castellano, and crime reporter Cindy Thomas. In this one, Boxer is shocked to discover that the latest murder victim is the chief of police and her former partner. But as a former top investigator, he managed to leave a clue behind before he died. The ladies pool their talents and follow one clue after another in a race to stop the killer before he kills again. “’25 Alive’ is a roller coaster of a ride from the first to the last page and was impossible to put down,” said Judy Odom for GoodReads. “Twists and turns with red herrings, all at lighting speed, had me holding my breath and hoping for the best. James Patterson and Maxine Paetro take you the reader on a journey you won’t soon forget and will having you begging for the next book in The Women’s Murder Club.” [Fiction]
“Be Good Bankers: The Economic Interpretation of Matthew’s Gospel, with a Fresh Translation,” by Michael Pakaluk (Gateway Editions)
Michael Pakaluk, who teaches at The Catholic University of America, uses the Gospel according to Matthew to reconcile the differences between business and economics with the tenets of the Christian faith. The author makes a compelling case that, according to Matthew, business, commerce, and economics are rooted on our very nature as a part of God’s plan. “This is a bold and insightful analysis of the Gospel according to Matthew. Michael Pakaluk demonstrates that commercial and banking practices help understand why Matthew, a former tax collector, organized his account of Christ’s public ministry the way he did. The worldly and divine economies come to life in this important contribution to New Testament studies,” wrote Alexander Salter, associate professor of economics at Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University. [Nonfiction]
“Call Me an American: Refugee to Patriot: Lessons Learned for a Strong America,” by Hung Cao & April Lakata Cao (Republic Book Publishers)
This is an amazing story of an amazing man. Hung Cao arrived in the United States at age four with his family as a refugee from Vietnam. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, served 32 years and rose to the rank of captain. Most recently Cao has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as undersecretary of the navy. If anyone deserves to be called an American, it’s Hung Cao. “Hung Cao’s remarkable and inspiring story of how his family survived the defeat in Vietnam, overcame the adversity of having to flee communism, and established themselves in a new land of opportunity and freedom is a stunning tribute both to his family and to the America he served in the military,” said former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. “Hung Cao is the kind of energetic, intelligent, and courageous leader who will make America a better country. His book is a testimonial to those qualities.” [Nonfiction]
“Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden,”
by Bill O’Reilly & Martin Dugard (St. Martin’s Press)
Each of the U.S. presidents throughout history have left their mark, a lasting impression on American history — whether they’re revered, reviled, or nearly totally obscure. They have each helped shape our nation in often unexpected ways. The authors, who wrote the acclaimed “killing” series of books, uncovered correspondence and other documentation to reveal new historical facts about and portraits of each of the 45 U.S. presidents. They include the Bill O’Reilly “no spin” assessment of both the presidents and the often-surprising contributions of their first ladies. “First, let me say, I don’t read much non-fiction. It doesn’t keep my attention. But, wow, this book does. Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard each complement each other. It was all I could do to put it down at bedtime,” wrote Linda Brown for Amazon. “There (were) so many things that I remember from my history books that come alive.” [Nonfiction]
“Midnight in Ironbottom Sound: The Harrowing WWII Story of Heroism in the Shark-Infested Waters of Guadalcanal,” by Carole Engle Avriett (Regnery History)
The USS Gregory was an aging World War I destroyer recommissioned for service in World War II — to transport Marine Raiders to the beaches of the Pacific theatre. After sending her battalion ashore to Savo Island, the Gregory took fire from Japanese warships in the waters between Guadalcanal and Savo, which gained notoriety as “Iron Bottom Sound.” After two boilers burst and the decks were awash in flames, the skipper gave the order to abandon ship. The Japanese then redirected their shelling to the helpless crew floating in the water. This was a night of heroism at all levels and ranks, from the skipper, Lt. Cmdr. Harry F. Bauer, down to mess attendant Charles J. French. “Tales of sacrifice and courage about the men who fought in the South Pacific during the Second World War aboard the USS Gregory will continue to influence future generations,” wrote Bryan Condra, the great nephew of Bauer. “My Uncle Harry will always stand as my link to the Greatest Generation, and I’m proud that his story will continue to inspire.” [Nonfiction]
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